‘Simply Excellent’: Solo Leveling anime becomes global hit, more than just the source material

A new anime has taken the world by storm and it’s not your usual story. Solo Leveling follows a weak hunter named Jinwoo who suddenly gets a second chance at life. He trains hard, unlocks hidden powers, and rises to become one of the strongest warriors in his world. After years of buzz around the digital comic, the anime finally launched in 2024 and became a global hit almost overnight.
The animation is stunning, the battles are intense, and Jinwoo's story is easy to follow even if you've never read the original. While many fans believe the anime’s popularity comes from its massive online following, one industry expert says the real reason is something deeper.
Atsushi Mizoguchi, CEO of MyAnimeList, says Solo Leveling isn’t just riding a trend. It's winning over fans because of strong storytelling, emotional pacing, and a lead character everyone can root for.
“While digital comics like Solo Leveling have gained popularity worldwide, many overseas manga readers still prefer using PCs,” Mizoguchi explained. “Among MyAnimeList users, PC and smartphone use is about 50/50. I believe Solo Leveling succeeded because it’s simply excellent work, not because digital formats are easier to read.”
Digital comics have become hugely popular thanks to bright visuals, short chapters, and phone-friendly reading. For many fans, Solo Leveling was their first experience with this kind of content, which made it easy to assume the anime succeeded because of the format.
But Mizoguchi points out that reading habits vary. Many fans still enjoy stories on computers as much as phones. This suggests that format alone doesn’t explain the anime’s reach; it's the well-crafted characters and gripping plot that keep fans coming back.
The anime showcases Jinwoo’s dramatic rise from the weakest hunter to an unstoppable force. Each episode builds excitement with high-stakes battles and emotional choices. Even for viewers who never read the comic, the anime is easy to follow and highly addictive.
Solo Leveling isn’t just following a trend, it's setting one. That’s what makes it a true breakout hit in today’s anime world.