Images: A-1 pictures
Attention to detail is what separates a good episode from a great one.
Call an ambulance—but not for Jinwoo! That’s the best way to sum up Solo Leveling Episode 18: Don't Look Down on My Guys. I was extremely excited for this episode, considering that it followed two fantastic episodes leading up to this epic fight.
This episode marks the first time viewers get to witness Jinwoo’s full strength since his reassessment, and it features one of the most intense battles in the anime so far. While the episode delivered stunning combat sequences and animation, it fell just half a notch shy of being a great one.
Don’t get me wrong—I’m not saying it was a bad episode. In fact, it was a good one. There were plenty of memorable frames and moments where my jaw dropped, and I nearly clapped. However, it wasn’t quite as epic as I had imagined it to be.
Warning: Major plot points ahead.
The visuals: Stunning, but inconsistent
Maybe my expectations were too high, knowing what was coming in this episode. That said, I loved how both Iron and Igris shone while fighting off orcs, and the level of detail in some of those hits—like when Iron obliterated a group of high orcs in one blow—was incredible. Jinwoo himself had a few standout scenes as well, especially when he asked Team Captain Son Kihoon if he could defeat the monsters in the dungeon. That sharp, menacing look was something else.
Kargalgan’s spells were also executed with impressive detail, though they flew by a bit too fast for my liking. The episode would have been even more epic overall if its quality had been maintained consistently throughout. A greater focus on details from the manhwa could have elevated the experience.
For instance, Jinwoo’s hack-and-slash sequence could have been animated with more finesse, rather than just quick dashes and generic slashes. Since he’s being compared to the Hunter’s Guild’s Vice Master, it would have been great to see actual fluid movements, instead of generic streaks on the screen.
Another small but noticeable change saw Jinwoo’s shadow extraction animation differ from the manhwa. Instead of the usual arms and flames, the shadows appeared more like tentacles, which didn't quite hit the mark.
The difference between a great episode and a good one is in the details
Beyond the visuals, the anime seemed to steer clear of comedic relief. Small yet enjoyable moments—like Hae-in actually feeling scared and grabbing the pickaxe at the last minute or being awkward when she became conscious of Jinwoo’s perception of her—were muted. Instead, she was simply shy, blushing, and docile. Perhaps this was done to maintain the episode’s serious tone, but it would have been nice to see her playful and silly side, as in the manhwa.
There were also a few skipped details that could have helped with world-building. For example, while Iron and Igris had their moments, the anime left out crucial system notifications. Seeing the on-screen prompt about Iron’s taunt failing would have reinforced the strength of the opponent, rather than make it seem like Jinwoo’s shadow army was effortlessly wiping out flies.
That said, I was glad they kept the brief but satisfying scene of the loudmouthed mining worker who tried to bully Jinwoo. I can’t wait to see his reaction when he finds out what the press conference is about.
The final battle: A strong finish
Despite its inconsistencies, the final frames of the fight were tightly executed. The way Jinwoo wrapped a chain around Kargalgan, and how the boss’s former army turned against him after being extracted was well done. Most of Kargalgan’s key scenes remained detailed, from his spellcasting to his transformation into a giant, and his eventual downfall.
On top of that, the story continues to be churn out intrigue, gradually revealing more about the mysterious “system.”
The system: More than just Jinwoo’s leveling tool?
For Jinwoo, we already know the system is what allows him to level up and grow stronger. Through it, he can train, take quests, craft items, and track his progress. As the series title suggests, he’s the only hunter who can grind and level up like this.
However, hints are emerging that the dungeon bosses also follow a system of their own. Both the lead snow elf and Kargalgan mentioned waking up with instructions to kill. Additionally, Kargalgan’s vision occasionally glitched, resembling a broken television with static. Is this system actually controlled by a computer?
Jinwoo’s secret is out
This episode also marked the first time that Jinwoo’s shadow extraction was witnessed by others—including high-ranking hunters from the Korean Hunter's Association, likd Surveillance Chief Woo Jinchul. With Hae-in and others now aware of his abilities, Jinwoo’s days of staying under the radar are over.
The episode also included Jinwoo’s meeting with Jinho. Their reunion was a happy one, but there’s an underlying tension that only viewers can pick up on. Jinho wants to recruit Jinwoo into his guild, but with Jinwoo’s reassessment and multiple guilds vying for him, will this affect their relationship? And then there’s the introduction of a new character—an actor. Is he significant, or just a passing distraction?
Overall, while the episode had its flaws, it delivered some solid action and key story developments. Now, all eyes are on what comes next—especially with bigger battles looming on the horizon.
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