Ever since its return with the second season this winter,Solo Levelinghas been on a streak of breaking records, with one of its latest accomplishments being the dethroning ofOne Pieceon the giant streaming platform, Crunchyroll.With its soaring popularity and the second season reaching its conclusion, there’s no doubt its momentum will continue to rise.Solo Leveling’s recent achievements and influence highlight the immense impact it has made. In comparison with theDragon Ballfranchise,the anime-adapted manhwa is making similar waves.
The immense impact isn’t about turning the anime industry into one of the main forms of entertainment,Dragon Ballalready paved that path and helped the industry reach its peak. The similarity lies in howDragon Ballelevated Shōnen Jump manga to a whole new level, just asSolo Levelingis doing for its main medium: popularizing manhwa and their anime adaptations.
Solo Leveling Has the Same Effect as Dragon Ball
Just as Dragon Ball Popularized Shōnen Jump, Solo Leveling Is Doing the Same With Manhwa
Akira Toriyama’sDragon Ballisn’t known for having the best lore or animation but for the unique vibe and energy it provided back in its heyday, drawing fans into the anime and manga industry. Its influence remains strong, as any new manga or anime adaptation from Shueisha’s Shōnen Jump is met with an established and eager fan base. Similarly,Solo Levelingis shaping the manhwa industry in the same way, with more fans eagerly anticipating manhwa-to-anime adaptations.
WhenSolo Levelingfirst began to gain popularity, its impact on the manhwa industry was undeniable. Many manhwa followed in its footsteps, adopting similar themes of leveling up or a weak protagonist rising to become the strongest. Meanwhile, a recent announcement in aSouth Korean financial newspaperrevealed that Naver Webtoon’s Japanese service, LINE Manga, is working on a project toadapt 20 webtoons into anime.
It’s no coincidence that these developments became possible afterSolo Leveling’s massive success, the series’ popularity deserves credit for paving the way. Because of this, comparingSolo Levelingto the current “Big Three” doesn’t quite make sense. The series stands on a higher platform, much likeDragon Ball, which was never truly considered part of a “Big Three” but instead existed in a league of its own.
Why Solo Leveling Is Making a Big Impact Like Dragon Ball?
Both Series Share a Key Factor That Drives Their Success
At first glance, it’s clear that the immense popularity of bothDragon BallandSolo Levelingdoesn’t stem solely from their narratives. The key factor lies in how both series introduced a sense of originality.Dragon Ball’s most defining and influential aspect is its portrayal of character transformations. Goku’s first Super Saiyan transformation remains, even decades later, one of themost iconic moments in the animeand manga industry.
Solo Leveling’s Creators Explain Why Manhwa Will Overtake Manga
Solo Leveling’s Crunchyroll documentary explains the rising popularity of manhwa which could soon see the medium overtaking manga in popularity.
Goku’s transformation is visually striking, serving as a symbol of his growth, a key element that has undeniably contributed to the franchise’s lasting success. Meanwhile,Solo Levelinggained popularity through its emphasis on continuous self-improvement, a concept that deeply resonated with viewers and motivated them in much the same way Goku’s transformation did.
As a result,Dragon BallandSolo Levelinghave become more than just series; they represent symbolic milestones in the industry, leaving an impact that few others achieve due to their lack of a similar defining element.Solo Leveling’s impact on the manhwa industry accomplished what evenDragon Ballcould not.
Solo Leveling’s Popularity Generated a Whole New Subculture
Many Manhwas Emerged, Following Solo Leveling’s Name and Concept
Solo Leveling’s popularityindeed stems from a key factor: the protagonist’s journey of leveling up alone. The claim that its rise to fame began with the anime adaptation is incorrect. When the light novel was first adapted into a webtoon manhwa, its success led to a wave of similar works following the same concept.Solo Leveling’s influence extended beyond just its premise of a lone protagonist growing stronger: the title itself, particularly the word “Solo,” became iconic.
Solo Leveling Is So Popular It Created An Entire Subculture
Solo Leveling’s Crunchyroll Documentary dives into the impact of the series on the manhwa industry as a whole, revealing a surprising fact.
Many manhwas emerged, incorporating “Solo” or “I Alone” in their titles, such asSolo Glitch Player, I Log in Alone, The Lone Spellcaster, The Lone Necromancer, Leveling Up Alone,andSolo Eating to Overpowered. While their foundations differed, they all embraced the essence ofSolo Leveling. This serves as clear proof thatSolo Levelingis as influential today asDragon Ballwas in its prime, shaping the future of the anime and manhwa industry.
