Solo Leveling Episode 13 Review – A Near-Perfect Episode With a Forgivable Flaw

SUMMARY

• Solo Leveling Season 2 has a strong start with the Red Gate arc.
• Sung Jinwoo's skills are shown in such a way that they seem natural.
• The anime's fast pacing is coming in strong, incorporating more arcs in less time.

As someone who always has her nose buried in a manhwa from dusk till dawn, it is safe to say that I have read Solo Leveling at least three or four times. I know where the story exceeds all expectations and where it falls short of doing so. Just like Sung Jinwoo, Solo Leveling has its good side and bad side, which also divides fans into those who think the manhwa is overrated and those who find it aptly popular.

Sung Jinwoo | Credit: A-1 Pictures

Regardless of what basks the thoughts of many people, it is undeniable just how good the anime adaptation has been. The first season’s fame had definitely caught me off guard. I knew the IP was famous but I didn’t expect it to open a whole new door for anime. The second season has been something I had eagerly been looking forward to. Not only because the actual story has just begun but because the Red Gate arc is a personal favorite of mine.

Solo Leveling Season 2 has a good handle on the pacing

Watching Sung Jinwoo go from that scrawny kid to dawning that iconic undercut that had fans everyone going to salons. Solo Leveling Season 2’s first episode surprised me with how well-paced it was. The Red Gate arc could have easily stretched up to 3 or 4 episodes, but instead, it looks like things would be conveniently wrapped up in the next one. That doesn’t come off as a bad thing either because there is a maintained balance that speaks for its story and how it wants to achieve its goals without losing the essence of the show.

A still from Solo Leveling | Credit: A-1 Pictures

Sung Jinwoo’s fight with the bears was a sight to behold and the animation quality was already better than what the first season had provided. Keeping the fights on point helped make them part of the story flow rather than the core of it all. Igris absolutely decimating what would later be known as Tank was perhaps the best part of the episode.

There is just something enjoyable about watching creepy villains give creepy smiles and thank god the Ice Elves lived up to that. It reminded me a lot of the statue of God in the Cartenon Temple because of how sinister the elves looked. The pacing is so fast yet not rushed adding to how the season plans to fit six arcs in one go. My hope for the upcoming arcs has only increased. Moreover, watching the Red Gate arc being executed with such finesse is like a fever dream.

Solo Leveling is acing almost all elements

I would like to point out specifically just how incredible of a job the voice actors have done, especially Taito Ban for channeling Sung Jinwoo’s inner voice and thoughts without actually having to speak them out loud. One thing I came to notice immediately was just how much better the opening and endings were from the previous season. Not only is the music on point, but the opening and ending itself is fun to watch.

Baruka | Credit: A-1 Pictures

The season has only just begun and the Red Gate arc sets up a majority of what is to come, especially the Jeju Island arc. There wasn’t anything unexpected yet I am sure there will be some anime original scenes going forward; or at least I can hope. My only complaint is how abrupt all the transitions seem. Going from one scene to another in a fast-paced series can be tricky but handling it so abruptly seems lacking.

So far, the anime has only been living up to the fans’ expectations, and by the looks of it, it will continue to do so. However, my wait remains on where it would stop trying to level the playing field and surpass it instead. While everyone’s attention lies on the final few episodes of this season, I am eagerly waiting to see how they get there in the first place.

Rating: 8/10

Solo Leveling is available to watch on Crunchyroll.

Written by Adya Godboley

Articles Published: 1785

An avid writer fluent in everything anime, Adya Godboley is an Assistant Anime Content Lead for FandomWire. She has rich experience in critically analyzing all that is said in between the lines. Hopelessly obsessed with Greek Mythology, she is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts in English. Adya has written over 1700 articles on various topics expressing her passion and love for all things entertainment, from superheroes to anime and the occasional gacha games.