Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is arguably the most popular anime of the last decade. Its cinematic fight scenes, coupled with captivating storytelling, have entertained fans worldwide. Over the last decade, most anime have struggled to capture the imagination of anime fans in a similar fashion. But that changed in 2024 as the popular Solo Leveling manhwa was finally adapted into an anime. Filled with exciting fight sequences like those in Demon Slayer, the series immediately became incredibly famous and has only gained influence following the release of its season 2 in 2025.
Solo Leveling is often criticized for being hyper-focused on its ever-evolving protagonist, but there are also things the anime does incredibly well. In fact, in some aspects, the manhwa-inspired show is actually better than Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.
A Clear and Quantifiable Power System
Solo Leveling Hunter Ranking System is Easy to Understand
Based on magical abilities, Solo Leveling categorizes hunters into different ranks, from E to S. This game-like power system is easier to grasp and allows fans to understand characters better. Even after Sung Jinwoo undergoes a rewakening and becomes one of the rare hunters able to change his rank dramatically, his growth for quite some time is still trackable within the framework of the hunter hierarchy. While it can be argued that his evolution eventually makes the international hunter ranking irrelevant, it is still applicable to most characters and remains a reliable measure of strength.
Solo Leveling’s simplistic but easy-to-understand power system allows fans to appreciate the series more. On the other hand, Demon Slayer’s fight scenes may look beautiful, but even the most hardcore fans will have a hard time recalling the ranking within the Demon Slayer Corps, which is named after a Heavenly System. This creates a lack of consistent boundaries and makes it almost impossible to keep track of the power scaling. Therefore, the narrative ends up being the primary driver of the character progression instead of a consistent, structured system that fans can understand.
Interestingly, an overwhelming majority of hunters are stuck with the rank they were assigned following their awakening. This leaves no room for evolution for them. Because of this, the Solo Leveling power system seems even more simplistic, which eventually is the reason for its widespread appeal and accessibility.
Protagonist’s Independence & Stronger Growth Arcs
Jinwoo’s Lonely Evolution Makes His Journey More Intimate For Viewers
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba might initially seem to revolve primarily around Tanjiro and his desire to avenge his family. But as the story progresses, characters from diverse backgrounds who have endured traumatic experiences and are also victims of an endless battle between good and evil are introduced. They also receive just as much limelight as Tanjiro, as their backstories and emotional struggles are captured beautifully, thanks to the anime's captivating storytelling.
Meanwhile, Solo Leveling is hyper-focused on Sung Jinwoo from the start. It frames his struggles as humanity’s weakest hunter, setting the groundwork for his transformative journey later. Although lonely and isolating, Jinwoo’s path is filled with fulfilling experiences that allow fans to connect with him emotionally. Each battle captures his growth and showcases his personal sacrifices and resilience.
With every arc, Jinwoo transforms as a character while struggling with his demons. His battle to retain his humanity feels personal for the fans since the hyperfocus on Sung makes his journey feel far more intimate and deeply relatable.
Global Stakes
Solo Leveling Explores International Conflicts
Set in the Taisho Era, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is confined to Japan. While it brilliantly captures the beauty of the country, the conflict remains limited to the region. This takes away the excitement of a global conflict involving characters from different nations.
Solo Leveling explores international dynamics by turning towards global conflicts arising from otherworldly threats. It captures the ugliness of international politics and uses it to allow the protagonist to evolve as a person. Therefore, Jinwoo’s influence does not remain limited to a nation, and the story explores the character development he undergoes to become such a leader.
The global stakes end up becoming a crucial element of the show’s overall narrative. This also changes the consequences of each battle dramatically. Since the future of the world is at stake in some arcs, the story becomes that much more exciting for the fans. It should not come as a surprise that Solo Leveling fans find the series to be so captivating. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba could have also benefited from taking the conflict beyond Japan. But it is unclear it would have had the same positive effect as it had on Solo Leveling’s narrative.
Solo Leveling: 7 Best Arcs Yet To Be Adapted In The Anime
These story arcs from the manhwa have yet to appear in the anime and are set to take Solo Leveling to the next level in the coming seasons.
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Solo Leveling
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widgetDisplay card main info widget end Display card media widget start- Release Date
- 2024 - 2025-00-00
- Network
- Tokyo MX, Gunma TV, BS11, Tochigi TV
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Cast
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Taito BanSung Jin-woo -
Genta NakamuraYoo Jin-ho
A-1 Pictures' Solo Leveling is an anime based on Chugong's popular web novel. Set in an unforgiving fantasy world where hunters explore dungeons filled with monsters, the vulnerable Sung Jinwoo gains a significant power boost after he is picked to be a solo player by the System.
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Demon Slayer
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widgetDisplay card main info widget end Display card media widget start Display card media widget end- Release Date
- April 6, 2019
- Network
- Adult Swim
Based on Koyoharu Gotouge's shonen manga, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is an action anime set in Japan during the early 20th century. Seeking revenge for the murder of his family while also looking to save his sister, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps as they try to eradicate Demons led by Muzan.
