Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 10 Review: Some Fantastic Fights
Solo Leveling Season 2, Episode 10, titled "Arise From the Shadow," was an episode I had been eagerly anticipating, and while it delivered in many ways, it also left me with mixed feelings, especially when compared to the original manhwa. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what worked, what didn’t, and how the episode sets the stage for the high-stakes Jeju Island Raid.
The Strengths of Episode 10
Taito Ban’s Exceptional Voice Acting:
Taito Ban, the voice of Jinwoo Sung, delivered a standout performance, perfectly capturing the emotional turmoil of a character slowly losing his humanity. His portrayal during the resuscitation of Jinwoo’s mother was particularly impactful, adding depth to a pivotal moment in the story.Expanded Emotional Depth:
The anime added extra content to the scene of Jinwoo’s mother’s revival, enhancing its emotional weight. This was a welcome change that gave the moment more resonance and significance.S-Rank Hunter Training Matches:
The sparring matches between the S-rank Hunters were a highlight of the episode. The anime expanded on these fights, which were relatively brief in the manhwa, by adding dynamic choreography and showcasing the high-speed movements of the Hunters. The sound design, with the whooshing of air and clashing of blows, further elevated the intensity of these battles.Introduction of the Jeju Island Raid:
The episode effectively set the stage for the Jeju Island Raid, introducing the abilities of the S-rank Hunters and building anticipation for the upcoming conflict. The reveal of the Ant King and the growing threat of the ants added a sense of dread and excitement.
The Weaknesses of Episode 10
Cut Content from the Manhwa:
One of the most disappointing aspects was the omission of the fight between translator Hanekawa and Park Jongsoo, the guild master of the Knights Guild. This was a moment many fans, including myself, were looking forward to. Additionally, some small but significant details from the manhwa were left out, which slightly diminished the overall experience.Changes to Goto Ryuji’s Characterization:
The fight between Jinwoo and Goto Ryuji was well-animated and thrilling, but Goto’s portrayal was less aggressive and menacing compared to the manhwa. In the original, Goto displayed blatant murderous intent, which added a layer of tension and danger to their clash. This change softened his character and removed some of the edge from the confrontation.Mixed Animation Styles:
While some fights, like Cha Hae-in’s dance-like combat and Baek Yoon-ho’s partial beast transformation, were beautifully animated, others relied on a simpler style for quick exchanges of blows. This approach, reminiscent of Dragon Ball Super’s Goku vs. Jiren fight, felt less satisfying compared to the more dynamic and weighty animations seen in earlier episodes, such as Jinwoo’s battle with Igris.
Adaptation Concerns: Manhwa vs. Light Novel
There’s been some debate about whether the anime is adapting the manhwa or the light novel. While the anime does draw from both, it’s clear that the manhwa serves as the primary source material. Many scenes are adapted page-for-page, with clear parallels in art style and composition. However, the decision to cut certain moments, like Goto’s murderous intent, suggests a desire to streamline the story, which may not sit well with fans of the manhwa.
Overall Impression
Despite its flaws, Episode 10 was a solid installment that delivered on action, emotion, and setup for the Jeju Island Raid. The sparring matches and Jinwoo’s confrontation with Goto Ryuji were highlights, even if they didn’t fully capture the intensity of the manhwa. The episode’s cliffhanger ending, with the reveal of the Ant King, has left fans eagerly anticipating the next episode.
Looking Ahead
With only two episodes left in the season, the stakes are higher than ever. Will the anime stay faithful to the manhwa’s darker tones, or will it continue to make changes that soften the story? Regardless, Solo Leveling remains a must-watch for fans of action-packed anime, and I can’t wait to see how the Jeju Island Raid unfolds.
What did you think of Episode 10? Let’s discuss!
