2025 Is the Year of Solo Leveling Fans as Chugong Reportedly Confirms Ashborn and Igris Spin-Offs

Starting 2025 with a bang, Solo Leveling Season 2 is here and already creating a buzz online! The first episode became the most-liked premiere within 24 hours, making Solo Leveling‘s return even more thrilling.

The debut of Igris in Solo Leveling Season 2 sent shockwaves across the internet, leaving viewers in awe of his strength, rivaling high-level hunters. Igris, one of Jinwoo’s most loyal servants through his highs and lows, is a fan favorite among manhwa readers and sure to captivate anime viewers as the story progresses.

Igris vs. Ice Bear Boss | Credits: A-1 Pictures

Season 2 brings more iconic Igris moments, and fans have even more to celebrate. Solo Leveling author just announced an Ashborn and Igris spin-off series, making 2025 even more thrilling!

Solo Leveling Spin-Off announced to delve into Ashborn and Igris’ backstory

Solo Leveling Season 1 definitely raised the bar for the highly anticipated sequel, and Episode 13 (Season 2 Episode 1) was a testament to A-1 Studio’s stunning craftsmanship.

The episode wastes no time introducing Jinwoo, and his stunning new look takes viewers by surprise, with Sung Jinwoo’s character design earning widespread acclaim.

A still of Sung Jinwoo from the Season 2 opening | Credits:  A-1 Pictures

In Episode 1, Jinwoo becomes trapped in a Red Gate dungeon, dragging the E-rank hunter Han Song Yi into a perilous situation. The episode swiftly showcases Jinwoo’s protective instincts and leadership, proving he’s no longer the weakest hunter fans were introduced to at the beginning of the series.

Apart from Jinwoo, Igris also stole the spotlight by showcasing his exceptional sword skills and effortlessly defeating the Ice Bear Boss, surprising both Jinwoo and anime fans.

Season 2 will introduce new powerful shadow soldiers to Jinwoo’s army, but Igris remains one of his most loyal servants, having been by his side since the start of his rise to power, and has since become a standout favorite among manhwa readers.

After Season 2 highlights Igris and Jinwoo’s growing trust, it seems the author plans to explore Igris’ past, especially as he begins to question his loyalty in the later stages of the story.

A still of Igris and Sung Jinwoo from Season 2 Episode 1 | Credits:  A-1 Pictures

The Solo Leveling author has confirmed a spin-off series focusing on Igris and Ashborn (The True Shadow Monarch), saying: “It looks like this will be a year full of good news.“

To grasp Igris’ true strength, it’s essential to understand his past and what made the Red Commander a threat even feared by the Monarchs.

In the grand scheme of Solo Leveling‘s storyline, Igris served the Shadow Monarch Ashborn in a war against the Rulers eons ago. Tasked with a crucial role by Ashborn, Igris eventually finds himself becoming a vital asset to Sung Jinwoo’s journey.

Igris in Season 1 finale | Credits:  A-1 Pictures

Despite initially playing a minor role, Igris undergoes a transformative ascent in power, jumping from an Elite Knight to a Marshal Grade Shadow after Sung Jinwoo’s rebirth as the new Shadow Monarch.

It will be even more intriguing to uncover Igris’ past under Ashborn, exploring how he served the True Monarch and what made him earn the title of Knight of Death.

The fan-favorite Shadow Soldier who stole the spotlight in Season 2 Episode 2

Solo Leveling is all about Sung Jinwoo’s journey to power, but it’s not just his story. Season 2 introduces exciting new characters who will become key to the series moving forward.

Kim Chul, an A-Rank Hunter from the White Tiger Guild, is a true powerhouse often highlighted as the next prodigy in the series. As of Episode 14, things will take a dramatic turn for Kim Chul.

A still of Kim Chul in Solo Leveling | Credits:  A-1 Pictures

Later, Igris kills Chul, and Jinwoo then resurrects him as a member of his Shadow Army. After being extracted as a shadow, Jinwoo gave him the title Iron, and as the name, he remained a loyal shadow of Jinwoo.

The ReAwakening movie introduced Iron, delighting fans with the studio’s faithful adaptation of the manhwa’s plot and the addition of Iron’s comedic scenes that stole the spotlight in theaters.

Iron from the manhwa | Credits: Webtoon

Iron went on to fight countless battles alongside his master and often displayed a dim-witted and humorous side to him several times during his appearances. He eventually became a fan-favorite, who adored him for his brute strength and loyalty to Sung Jin-woo.

Solo Leveling manhwa can be read on Webtoons, while the anime is available to watch on Crunchyroll.