REVIEW: ‘Solo Leveling Season 2’ Is An Action-Packed Success

The first season of Solo Leveling proved that A-1 Pictures was the right studio to adapt the popular Manhwa and novel series by Chugong. The challenge for Solo Leveling Season 2 was whether the show could continue the positive momentum as storylines progressed and the intensity ramped up a few notches. There were a few stumbles along the way but, overall, Solo Leveling Season 2 does a great job of continuing Sung Jinwoo’s (Taito Ban) story.

Jin-woo’s personal growth is a key focal point in Solo Leveling Season 2. One of the main storylines is his quest to defeat the Demon Castle dungeon and use the Elixir of Life to save his mother. That mission has left Jin-woo isolated, although others have tried to get close to him for various reasons. He remains closed off at the start of Solo Leveling Season 2 but starts to break out of his shell once he saves his mom.

However, seeing more of Jin-woo’s family in Solo Leveling Season 2 would have been nice. A little about his relationship with his sister and mom is shown in the first season, but more moments with them once his mom was healthy would have added depth to that storyline. There are a few scenes with all of them together, but the story moves on to the next big threat facing Jin-woo.

The larger underlying story that has been trying to draw Jin-woo in has been what is taking place on Jeju Island. We saw glimpses of the giant ant problem and how it was affecting Korea as a whole. The series has been cutting back and forth between Jin-woo’s story and the Jeju Island story, which is initially distracting. Solo Leveling Season 2 can better focus on Jeju Island once Jin-woo’s mom is healed, but the pacing issues remain over the first half of the season.

Jin-woo is forced to make a tough decision about a major, ongoing threat.

One clear thing is that the ants on Jeju Island are dangerous. This means the Hunters’ Association will need the biggest, baddest team of Hunters to save the day. One of the downsides of a 13-episode season is that there isn’t much time to dive deeper into the individual backstories of these Hunters, but there are some great moments with Hunters like Cha Hae-In. It is nice to have other characters to care about that aren’t related to Jin-woo.

The fighting on Jeju Island is some of the best in the series. It is a joy to see the best Hunters in the world at the peak of their fighting abilities. A-1 Pictures nails the visual components of each character, allowing their actions to appear distinct from each other. The strength of their powers and the way they are showcased make it even more impactful when they start to lose.

Jin-woo had been content with keeping his powers secret. He didn’t want the extra attention that came with being an S-rank Hunter. Once revealed, he fights to stay out of the raid on Jeju Island. It makes sense that he would prioritize his family, and Solo Leveling Season 2 does a great job of making it feel like he was torn about what to do. He is stronger than the rest of the Hunters, so he knows that he would make a difference. But he has been so consumed by his quest to heal his mom that it makes sense for him to want to take some time for himself.

Solo Leveling Season 2 saves the best animation for last. 

This makes it more impactful when Jin-woo finally joins the fray. He lurks on the outside of the action, watching the carnage unfold. He waits as long as possible to jump in, too, giving the season time to build suspense about whether or not he can make it in time.

Jin-woo’s decision to enter the action fits thanks to the season-long build-up of his accepting his role as a Hunter. The natural flow from solving his own problem to getting involved in the larger world around him continues the character growth from the first season. It also goes hand in hand with his physical development, leading to some of the best action in the series.

The big fight in Solo Leveling Season 2 is between Jin-woo and the Ant King Beru. Beru is downright frightening, easily wiping out the world’s best Hunters. Jin-woo does not come in and quickly wipe the floor with him; instead, he struggles to overcome such a fierce fighter. The animation is incredible, saving the best of the action for the end of the season.

Solo Leveling Season 2 raises the bar for Jin-woo as he faces his toughest challenges yet, earning plenty of rewards along the way. The action continues to impress, and, minus a few minor pacing issues in the early half of the season, the story develops in a way that feels natural and engaging.

Solo Leveling Season 2 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.

Catch up with other season reviews:
Season 1