It would be an understatement to say Solo Leveling is popular. The series is gaining cult fan following and notoriety in every possible way. This is true for the second season that notched up every element in the series. It is coming to a close which has fans worried for the most part and here’s why.
The second season’s ending, particularly, has most fans worried, especially with the latest update. From shock and disbelief to hope, users responded differently to the news. Other than that, the finale also raises several questions regarding the series’ potential pacing.
Solo Leveling Season 2 update disappoints fans
To be one of the highest rated anime is indeed a big win for Solo Leveling. But what makes it so special is its elements be it characters or worldbuilding. The series often doesn’t get credit for executing these aspects brilliantly especially when it comes to Chugong’s writing of the protagonist.
The second season, however, takes it up a notch. The animation, fight scenes, and character development are something that shut the criticism for good. It is gaining recognition for being a well-executed manhwa adaptation. Apart from worldwide fanbase and reception, the series isn’t isolated from criticism either.
This holds especially true for its recent episode getting dislikes by a certain group of “fans”. This is probably one of the worst things to happen to the series. But the recent update might rain on fans’ parade, especially when it has to do with the season finale.
On r/anime Redditors responded to the series not getting an hour long finale covering the Jeju Island Arc.
Solo Leveling Won’t Have a 1-Hour Finale, Breaking Fan Expectations
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The disappointment and concerns are pretty much valid considering how haphazard season finales can get. To conclude it within two episodes would be upsetting indeed, but what it also points to is the ever-present dread of pacing when it comes to animated adaptations.
The ever-existing pacing dread
Other than animation, pacing often tends to be a problem while adapting manhwa as we all know by now. Be it Tower of God or God of High School, most readers and viewers agreed upon it being inconsistent. It is indeed no cakewalk to render an accurate adaptation of the manhwa.
The same goes for Solo Leveling which happens to be an exception. It is this trait that makes it stand out from other adaptations. The first season was rather too slow as most readers pointed out, but the second season solved this issue. With the finale’s update, however, pacing might prove to be a challenge.
With the animators adding anime-only scenes, it adds more depth and gravitas to our characters. Jinwoo crying during his reunion with his mother is one such case that remains a landmark moment in the series. And while it garnered dislikes, it remains pivotal, however, the issue of pacing still remains.
In all honesty, the Jeju Arc being covered in four episodes seems ideal if executed properly. With 4-5 chapters per episode, it could potentially work out, but so far it hasn’t been confirmed as of yet.
Solo Leveling is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The manhwa is available for reading on Tapas.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
