Solo Leveling stands out in the world of anime due to a few key traits that make its protagonist, Jinwoo, and his journey so captivating. First, an edgy anime requires a main character who faces immense challenges, and Jinwoo’s story starts with a near-death experience. In the first episode, when he barely survives, it sets the stage for his transformation into a completely different person. The weak, physically and mentally drained Jinwoo evolves into a much stronger version of himself.
Another element of edginess comes from the adversity the character faces. While Jinwoo encounters several powerful monsters, none push him as much as Igris the Bloodred. Later in the series, Jinwoo admits that if Igris had wielded his sword throughout their fight, the outcome would have been fatal for him. To defeat Igris, Jinwoo is forced to grow even stronger, eventually overpowering the formidable foe and claiming his soul to add to his shadow army.
An edgy protagonist also needs to be willing to do whatever it takes to win. While Jinwoo doesn’t often resort to dishonorable tactics, he is unafraid to adapt his methods in battle. Against Igris, he uses everything at his disposal—from swords and knives to his own fists—fighting fiercely to take down one of the strongest characters in the series and strengthen his army.
Ultimately, Solo Leveling is loved by fans for its solid storytelling and Jinwoo’s compelling transformation. The anime rightly earns its title of “edgy” and provides a blueprint that other series can draw from when creating powerful, relatable characters.
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