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After years of hype surrounding the manhwa, Solo Leveling finally made its anime debut back in 2024, and it exploded in popularity almost instantly. With slick animation, a compelling protagonist, and high-stakes world-building, the adaptation has captivated both long-time fans and newcomers. It is no surprise the show has become a trending sensation witth the recently completed season 2, topping the charts and sparking discussion across anime forums and social media platforms.
While many fans point to the manhwa’s global success as the driving force behind the anime’s popularity, according to us.oricon-group.com, others argue it is more than just the source material that deserves credit. MyAnimeList CEO Atsushi Mizoguchi suggests Solo Leveling’s breakout isn’t necessarily a sign of webtoons taking over the anime industry, it is simply a reflection of great storytelling and strong execution.
“While global webtoon hits like Solo Leveling have emerged, many overseas manga fans still primarily enjoy reading on PCs. Among MAL users, PC and smartphone use is about 50/50. I believe Solo Leveling succeeded because it’s simply an excellent work, not because webtoons are inherently easier to read,”
– Atsushi Mizoguchi.
With the Manhwa Boom, Does It Matter That Solo Leveling Was a Webtoon?
Since Manhwa Are So Popular Right Now, Does That Contribute to Solo Leveling’s Anime Success?
The rise of digital manhwa and webtoons has undeniably changed how global fans consume stories. With mobile-optimized formats and bite-sized chapters, webtoons have made it easier than ever to access content on the go. For many, Solo Leveling was their first foray into Korean comics, and its slick art and fast-paced action made it an instant favorite. As platforms like Webtoon and Tapas grow, the visibility of titles like Solo Leveling has skyrocketed, making it seem like the anime’s success was all but guaranteed.
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But Mizoguchi offers a counterpoint that the success is not about format, but quality. Data from MyAnimeList shows that usage is still split between mobile and PC, indicating that reading preferences are diverse. In his view, Solo Leveling stood out not because it was a webtoon, but because it offered gripping storytelling, strong pacing, and a protagonist audiences could root for. The anime’s success, then, is less about the medium and more about the message.
A Story That Stands on Its Own
Solo Leveling is Such a Good Story That It Would Be Successful Regardless of Its Manhwa Origins
What truly sets Solo Leveling apart is not just where it came from, but how well it tells its story. The anime adapts Sung Jinwoo’s journey from the weakest hunter to nearly unstoppable force with emotional depth and great visuals. Viewers are drawn in by the stakes, the growth, and the immersive world-building, regardless of whether they read the manhwa first. That universal appeal may be the real reason behind its cross-border success.
According to Mizoguchi, this kind of excellence speaks for itself. While the anime industry may increasingly look to webtoons for source material, it is the quality of adaptation and storytelling that ultimately determines a show’s fate. Solo Leveling is not just riding a digital wave, it is leading it through sheer narrative power. And that, Mizoguchi suggests, is why it is resonating so deeply with global audiences today.
Source: us.oricon-group.com
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