Episode 10 (Episode 22 overall) of Solo Leveling Season 2 -Arise From the Shadow- delivered action-packed moments I had been eagerly anticipating. While it was an enjoyable episode overall, some changes from the original manhwa left me a bit disappointed.
Last week’s episode introduced some alterations that didn’t sit well with me. Despite receiving thousands of negative reviews, I found it well-executed. The training matches between the S-rank Hunters were solid, and Jinwoo’s mother’s resuscitation even had extra content added. Taito Ban’s voice acting was outstanding, portraying a character losing his humanity with incredible emotion. However, I was disappointed that the fight between translator Hanekawa and Park Jongsoo, the Knights Guild leader, was completely cut. Though most battles were adapted well, some small but impactful details were missing.
There’s been debate over whether the anime is adapting the light novel rather than the manhwa. However, official announcements reference the digital comic on Tappytoon, and many anime scenes directly mirror the manhwa’s artwork. Interviews have even acknowledged missing comedic elements from the original. While the anime might include aspects of the light novel, it’s primarily based on the manhwa.
Despite adaptation concerns, I enjoyed this episode. The ending set up the Jeju Island raid well, introducing S-rank Hunters’ abilities and delivering action that fans crave. Surprisingly, it received as many dislikes as Episode 9, suggesting either mixed reactions or review bombing on Crunchyroll.
The Hunters’ Sparring Battles
The sparring fights were well-adapted, expanding on brief moments in the manhwa. The anime excelled at showcasing high-speed movement as Hunters engaged in one-on-one battles, making the action feel more dynamic. Instead of abrupt scene jumps, it highlighted the overlapping movements of the fighters, with a balanced soundtrack that emphasized combat sounds like rushing air.
One notable animation style used for rapid exchanges of blows was similar to past Solo Leveling fights, like Jinwoo vs. Kang Taeshik. While effective, I personally prefer more weighty hand-to-hand combat, as seen in Jinwoo’s duel with Igris. Still, other strong animations—like Baek Yoon-ho’s partial beast transformation and Cha Hae-in’s graceful fighting style—helped compensate. Jinwoo stepping in to protect Cha and absorb aura was another great moment.
Jinwoo vs. Goto Ryuji
This fight was thrilling but felt slightly toned down compared to the manhwa. In the original, Goto reacted aggressively to Jinwoo’s challenge and fought with murderous intent. The system even warned Jinwoo about an urgent quest to eliminate Goto. This chilling moment was missing in the anime, making Goto’s portrayal less intense. However, the fight was well-paced, highlighting the power difference between Goto, Jinwoo, and the other S-rank Hunters. The animation effectively showcased Jinwoo’s precise dodging, making the battle engaging.
A New Threat Emerges
This arc reminds me of Hunter x Hunter, as humanity faces an evolving enemy that adapts like them. The humanoid yet beast-like ants, especially their intelligent queen, create an eerie atmosphere. The reveal of a powerful new ant was well-handled, reinforcing this theme. While the second half of the episode felt slower, it built anticipation for the upcoming battle.
Overall, Solo Leveling left fans eagerly awaiting the next episode, teasing major battles ahead.
Leave a Reply