Solo Leveling Volume 1 Manhwa Review: A Must-Read for Fans Who Can’t Wait for More

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️

I love the Solo Leveling anime, and with Season 2 being so intense, I knew I had to read the manhwa and start from the beginning. That’s what led me to pick up the manhwa, and Volume 1 did not disappoint. It covers Jinwoo’s transformation from being the weakest hunter to his reawakening and first dungeon experience. Even though I already knew the story from the anime, reading it felt more like reliving a story I deeply enjoy. The pacing was fast, the action sequences were intense, and I never felt like the story dragged. Everything moved at a perfect rhythm, making it an easy and engaging read.

One thing that really stood out to me was the artwork. Unlike traditional manga, Solo Leveling is a full-color webtoon, which makes a huge difference in how immersive the story feels. The manhwa’s art style closely resembles the anime, maintaining the same clean and vibrant character designs that make each scene pop. The pacing also feels very appropriate, mirroring how the anime keeps things short and snappy. I was watching along as each episode released, and they all felt so short that I couldn't wait to see what happened next. That same feeling carried over into the manhwa—the way each chapter ends with an intense cliffhanger makes it just as difficult to stop reading as it was to watch each episode of the anime. With the episodes, I had to endure the agonizing wait for a whole week just to find out what would happen next or to finally witness the epic battle that was inevitably coming. That same anticipation carries over into the manhwa, keeping me hooked and eager to turn the next page.

I finished the entire volume in one sitting, which speaks to how addictive it was. Even though I knew what was going to happen, I still got excited at Jinwoo’s reawakening and his realization that he had become a “player.” Seeing him take his first steps into the system felt just as satisfying in the manhwa as it did in the anime.

Overall, I’d give Solo Leveling Volume 1 a solid 4/5. It’s fast-paced, visually stunning, and a great way to experience the story from a different perspective. If you’re a fan of the anime and want to see just how much stronger Jinwoo gets and how his journey unfolds beyond the anime, I’d definitely recommend picking this up. Now, onto Volume 2!