Images: A-1 Pictures
Although it was very short, Solo Leveling Season 2's debut episode is packed with action.
The first episode of Solo Leveling Season 2 is finally out! The first episode of the season named ‘You aren’t E-rank, are you?’ dropped with all the mystery, action, and even intrigue. Yet, like most episodes in the first season, you blink and it’s already over. Was it satisfying? Absolutely. Did it feel more like a teaser for what’s the come? Definitely.
With the next episode only a few days away, let’s dive into the debut episode and break down all the details.
Spoiler alert: Major plot points ahead.
If you weren’t able to watch the movie that came out in December, you’re in for a treat. Now that fans are more acquainted with Jinwoo and his inner thoughts and struggles, the episode’s quicker pace could be pretty noticeable. With only a brief introduction, episode 1 thrusts viewers straight into the point of conflict and straight into action.
We also see glimpses of genius from the main character. Sung Jinwoo shows us that it doesn’t just take brute strength to win and to survive. This was shown mostly through how he interacted with his partymates, planned for the party’s needs, evaluated his opponents, and constantly planned his next steps.
Although Jinwoo’s combat prowess wasn’t the main highlight of the episode, the action was still top-tier.
A-1 Pictures did a great job animating the fight sequences — especially when Jinwoo’s Shadow Army took centre stage. Of course, this came with the typical side serving of severed limbs, decapitated heads, and tons of blood. Alongside some electrifying music from Hiroyuki Sawano to hype the battle scenes, the first combat sequence, although a bit short, is nothing short of epic.
Jinwoo’s Glow-Up
Let’s talk about Jinwoo. Was it just me, or has he levelled up in more ways than one? He’s taller, sharper, and dressed to impress with a polished haircut and outfits that wouldn’t look out of place on a K-pop star, except as an animated character.
This transformation was also reflected in the manhwa with many readers even discussing this on Reddit years ago, where they pointed out that this was because of the training program he’s undergoing with the “System.”
While it makes sense that the program would refine his physique, it’s hard not to wonder — did it also sneak in a growth spurt? And there must be something in the potions that made his eyes and chin sharper than ever. Either way, his new look reflects the growth we’ve seen in his character so far.
The Red Gate
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For those new to the concept, a Red Gate is no joke. Once someone steps inside, the gate seals, trapping them until one of three conditions is met: the boss is defeated, the raid party is wiped out, or a dungeon break occurs.
Even at its lowest difficulty — B-Rank — a Red Gate is lethal without an A-Rank Hunter on board. The stakes couldn’t be higher, especially with Kim Chul abandoning the group while the gate still open. The episode’s cliffhanger sets the stage for intense battles in the episodes ahead.
But what happens after they escape? If Season 1 taught us anything, it’s that Jinwoo’s survival never goes unnoticed. Recruiters and guild leaders are bound to circle like vultures. Among them, we’ve got:
- Woo Jin-chul, a sharp-eyed surveillance team member from the Korean Hunter Association.
- Baek Yoon-ho, an S-rank White Tiger Guild leader.
- Hwang Dongsoo, an S-Rank Hunter from the ruthless Scavenger Guild from the United States.
Many things can happen from there (especially since we all know Jinwoo has some sort of plot armour so far). Will they find out Jinwoo’s secret? Will they try to recruit him into a new guild? These figures will likely complicate Jinwoo’s life further, either uncovering his secrets or vying for his loyalty.
Episode 1 delivered on all fronts but there’s still a lot to uncover. Will Jinwoo and the team make it out alive? Can he keep his secrets hidden as his power grows? And which guild might finally convince him to join — or will he continue to stay with D-rank guild leader Yoo Jin-ho? The next episode of Solo Leveling Season 2 airs on Saturday (12 January).
