Solo Leveling: Differences Between Anime and Manhwa!

Since its release, Solo Leveling has captivated fans worldwide, first as a light novel, then as a manhwa, and now with its anime adaptation by A-1 Pictures. The hype was immense, and with it came the inevitable changes in the transition to animation. Some are welcome, helping to better structure the narrative, while others divide opinions.

Here, we analyze the main differences between the anime and the manhwa, from subtle adjustments to significant changes that impact how the story is told.

Go-Gunhee Appears Earlier

In the anime, the president of the Hunters Association, Go Gunhee, is introduced earlier. In the manhwa, he appears much later, but in the anime, he is present from the beginning to contextualize the economic impact of the gates and the role of hunters in society. He explains the importance of essence stones as an energy source, making this aspect clearer right from the start in the anime.

Cha Hae-In Gets More Screen Time

Another character introduced much earlier than expected is Cha Hae-In. In the manhwa, she first appears in chapter 65, while in the anime, she is already present in the first episode, stopping a thief. Although this scene does not directly impact the main plot, it serves to highlight her relevance before she becomes an active part of the story.

The Importance of Money Is Less Explored

The anime mentions that Sung Jinwoo struggles financially but does not delve into his situation as much as the manhwa does. In the original material, there is greater focus on the value of essence stones and Jinwoo's earnings before and after the double dungeon. In the anime, the approach is more superficial, leaving viewers to fill in the gaps.

The Anime Starts with Jeju Island

Unlike the manhwa, the anime opens with a scene on Jeju Island, which later becomes one of the biggest challenges for the Hunters. This decision introduces Class S gates and the true strength of elite hunters from the beginning, providing a broader view of the looming threats. This inclusion also helps connect future events with the first episodes, something the manhwa only explores much later.

Expanded Action Scenes

As expected, the anime takes advantage of animation to expand action sequences. One of the best examples is the fight against Igris, which is shorter and more straightforward in the manhwa. In the anime, the battle includes new choreography, featuring hand-to-hand exchanges before Jinwoo’s final attack.

Changes in the Prisoners' Arc

In the manhwa, Jinwoo has a darker moment when he realizes that one of the prisoners is pretending to be dead to escape. He punishes him by throwing him into the goblin nest for his crimes. In the anime, this scene was removed, making the protagonist seem less ruthless and softening this part of the story.

Jinwoo Shows More Remorse

The anime softens Jinwoo’s personality in some moments, making his journey more emotional. In the manhwa, he quickly becomes confident and unshakable, whereas in the anime, he shows a bit more reflection (though not much) after killing humans for the first time. This adds layers to his character, showing that despite his growing coldness, he is still human.

Reduced Comedic Expressions

The manhwa frequently uses exaggerated expressions for comedic scenes, such as Jinwoo and Jinho reacting to embarrassing situations. The anime adopts a more serious tone, reducing this type of visual humor. This choice makes the series more intense but also removes some of the characters’ charm in lighter moments.

The Solo Leveling anime successfully retains the essence of the manhwa while making several changes to adapt the story for a new audience. Some adjustments improve narrative flow, such as the early introduction of characters and expanded action scenes. Others, like the reduction of comedic expressions and the removal of certain darker moments, may divide opinions.

In the end, both versions have their pros and cons, and the anime serves as an excellent entry point for new fans. What about you? Do you prefer the changes in the anime or are you team manhwa? Share your opinion in the comments!