'Solo Leveling: Arise From The Shadow' Review- Jin-woo Levels Up
An anime based on a manwha.
Solo Leveling: Arise From The Shadow is an anime produced by the Japanese animation studio A-1 Pictures, based on the Korean manhwa by Chugong and Redice Studio. It is the second season of the series.
Sung Jin-woo (Aleks Le) learns that he can extract “shadows” from fallen foes. With this new power level, he sets his sights on getting the “elixir of life” to cure his comatose mother. His continued presence begins to get noticed, especially when he is forced to get a new rank. However, giant ants from Jeju Island are beginning to attack Japan and South Korea. Will Jin-woo get involved?
In the first season, we see the “system” begin to corrupt Jin-woo, making him more powerful, but losing touch with his humanity. Now he faces several obstacles that work to restore his humanity. It was refreshing and a great way to expand on his character.
Speaking of expanding, we get a bigger look into sharing a world with magical dungeons, human hunters with powers, and monsters popping out wherever and whenever. It delves a bit into politics, but never gets boring. We observe how governments interact and how having powerful hunters enhances the power of those nations. It stayed on track and showed how Jin-woo’s reawakening upsets those dynamics.
As an aside, the Jeju Island Arc is my favorite in the book series. The studio did a good job with the show, replicating it perfectly for the screen. That goes double for the amazing animation and the voice acting by Aleks Le, who performed Jin-woo in the English dub. It was next level.
It is honestly no wonder that this show won “Anime of the Year” at the Crunchyroll Awards. A-1 Pictures truly stepped it up and I am bummed we have to wait so long for the third season.
Check out the theme song below:
PARENTAL CONCERNS: Bloody violence, Foul language, Substance abuse
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, novel, movie, or anime you would like me to review.