Is Solo Leveling: Ragnarok the Sequel Fans Have Been Waiting For?

Summary

Solo Leveling has a sequel called Ragnarok, focusing on Sung Jinwoo’s son Suho.
Ragnarok maintains excitement by showing Suho’s journey as a Hunter climbing the ladder.
Suho’s different fighting style from his father adds a fresh twist to the story, making the sequel worth reading.

WARNING: The following contains spoilers for the Solo Leveling Manhwa

Currently, we’re right in the middle of the second season of “Solo Leveling”. In this anime adaption, Jinwoo continues to fight as a new S-Rank hunter in South Korea. If you can’t wait to delve deeper into Jinwoo’s story and his Shadow Soldiers, I recommend reading the original webtoon. However, if you’ve already read the entire “Solo Leveling” webtoon and still crave more content related to it, then keep an eye out for additional updates or spin-offs!

It might come as a surprise to many, but there is indeed a follow-up to the popular series Solo Leveling. This one goes by the name of Solo Leveling: Ragnarok. Although it’s a continuation of the original story, it’s important to note that a new writer and artist are responsible for this sequel. So, does the quality of the Solo Leveling sequel match up to the original? And more crucially, is it worth your time to read it?

Solo Leveling: Ragnarok

What’s This Sequel All About?

In my perspective, the narrative of “Solo Leveling: Ragnarok” revolves around Sung Suho, the son of Sung Jinwoo. When Suho was still in high school, a startling event occurred; his parents, Sung Jinwoo and Cha Hae-In, mysteriously disappeared, leaving him to reside with his aunt and uncle.

In contrast to Jinwoo’s original realm, the world of Ragnarok was always peaceful, free from dungeons and monsters. However, this tranquility was shattered when Suho was on the verge of graduating high school. Out of nowhere, individuals worldwide started undergoing an unusual transformation, which was later known as the Awakening. This event triggered the emergence of dangerous dungeons filled with monsters and valuable resources across the globe. The aftermath of this phenomenon led to the creation of a new vocation called Hunters. Regrettably, Suho did not fall among those who were awakened.

This continues until a band of Hunters, transformed into monsters, create chaos close to his university. Regardless of possessing no magical abilities at all, Sung Suho bravely attempts to rescue his fellow student who’s being attacked by an infected Hunter. Suddenly, a message box appears in front of Sung Suho with this straightforward query: “You have qualified to become a player, would you like to proceed?

In this predicament, it seems remarkably akin to a cherished dream of mine. Given the chance to embody that dream, what possible objection could there be in such a dire circumstance? I am willing to embrace it.

—Sung Suho, Chapter 1

At that specific instant, Sung Suho is roused to life as an entry-level Hunter. From here, Suho embarks on a hunter’s adventure where he can continually advance in rank, much like his father had done before him. Throughout this journey, he will uncover the mysteries surrounding his parents’ disappearance and encounter dark forces that seek to annihilate our world.

Like Boruto – But Better

In the realm of sequels, it’s not unusual to find the offspring of the original hero as the lead character. Stories like Boruto are examples of this approach. Although both Solo Leveling: Ragnarok and Boruto share some similarities in their narrative structure, many fans consider Solo Leveling: Ragnarok to be a superior rendition of the concept.

The Case Against Boruto

One common complaint about Boruto is that it significantly weakened Naruto and other characters from the original show. In the original series, Naruto was almost divine-like at the end, but in the sequel, he barely meets the requirements to be a Hokage. On the other hand, Boruto acquires or encounters numerous power boosts, making him excessively strong.

At Naruto’s current age, he was still learning to walk on water and faced challenges against mid-level ninjas during his missions. Conversely, Boruto engages in battles with powerful extraterrestrial beings and manages to come out victorious. In my view, this excessive increase in power levels and the constant need for generational one-upmanship detracts from the overall enjoyment of the storyline.

The Case For Solo Leveling: Ragnarok

In Ragnarok, unlike what one might expect, Sung Suho starts off as a lowly E-Rank hunter, much like his father did. He’s on a journey to climb the ranks, step by step. On the other hand, Sung Jinwoo, the Monarch of Shadows, has ascended to godlike status in this universe. Even S-Rank hunters, monsters, and high-level Earth beings can barely brush against his mighty toe. By the end of Solo Leveling, our protagonist had achieved such immense power, and he maintains that level of strength in Ragnarok.

Suho may possess certain benefits that his father didn’t, but his path to power remains equally arduous and challenging, much like his father’s. He has faced near-death experiences in C-Rank dungeons and is yet to overcome A-Rank hunters, but he perseveres with determination to grow stronger. His journey mirrors Jinwoo’s original story in terms of its captivating nature.

Different Characters & Different Fighting Styles

One captivating aspect of tracking Suho’s progression is the unique fighting style he exhibits in contrast to Jinwoo’s. It’s crucial to remember that a person’s battle methodology is often influenced by their character, experiences, and personal choices. In this particular series, this difference is strikingly apparent. Despite possessing similar abilities and habits, their combat approaches could not be more distinct.

The Way of an Assassin

I, Jinwoo, find myself spending a significant chunk of my time delving into the depths of dungeons, squaring off against less formidable foes. These battles often leave me battered and bruised, but I press on nonetheless. My motivation? A desire to elevate my sister’s life and shoulder the burden of my mother’s medical expenses. Despite my limited strength as a hunter, I remain steadfast in my pursuit, hoping that one day, this struggle will lead us all to brighter days.

To maintain his financial resources, he can’t linger too long against a single foe; instead, he must take down numerous adversaries in the most efficient manner possible. His swiftness and agility are crucial, which is why he adopts the role of a dual-dagger wielding assassin. Additionally, he commands an army of potent shadow soldiers to aid him in battle.

The Way of a Brawler

Instead of being as reserved and composed as his father, Sung Suho is a vibrant young man who confronts situations boldly. He’s not afraid to challenge bullies and readily lends aid to those wronged. Unlike his father, Suho doesn’t have anyone he feels compelled to shield excessively, giving him the freedom to act fearlessly without worrying about others.

Prior to transforming into a hunter, Suho harbors aspirations of becoming an artist. Constantly, his imaginative mind seeks innovative paths to realize the images in his mind. Over time, his character, surroundings, and inclinations shape him into a fighter who engages in hand-to-hand combat and continually discovers unique methods to employ his shadow warriors.

Is Solo Leveling: Ragnarok as Good as the Original?

Should You Read the Sequel?

Have you found yourself wondering if Solo Leveling: Ragnarok matches up to the quality of the original Solo Leveling? At this point, it’s hard to tell definitively, but what can be said with certainty is that the sequel offers an equally enjoyable reading experience. It skillfully balances freshness and continuity in its storytelling.

The tale has a comforting sense of familiarity for fans of the first installment, making it easy for them to jump right in and feel as if they never left. Yet, there’s enough new content to give the narrative a unique twist and keep things interesting. So, if you enjoyed the original, then by all means, dive into Solo Leveling: Ragnarok.

Solo Leveling is available to stream on Crunchyroll.

2025-02-10 20:05