Solo Leveling Is Following in Demon Slayer’s Footsteps to Ensure Reawakening Fans Aren’t Left High and Dry

Solo Leveling is making quite a splash in the shonen genre. With its cult popularity and reception, the series is peaking in more ways than one. The animation, pacing as well as the visuals are beyond breathtaking.

Season 2, however, takes it up a notch with A-1 Pictures’ finesse and brilliance. And while most fans had qualms about the second season, it is far more promising.

As fans respond to the second episode’s leaks, one thing is certain. The franchise might be following in Demon Slayer’s footsteps. This is evident with the anime-only scenes that set it apart from the blatant criticism regarding the film.

Moreover, with Mugen Train, Koyoharu Gotouge paved the way for most Shonen series to follow the trail. In any case, however, the film stands as a testament to its success and glory.

Solo Leveling fans respond to Season 2’s leaks

Solo Leveling is making waves in more ways than one. Based on the manhwa by Chugong, the anime series is trailblazing in several aspects. Be it animation, pacing, or characters, the series outclasses its contemporaries.

This holds especially true for its protagonist. Sung Jinwoo isn’t a bog-standard shonen hero considering his feats in the series. His characterization makes him a rather familiar and relatable character. But there’s more to the story than meets the eye.

With the franchise releasing Reawakening, most fans were anticipating its release. It had viewers and readers on the edge of their seats. On the other hand, though, some fans pointed to the banality of the scenes in the film.

Season 2, however, is a breakaway from the blatant criticism. The trailer hit the mark and had most critics eat their words and this is especially true with its first episode that peaked in animation. The second episode is nothing short of iconic as well.

On X, @ImperioSoloLeve shared leaked screencaps from Episode 2 that were originally cut from the movie. And this is how most users responded.

Leaked Images from Episode 2 of "Solo Leveling" that weren't in the Movie. pic.twitter.com/1k76i7oNHr

— Império Solo Leveling (@imperiosl1) January 9, 2025

Goon leveling

— Spiritz (@spiritzani) January 9, 2025

Ehh not the same fit, but this is nice too pic.twitter.com/UCfu6eF0Wt

— Mikyah (@_mikyah) January 9, 2025

This scene is so funny.

— Golias (@golias_thomas) January 9, 2025

The 4rth slide omg he looks so fucking good pic.twitter.com/d5yFhMi1kY

— Yashraj Girawale (@YGirawale) January 9, 2025

Above all, the franchise may have hacked the formula through their inspiration from Demon Slayer. With the franchise releasing Mugen Train in 2020, the film stands as a trailblazer in most aspects.

Demon Slayer franchise blazed the trail with its film

Around Covid, Toho and Ufotable released the much-anticipated film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train. The film is a sequel to the anime’s first season. Be it storytelling or visuals, the movie is truly sensational in most aspects.

It follows Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke assisting the flame Hashira Rengoku. Together, they hunt down a demon who is aboard the Mugen Train. The film is a visual masterpiece and has gone on to bag several accolades.

But that isn’t what makes it a trailblazer. Ufotable’s animation techniques and methods had even the legendary Ghibli director, Hayao Miyazaki praise the studio for its finesse. It is a rarity in itself to be acknowledged by an illustrious animator like him.

Be it the Crunchyroll Awards or Asian Films Awards, the movie was pivotal for Ufotable to reach the pinnacle in terms of animation. But most of all, it stands as one of the highest-grossing anime films of all time.

All in all, Solo Leveling following Demon Slayer’s formula doesn’t seem a bad idea at all. The franchise is branching out in terms of its mediums which proves to be a success.

Solo Leveling is available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The manga is available for reading on Webtoon.