3 Things Solo Leveling Does Better Than Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is widely regarded as one of the most acclaimed anime from the last ten years. Its thrilling battle sequences, combined with compelling storytelling, have kept fans enthralled globally. In comparison to other anime over the past decade, few have managed to capture the attention of anime enthusiasts as effectively. However, this changed in 2024 when the renowned Solo Leveling manhwa was turned into an anime. Featuring exhilarating fight scenes reminiscent of Demon Slayer, the series instantly gained massive popularity and saw its fanbase grow even more after the release of season 2 in 2025.

While it’s true that Solo Leveling is frequently criticized for its intense focus on a protagonist who continually grows in power, it’s important to note that the series has many strengths as well. In certain areas, this manhwa-inspired animation even surpasses Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.

A Clear and Quantifiable Power System

Solo Leveling Hunter Ranking System is Easy to Understand

In Solo Leveling, hunters are divided into various ranks (E to S) based on their magical abilities, making it more accessible for fans to follow the characters’ development. Even after Jinwoo Sung’s reawakening that grants him the ability to significantly alter his rank, his progress can still be traced within the hunter hierarchy system. Although some might argue that his evolution eventually renders the international hunter ranking less relevant, it remains a useful benchmark for most characters and a reliable indicator of power level.

In Solo Leveling, the straightforward yet graspable power structure appeals to readers more. Conversely, Demon Slayer’s battles are visually stunning, but it’s challenging for even devoted followers to remember the hierarchy within the Demon Slayer Corps, which is based on a Heavenly System. This inconsistency in power scaling makes it tough to follow along, and as a result, the plot becomes the main factor driving character development rather than a clear, organized system that fans can easily understand.

It’s interesting to note that most hunters find themselves stuck with the rank they received upon waking, preventing any opportunities for advancement or change. This simplicity in the Solo Leveling power system contributes to its broad popularity and ease of understanding.

Protagonist’s Independence & Stronger Growth Arcs

Jinwoo’s Lonely Evolution Makes His Journey More Intimate For Viewers

In Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, it might first appear that the narrative centers heavily around Tanjiro, his family, and his quest for revenge. However, as the series unfolds, a variety of characters with tragic pasts who are embroiled in an ongoing struggle between righteousness and wickedness emerge. These characters, like Tanjiro, receive equal focus as their personal histories and emotional hardships are skillfully portrayed, thanks to the anime’s compelling storytelling.

I’ve been noticing from the get-go that Solo Leveling centers around our protagonist, Sung Jinwoo. It paints his early hardships as a weak hunter as the foundation for his remarkable transformation down the line. Despite its solitary and isolating nature, Jinwoo’s journey offers engrossing experiences that enable viewers to empathize with him deeply. Each conflict he encounters mirrors his growth, and the battles showcase not only his personal struggles but also his courageous resilience.

As I watch each curve in Jinwoo’s development, I can’t help but see him evolve as a character amidst his internal battles. The intensity with which he wrestles with his inner demons resonates strongly with viewers because the intense focus on Sung makes his journey appear incredibly personal, and deeply relatable due to its intimate nature.

Global Stakes

Solo Leveling Explores International Conflicts

During the Taisho Period, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is exclusively based in Japan. Although it beautifully portrays the nation’s charm, its narrative focuses solely on events within the region, lacking the thrill of an international conflict featuring diverse characters from various countries.

Solo Leveling delves into global affairs by focusing on worldwide tensions sparked by otherworldly menaces. It skillfully portrays the grim realities of international diplomacy and utilizes them to foster personal growth in its protagonist, Jinwoo. Consequently, Jinwoo’s impact transcends national boundaries, and the narrative delves into his journey towards becoming a remarkable leader.

In the grand scheme of things, the world’s fate plays a pivotal role in shaping the storyline of the show. This factor greatly alters the implications of each confrontation. Since certain episodes depict a struggle for the world’s survival, these situations make the series all the more thrilling for viewers. It’s no wonder that fans are so drawn to Solo Leveling. Similarly, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba might have gained more intensity if its conflicts had extended beyond Japan, but it’s uncertain whether it would have made as significant an impact on the show’s narrative as Solo Leveling did.

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2025-09-04 19:39