Spoiler Alert !!!
This article contains Solo Leveling Manhwa ending spoilers.
For many fans, Solo Leveling was their gateway to the world of manhwa as a result of the series’ insane popularity. While there may be narratively better manhwa than Solo Leveling, its status and glory as an introduction to this medium are unmatched. Sung Jin-Woo’s journey is a treasure trove for power-fantasy enthusiasts. The character development and leveling up that Jin-Woo undergoes are beyond impressive.
From the weakest hunter to embodying astronomical strength and abilities, Jin-Woo came a long way. And during that journey, he forged valuable bonds with other hunters. He challenged some and inspired others.
The world revolved around him until the ending that undid all these precious moments and the relationships that Jin-Woo risked everything for. Most fans hated the final twist in the manhwa, but they can easily be appeased with a better anime ending.
The Solo Leveling Ending Disappointed Fans Big-Time
Every dungeon and villain in the series helped Jin-Woo level up. His first proper friend Jin Ho also marked the beginning of a new life. He was the first person who perceived Jin Woo for his strength. As he leveled up to grow stronger, he came across powerful hunters. Given his rank, he was often underestimated like the time he went on a raid with Hwang Dongsuk. That was also the first time he killed someone and underwent an irreversible change.
After that, he grew closer to the S-Rank Hunters and the chairman. While the story was still centered around Jin-Woo, having other characters diversified the plot for the better. Every new relationship added meaning to Jin-Woo’s journey and made his resolve stronger. The plot progression in Solo Leveling was great. Even the final moments of contemplation in the end were impactful. However, Jin-Woo’s choice to use the Cup of Reincarnation took us back to square one.
All the relationships and the quests he went on didn’t mean anything in the end. While their impact could still be seen through Jin-Woo, it’s hard to deny that having this ending was a punch to the gut. The inconsequential nature of the ending disappointed many fans, while others could still see how the story aligned with the rest of the narrative. The anime can close the gap between these two groups by making mindful changes to the ending.
Solo Leveling Anime Can Do Better With Tasteful Changes
Solo Leveling Anime is sticking closer to the novel rather than the manhwa. They have already introduced many original changes. For instance, it introduces the S-Rank Hunters and teases the Jeju Island raid right at the beginning. The side characters were only relevant in the manhwa if they shared a close relationship or rivalry with Jin-Woo, and the anime has changed that aspect by exploring other characters.
It’ll be a long time before the story reaches the climax in the anime; however, the anime can lay the foundation for a better ending with every episode. While most fans want the Cup of Reincarnation part removed, it’ll be too big of a change which will ruin the original spirit of the story. Instead of removing that part entirely, they can enrich it through better execution.
This can be done by fleshing out the aftermath or foreshadowing the ending, by highlighting how many things are short-lived. It’ll be a poignant end similar to the original, but who doesn’t like some necessary emotional damage with their favorite fiction?
Solo Leveling Anime is available to stream on Crunchyroll.
