Solo Leveling Cut Content | What Did The Anime Change? Episode 1 - The Weakest Hunter

[@AniNews]

Thoughts on Episode 1? And are you anime only or have you read the Manhwa? Edit: My bad! I totally thought the Jeju part at the beginning was from the later arc. Thanks for reminding me that it's not and is instead from the initial raid of 3 years prior. I don't know why that 3 years later text didn't register as a prelude for me lol

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

LOVED the first episode! Read the Manhwa! Knew this Will be special and your videos Will make it Even more so!❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊

[@SimonBreadLoaf999]

Episode 1 was trash but it was still not bad it just felt like an intro not an actual episode I’m sure that episode 2 and past that are gonna be fire!

[@ginkage5863]

Its a good start and being 1:1 sometimes isn't good all the time😆

[@pawfin1]

I love episode 1 it so just like the manwha the animation and art is great as well I like pacing and we can get aleast 3-4 season out of it if it's 12 episode a season. I've read the manwha

[@MorganSaph]

1:01 Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't that whole sequence a flashback? It said "3 years ago" before it started showing the Jeju Island raid, which made me think it was supposed to be the failed raid. It's also why I stopped watching, as those characters didn't participate in that raid. If they changed something that important already, on top of the lackluster art and the fact that it's the novel's adaptation, not the manhwa's, and it become really hard for me to watch.

[@gtrmotorc7]

The opening of the episode wasn't about the later Jeju arc. It's about the failed raid 3 years prior to the start of the story, the one that cost them control of the island. It even says '3 years ago' as the first frame of animation.

[@alfredovillegas4874]

Yep and the design of some characters is different I thought it was obvious

[@aoihitori]

A lot of people probably missed it even though that 3 Years Ago was taking a big part of the screen. 😂 Also manhwa readers probably only remembered the Jeju Raid during Sung Drip-Woo timeline because it only mentioned in manhwa but never visualized.

[@LasagnaLamp]

I was a bit confused watching the video but this confirms my thoughts.

[@SayanGhosh7874]

​​@@aoihitoriI thought the same when Jeju raid was taking place. Just like in the Eminence In Shadow, the letter arc is teased in the beginning, and when the screen shows 3 years ago (skipped to the starting) I was like... Wait, something is wrong. Then it struck to me that it's the failed raid.

[@tayty1238]

Also weren’t some people in those scenes were already dead by the jeju raid

[@Marco-mc9ql]

The jeju island is in fact not the second fight of the jeju island, while it is a teaser of that arc it is the fight prequel to the story that indeed failed

[@chaitanyarathi1422]

no shit

[@Jr837_]

oooooh so thats why there were so many under-ranked hunters! i thought it was a previous atempt yeah, but not the first one

[@jonathanwessner3456]

They even introduced the S rank healer who, if I recall correctly, got killed there

[@andrewgodz1118]

@@jonathanwessner3456 what? no, that guy retired after the first raid. He died in the second one.

[@Jr837_]

@@jonathanwessner3456 (spoilers obviously) no no, the healer dies in the Beru arc (in the future). Who died (3 years ago) is the lightning guy

[@egonpax]

I keep seeing people questioning why Jinwoo keeps being a hunter when it's almost not worth it, but you explained about the great healthcare benefits hunters receive from the Hunter's Association. I kind of wished this was touched on

[@pranavkalbhore7708]

Maybe in the next episode.

[@MindlessTube]

Yeah because right now he just looks to me like a guy that has a death wish and too lazy to work

[@DemoclesAngel]

It gets explained later in the series.

[@ssarellas]

That doesn't excuse him deciding for everyone to go to a dangerous, unexplored part of the dungeon knowing full well that he's useless and relies on others to save him

[@DemoclesAngel]

@ssarellas it gets touched on later in the series. This is one question alot of readers get when they first start reading (myself included) and it all comes back to the "benefits" being a hunter comes with.

[@grjim8909]

Manhwa reader here, the quality of animation of the anime is certainly doing the manhwa justice, at least for the first episode, I hope it will keep going like this and they won't rush things

[@teddysama5745]

Even better than manga since it covered stuff in light novel but not manga. I am impressed.

[@CavsGroup]

Wasn't the start of the episode us, the audience, getting to see the failed Jeju island raid, that was talked about in the manwha and novel prior to the start of the story, not the jeju island we got to experience mid story?

[@Boltreaver317]

Yep, and if I remember right, it also showed us what the S rank hunter that died in jeju looked like.

[@asianpersuasion4901]

@@Boltreaver317oh, the lightning guy?

[@pawfin1]

You right it was the fail raid before the current time

[@aniketh_deltafrost8143]

@@asianpersuasion4901 yup he was only talked about in the novel and manhwa but never showed the personality or abilities he had

[@MorganSaph]

The 2nd Jeju island raid specifically, yes

[@michw7479]

Its not the second fight of the island , its the first fight when the gate initially broke out , the one we saw in the manhwa was years later when the ants developed alot more

[@Noarcs]

Regarding the "preview," if you're familiar with manhwas, you'll notice that many start with a Chapter 0 pilot that gives a taste of what to expect later on without any major spoilers. There are sometimes changes made once the story progresses to that point. I was surprised that they took the step to do the prologue, but I thought it's a nice addition since I think this is the first time a Japanese animation team is doing a Korean manhwa.

[@asianpersuasion4901]

didn't god of high school get animated by japan?

[@dark_wraith4784]

@@asianpersuasion4901let’s not talk about that

[@ppman1839]

⁠@@asianpersuasion4901there is also Noblesse and Tower of God

[@varadsalunkhe9008]

@@dark_wraith4784 why though was there drama or something?

[@Xyzair]

@@varadsalunkhe9008 They speedran it to the point of incomprehension

[@SkineSky]

The context of the health benefits for Sung's mother who is in the coma, as well as the even splitting of treasure regardless of work, makes Sung's decision to be a hunter make a lot more sense. The addition of having life insurance also makes sense, so even if worse comes to worse and he ends up dead, at least his sister will have enough money for his death to not be a burden on her.

[@plasmahandoku1073]

The Jeju scene is from the failed attempt on Jeju island. Displaying that island is impossible to eliminate all the ants with the top hunters.

[@Seaneey]

I'm so absolutely excited for Solo Leveling. Was such an amazing read 👌

[@downrightmike]

The Anime though: MID, to LOW actually, pretty boring Like DILLIGAF, not really interested. Super disappointed.

[@Lorfarius]

It was only the first episode, it wasn't an amazing read from the start. Takes time to develop@@downrightmike

[@Mj07-dh1kr]

​@@downrightmikeits only the first episode so ofc its boring like the solo leveling manhwa

[@nateduff477]

This guy is literally one of a kind, I've never been able to watch a KZbinrs videos back to back or even keep up with their posting, but this guy right here. I'm just saying I was more than just flabbergasted when I saw he didn't already have 5 mil subscribers

[@weisoongooi4374]

When you start to realise, the stronger Sung Jinwoo becomes, the smaller his eyes are

[@Superiorbeinggg]

I actually like that tho cause I hate baby character designs😂

[@blazelazin5752]

Same​@@Superiorbeinggg

[@blazelazin5752]

It's the common way of showing a anime characters age and growth and I think his his lack of humanity at that point(lack of human emotions)

[@noble6897]

@@xlcrt_the_true_fiasco…… what 💀

[@braeden8506]

Bro also just gets taller somehow

[@ancientking224]

9:06 - Thank you for sharing the prices of the essence stones, as when I was reading the manhawa I understood that this was the best paying job that Jin Woo could get but I never truly understood just how much money he could make to support his family.

[@Chpow01]

As others have said, the Jeju Island clip was from the first raid as it says "3 years earlier" and Baek Yoonho (White Tiger Guild Leader) was not with Cha /journalist. You also missed that they cut the coffee scene... which is in my opinion one of the weirdest things to cut, as it not only shows that our MC is weak, but also *really* unlucky.

[@MorganSaph]

*2nd raid. first raid was 4 years ago.

[@pizzaroneee]

Wait what is the coffee scene

[@Gisaboiad]

@@pizzaroneee basically before the double dungeon raid sung jinwoo asks for a coffee after being called the weakest hunter of all mankind but the coffees had run out

[@SamBamWamJam]

I truly cannot express how much I enjoy all your videos.. Genuinely so incredibly well done and so happy I stumbled onto your page! Excited for the videos to follow! 👌😘

[@wyatt9419]

I was quite surprised by the way they framed the jeju island event from 3 years prior as it seemed less helpless than I remember them talking about as well as having Choi Jong-In be there which I think is different from the plot of the manhwa in which during the "Future Jeju Arc" he mentions the last time he set fire to ants was when he was a kid (implying he did not participate in the prior raid)

[@MorganSaph]

It makes sense they were less helpless, as that was the 2nd raid being shown. You're also correct, Choi Jong-In did not participate until the 5th raid. Since the anime is based off the novel, and only mixes in parts of the manhwa, it would make sense that it's different.

[@amorencinteroph3428]

From what I remember, the island was one of the first S rank dungeons, so they didn't expect it to be THAT bad until after it happened.

[@Eddafred]

As someone who's read the manhwa, I'm curious to see how they handle the Jeju Island Arc, since it doesn't paint Japan in a very flattering light.

[@keyofheartsheartwings6664]

I believe the Japanese version of the light novel had it changed so that it was a made-up country that was being offended.

[@CopyPaste213]

I’ve heard that they’re replacing japan with a fictional country

[@MorganSaph]

@@CopyPaste213 I don't think that's true. For the Japanese version, it's reversed, with Korea being the bad guys who want to weaken Japan. At least, this is the plan for the Japanese version I heard about a couple months ago. For the normal version, they'll probably keep it the same.

[@mikedelgrande5296]

I’ve been waiting for this anime for what seems like forever. I’ve never read the web novel but I think I’ve heard you talk about it in the past and it sounded like something I would love. So hyped it’s finally here. I’m loving it so far. Great characters and fantastic world building 👌 love the animation as well.

[@ryanreviews8566]

i was honestly surprised to hear the korean names being spoken in the anime knowing that Japan has a not so friendly relations with korea BUT now I know they actually just had two versions lol very Japan

[@N0VABomb1]

It was a faithful and good opening episode. I'm cautiously optimistic for the rest of the season!

[@slendermane6779]

man you're the best, always keeping us up to date on what came out and the details. you're my number 1 news source for anime, keep up the great work man

[@FreexWolfClawx]

I've already read the manhwa but I love your cut content series! So I'm thrilled to see what's waiting for us on the next episode!

[@deebusarubadoru1696]

I was always curious to the one s-rank that died in jeju raid and what power did he has . The anime did a great job showing my missing piece of info :) rip eunsok. Such a cool s-rank lightning power just lost to the mandible of ants 😢😢 you'll be missed 😢

[@himankgupta4539]

I am an anime only and watching it first time felt like it was this giant sphere of information just creating its borders more refined than a lot of generic anime and much faster than i have seen or anticipated. The premise just had this feeling of "This is gonna be intricate and beautifull" vibes. Just overall felt a very good start and i want to wait to read manga as it is hyped over the top as it seems. BTW big fan fan of you AniNews ❤ You keep making my day every week.

[@roguelord5999]

I read the LN first. the story kept me up reading late nights. after that I read the webtoon. the artstyle hyped me up but I felt the pacing was odd.. different from LN but less go. That was around 4- 5 years ago. now that i am watching the anime i am getting goosebumps. the pacing is phenomenal. i am hyped for this. (i also thought they showcased the jeju island arc but after they mentioned 3 years later i realised it was the failed raid to get its control)

[@yonghangyou3183]

I’m scared about the future arcs like the jeju island arc, which portrays the Japanese as the bad guys and I wonder how a Japanese studio would adapt it, this was the biggest reason the anime was delayed so much

[@realdreamerschangetheworld7470]

While I took note, I didn’t think it was that big of a deal. That said, maybe I am underestimating the tension in those areas.

[@hitthemill8595]

I mean the manhwa already downplayed it, it was much worse in the novels

[@cortesyes]

When the anime was first announced it was hinted that they would localize the manwha, so that instead of Korea, all the events would happen in Japan, while the bad guys would be from a "fictional country". But now since they kept the Korean names, they might just adapt it as it is

[@User_95168]

It ain't that deep bro, it's fiction

[@sullychoi5166]

@@cortesyesthey have japanese names in japan. He is called Shun Mizushino

[@SoldierSpiderx]

I really wish they released episodes 1 and 2 at once that I never read solo leveling before but after watching the trailers and then first episode im excited to see how this will go down and its actually my most anticipated anime! I can't wait to see more and the king statue sent chills down my spine

[@syrusalder7795]

dude the next episode is gonna be so fucking cool man, ive read both the manwha and webnovel and im so hyped to see it

[@SoldierSpiderx]

@@syrusalder7795 can't wait

[@krmsword2807]

​@SoldierSpiderx the next episode is gonna make you hype, man am not gonna spoil you just saying it' so menacing

[@SoldierSpiderx]

@@krmsword2807can't wait

[@marc0s158]

As a manwha reader, I think they did a great job in framing this early content for first time viewers! Im quite excited to see them continue this pace going forward! :)

[@ssman4334]

I hope we can see Beru animated

[@BAlex2209]

I am still salty about Ufotable not doing this anime adaptation,to do a Side Story that takes in the same universe as the Fate series but has no other connection. Seriously,WTF ? Studio Ufotable!!

[@benji5320]

The intro scene flashback I believe is how the light novel started, but was cut from the manhwa.

[@MobuThorsNighT0]

No.

[@luxiverity5827]

I am one of the first 100,000 readers of the manwha, i still remember scrolling on one of the many manwha websites and seeing this guy wielding a dagger and thought 'lets give it a go', and there i was, reading it everytime it came out, that was a few years ago, honestly i want to wait untill ep2 to make an informed opinion as i feel that the cut and paste aspect of anime really hurts the original content, so for me episode 1 hurt to watch, i understand that trying to make a japanese anime from a korean novel is extremely difficult and may be why i think that everyone who hyped up the anime will want to hide away from their excitement when this "isn't as good as i though it would be". ep1, they shouldn't have done some of the flash backs or info dumps like they did, this isn't going to create mystery, its going to make it look like "we didn't know how to fill plot-holes like they did in the manwha, so we're just going to ruin the emersion of the viewer by sequence breaking". This WILL negatively impact the viewers opinion on the show, they're going to call this a "top 3 wanna be" like black clover or JJK" even when that might not even be the animes goal. I know that i keep talking like im a pessimist, but i've seen too many shows die because of simple mistakes, or even giving the viewer the wrong idea. All in all i love this manwha, i love the story, i love the world building, and i love that people are getting the chance to enjoy an animated version of this, even when they may have already read the 200* chapters. If you made it this far let me know if you think otherwise, basically i love talking about this story, and enjoy the rest of it :)

[@AtticusG3]

I've read the Manwha and I was skeptical of this anime, but honestly Ep 1 was spot on. Looking forward to this full season. Honestly I think it deserves more, this should be handled like Chainsaw man.

[@L1GHTandDARK]

I enjoyed the changed they made, as it gives the story more world building and fills some holes that the Light Novel and Manhwa left unfilled. For example, at the beginning of episode one, we get introduced to Eunseok, the other S-Rank hunter who died during the previous Jeju island raid. They briefly mention his death in chapter 89 of the Manhwa, but other than that I don't think they mention him. So it's nice to see the manhwa do more world building on the story that the manhwa lacked

[@Vicioussama]

I like the changes from the Manhwa, personally. For anime only, I think it's better for them to introduce characters clearly... shoehorned in later (Joohee deserves better! but I do like Cha Hae-in. But, ya, starts with the ant's first showing/raid, that's a good place to start for anime only to get right into action. My only criticism is that it needed to be a double feature to get to the next part.

[@kclightman]

Thanks for posting this, it makes a lot more sense now. I think they sort of tried to mention those critical details (like health care and the nature of dungeons) but didn't make it all that clear.

[@willamend3994]

I have waited more than 72 hours for this video, but that is besides the point lol. Thank you! Great video as expected, my good sir. Not to reiterate what everyone else is saying, but the first part was a snap shot of the failed raid, which was never really talked about in full detail in the manhwa or even really the novels, but I am glad they did it that way because they definitely mentioned it more than once and it was a great way to show the brutality of the world they live in and show case the powers of the different classes. Also, I am 99% sure there is 24 episodes being released, which is awesome because I personally think we can get to the end of the jeju island arc (please challenge me on this if you would like, would love other opinions on pacing. I can’t imagine stopping anywhere else other than the jeju island arc, and really anything less would be painfully slow pacing - but that could be me wanting to see beru animated). Super pumped to see so many arcs animated. Icy bois red gate, spider murder, shitty B ranked doesn’t know who sung drip woo is, S rank Eval, fang plays with gravity and so much more. Cannot wait for more videos from you!! Thank you.

[@Szn217]

I highly doubt that jeju arc battle scenes will take longer than 2 episodes as they are some of the most chilling fights in the manhwa at least from my experience reading it

[@Szn217]

But yes super excited the episodes also drop on my birthday which is super nice. Glad the first episode came out well enough to satisfy almost all my expectations

[@MrKradix2]

I’ve read probably the first 6-12 chapters of the Manwha and a little further in the web novel. I thought the first episode was a great start, although I didn’t know about the characters in the beginning, except for probably the red head fighter I was introduced to. I am looking forward to what comes next in the storyline ahead.

[@Damonnanashi]

Ive browsed through random bits of the webtoon while reading the novels. I was following them along as they were coming out on bookwalker. If you aren't against reading novels, and even if you've read the webtoon, I'd totally suggest giving them a try. Having visuals is cool, but you can just convey so much in a novel format.

[@Beliach]

The runic text that can be only read by hunters. In Manhwa it was MC who was asked to translate where in Anime it was leader himself translating. Small but interesting detail that could be be interesting foreshadowing if done right.

[@milogardner9951]

For anyone interested they did some pretty good audiobooks for the Solo Leveling novels too!

[@butterzzz13]

Oh yea.... I'm all here for this cut content series! Also love your Overlord and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime ones!

[@SephirothsBIade]

the energy effects that gate materializing was perfect. it gives me a lot of hope for how they will show Arise God I hope they use the english word for Arise.

[@Rose333X]

God i hope not, arise sounds so cringe, imagine saying that shit outloud

[@SephirothsBIade]

@@Rose333X imagine they get sound effects equal or better than "I am atomic" I want my pants to need cleaning after I finish watching.

[@Gisaboiad]

@@SephirothsBIade whilst i fully agree, that last sentence is 🤨

[@Torencresent]

I was hesitant to buy into the hype, but if the rest of the series goes how episode 1 goes... well I will understand why people have been so excited is all. Good start, regardless of any potential missed content, that luckily you will fill me in on over the next 12 weeks :D

[@Axemania21]

A part of me wishes the pilot episode covered the entire double dungeon incident since it has such a strong hook. It's a shame the first ep ended just when things were getting interesting.

[@leonslights3324]

They didn't even show the creepy smile at the end of the episode

[@krmsword2807]

​@@leonslights3324wait for ep 2 we don't want them to rush anything just be patient

[@realdreamerschangetheworld7470]

Very excited for this show! I’m grateful I’ve almost finished the manwha so I’ll be able to watch ALL your videos on it 😂

[@SilverAranda]

I say it was a strong start that did a good job explaining the world and situation is around it, can't wait for next episode and some moments that are going to be awesome

[@kaimagnus5760]

I'll reserve any judgments until Episode 2 has aired. I like to view cliffhanger starter episodes as a single package before I make a call.

[@MoadDib]

As an anime only, I enjoyed it, but it seems really obvious why the review copies given out were the first 2 episodes instead of just ep 1. The cliffhanger isn't bad, but they haven't even gotten to the main conceit of the story yet, which makes me feel like doing a double length ep1 or releasing 1&2 together would have been a better route.

[@zachzmolik4532]

That was the 3 year before the start during their failed attempt to contour the island. They didn’t tease the future raid with Japan

[@staris3712]

I like the initial framing. It helps to show what high tier hunters are capable of and by showing individuals we will be seeing again later, who in the present are now guild leaders helps to show those individuals have the power to back up that position. That otherwise might be difficult to do based on the pace the series is going if it matches the first episode, which I do agree will likely have to be done if we are to get to Jeju island arc this season.

[@jackmahon7498]

man ainnews you goddamn physic why do you always make videos on exactly what i want to be seeing keep up the great work you anime loving genius

[@montherkc7516]

I gotta say bro I love your voice and i’m never bored in your channel even if i watch a vid about an anime i dont watch

[@Solikap]

(This comment is spoiler free, btw. Don't worry.) Solo Leveling is very great because of the art and the power system. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think SL is the grandfather of the "hunter" genre. But people should keep their expectations low because a major factor in how SL became so praised is the art. The story isn't that complex (A story doesn't necessarily have to be too complex to be good, though.) but the art really amplified the story. It is really enjoyable regardless though. As a reader of the manhwa: the only thing I'm disappointed in about this episode is the fact that it's not an hour long. They should have ended it off on the aftermath. This much isn't enough to get the anime-onlies hooked on. The character designs and the voices sound pretty good. They look and sound like how I mostly imagined them. I really enjoyed most of the cast in the manhwa, not just Sung Jin Woo (The main character). The use of music in the statue scene could have been a bit better, but I'm not complaining. Also, I'm really glad that they are adapting the novel instead of the manhwa. There is going to be a lot of positive changes compared to the manhwa. Overall, I'm hyped for this adaptation, but I'll have to try really hard to keep my expectations low.

[@KennyCinema]

It has been awhile since I read SL, so cut content will be a nice refresher for me on what happened in the beginning!

[@22Dinodude]

The Inazuma theme in the bg is so fitting

[@theoshawn8910]

YEEEEAAAHHH The best KZbin channel uploaded 🎉❤❤

[@ThunderChanter]

Having read the whole thing, I love how the first ep has gone. Glad they set up some of the more intense stuff right out the gate, like the Jeju Island arc stuff and showed its not just "What if magic". Hope that choice doesnt put too many people off tho, it IS a bit of a slow start, considering what goes on in the story

[@TheNinjaMarmot]

I heard thats how the light novel starts off. With the first raid on jeju island. I've also read that the anime will follow the LN more closely than the webtoon.

[@ElixerJohn]

The 1st episode is not a teaser of Jeju arc, but the arc when Jinwoo's father went missing. The failed raid arc.

[@Avicohennehemia]

Not sure if you are aware of it already but thought I should mention - The writings on the tablet you are showing at 13:39 are actually just Hebrew, and seemed to be just random verses from the old testament

[@GILGASLASH]

Hyped for these weekly cut content!

[@AniNews]

Yessir!!!

[@isaacblank8964]

the big statue smiling would have been the perfect final scene

[@SuperRandoms.]

I’m ngl I was soooo confused watching that first part I was tempted to drop it

[@buffayboy3340]

1:25 oh nahhh, the ant started giving bro backshots holdin his hand and shii lmaooo 💀

[@oxdaman1]

I'm really glad I watched this video, cause it eased up a couple of issues I had with the first episode, namely, how it seemed like the raid member turned their brains off before entering the death room. Like, that kind of door screams "Danger" and yet, they all just walked right in. It's good to know how, in the webtoon, they actually did hesitate and given how dungeon drops are split, along with the sheer amount of money monster cores could net, it makes a bit more sense how they rationalized that everything would be fine. Mind you, I still think the doors were way too huge and ornately designed for that to still make sense. It gave me the impression that none of the members had ever seen or played any kind of fantasy media. Those doors were the equivalent to boss room doors in SAO for crying out loud! I also didn't like how the MC was the deciding vote, considering how weak he is. I'm glad it was made clear how health benefits for being a hunter worked in the novels cause that explains why he still remained one, mind you, I feel the reasoning of "I need to send my little sister to college" must be either a Korean or Eastern Asia thing, cause in the west, that's not even remotely a good motivation to risk one's life. Even then, considering how weak he is, on top of not having a weapon, why was he the deciding vote? Did he just have that much faith in everybody, even after seeing the big, ornate doors? The last issue I had was the concept of training. I know it's made clear that effort won't increase your rank, but training your body can still increase your survival rate. Like, even if it's a case of, "Oh, I don't need to train cause my magic will take care of it all for me," the MC clearly isn't in that position, so why didn't training to at least keep himself alive not occur to him? Even IRL, anyone who takes a job that's physically demanding knows that you'll do better if you're physically fit, especially for something that involves risking your life. I feel like this was conveniently left out because it'll pop up later in the story, but for someone who has watched a lot of anime, it stuck out to me really quickly. So yeah, while I'm sure the rest of the story is written very well, I still feel like the way they ended up in the death room was a bit forced and written poorly, and that's coming from someone who usually turns their brain off when watching media. Either I've become more attentive or it was that sloppy. Had they ended up in the dungeon by accident via a teleporter or something, had the tunnel caved in, so they had to move forward, had the MC been forced to continue with the group due to being outvoted, rather than being the deciding vote, this all would have made the situation more believable (hell, I wouldn't have even thought about the physical fitness bit). Still, regardless of the mental gymnastics, they're in the room and everyone, save the MC, is gonna die (poor healer). Lookin' forward to it!

[@Tarry533]

I think this was actually a good starter episode because it kinda like a pilot ep introducing all the concepts and characters while also getting us manwha readers hyped for the best arc and introduction of best boy

[@fxtal4872]

as a person whose read the manwha, it was truly amazing seeing one of my favorite manwhas being animated so well it was so cool seing that statue moving and next episode we get to see all the trials

[@fllopez014]

Been really waiting for your video... This is great. Will be waiting for the next ones :)

[@itrasheditgood]

I was so confused by the beginning, but it kind of makes sense, by highlighting how important the work of a hunter is and the level of danger they face.

[@GenXCaliber117]

Based on the chapters covered in episode 1, it might be possible that we might end season 1 (This includes the 2nd cour happening later this year) on the Jeju Island Arc. I also think we'll end the 1st cour at the very word that everyone already familiar with the series is all too familiar with and are hyped for.

[@LookItsDev]

You can’t really base the pacing of the show off two episodes. You also don’t know how much extra content they will add. Tbh, they shouldn’t do Jeju island despite everyone wanting them to. It should be a movie

[@tungsten1679]

I’ve read the whole manwah and this episode was great made me wanna go re-read it again, and I’m going to this Friday

[@baponrs9826]

If its slow but keeping it interesting as well then it will go smoothly. giving each character a story to shine when their moments come is a good choice.

[@akuokami1677]

The chairman doing the info drop feels like if netero narrated gons adventure

[@SeanIsAFatty]

I want to point out that the opening sequence isn't a teaser for the 4th raid, the main crescendo for the first season. This was the failed 3rd raid, and was used as an introductory sequence for S-Rank hunters, which follows with hunters being described later down the line. This is further proven due to one of the core S-Rank members of the 4th raid, Cha-Hae In, missing from this raid. She was not contracted awakened at this point, if memory serves me correctly the raid was 3 years prior to the story, and Cha-Hae In awakened a year after the failed raid (In the story she had only been awakened for a little over 2 years, and was contracted to the Hunters Guild). I think this was a scene to show the Jeju Island situation, which is only resolved a few months after Sung Jinwoo's re-awakening. The first interaction with S-Rank hunters in the story, is actually with Hwang Dongsoo, the Korean hunter that left for America. He is only mentioned, but he is shown multiple times leading up to the clearing of the first Red Gate incident that Sung Jinwoo participates in. From there, we are introduced to Baek Yoonho, our beast man friend who confronts Hwang Dongsoo. These are the first proper interactions with S-Rank hunters; however, they don't appear until in the middle of the Manwha chapters for the first season (around 40-50 chapters in from memory). In the novel, they're mentioned a few times here and there, but they don't become involved until this point. The same goes for Cha-Hae In, our lovely blonde heroine in the opening sequence. She appears first in chapter 65 of the Manhwa, and isn't even mentioned until here. She also is mentioned only by name until this point in the Light Novel. I believe what A1 Pictures has done is a few things for the anime: As you mentioned, they set the tone for the dangers involved. They introduced, but did not name them properly, the S-Rank hunters. They introduced a key character (Cha-Hae In) in a special solo scene (where she gets the purse back) They did all this in the first opening scenes of the anime, and I think it was a great choice to do so.

[@JaredaSohn]

That's cool, kinda personally wishing that we got the regular localized version rather than the modified one... 😅

[@MyerrZz]

I kinda wish they didn't reveal characters like Cha Hae-in or the other S ranks on the first ep. I liked the pacing of the books better, where new characters had a constant "level up" vibe when they were revealed. All said though, I thought they did a great job with pacing and background info.

[@thefoxman88]

Also, don't forget they released the novels as a Audiobook, they are up to Volume 8

[@gui_teruaki]

English?

[@thefoxman88]

@@gui_teruaki Yes, in English.

[@MrRushSkies]

This is the first time hearing SL because of anime but oh boy I just got hooked and blazing through the manwha. Im now around ep 100+

[@raymondantoni7]

Essentially the double dungeon is the typical early special dungeon where their is a small chance of finding a hidden area where they monster 3x stronger than the raiding party and they could be killed a lot easier but if they managed to clear it they could get end game level rewards regardless of level

[@memsketch]

I hope you keeping doing that iconic “-Now,” that you say

[@nanomaxico]

The starting jeju island raid wasnt the one done in the manhwa it was the failed attempt which made them lose control of jeju giving time for the ants to evolve.

[@ekapratama2894]

Nice info. I only know Solo leveling in name only with some small snippets of the MC showing off his power in comics I think. I was curious why he looked different because the one I saw had shorter hair. Now I know it's gonna be one those MC glow up thing

[@JecciClark]

I believe they’re showing the first Jeju raid in this EP. They talk about it in the web novel and such that there was a raid on Jeju island when the gate first broke out. The fact that the Korean S classes are all spread out and not together infiltrating the queen kinda tells

[@Cloud21x]

Been Subscribed!!! "THAT BEING SAID......" i love the cut content series.

[@TheBetterManInBlack]

I loved the webcomic, but it was awhile ago that I read it. Really looking forward to your treatment.

[@latioshunter]

Nice pacing and some great expositions of ranks and levels, already enjoying it thus far.

[@LionheartMindExplosion]

0:00 same, i was expecting this to be just another overhyped anime but it was very well paced, good animation, fascinating premise and intriguing story. I'm in and i might even check out the mobile game going out

[@JCRoberts]

I followed the web comic. Seen it more than a few times and loved it. Thank you for your brake down.

[@RainWolf2286]

I don't know if it's because I´m a Designer, I watched too many animes and movies or just because I know technical aspects from animation, But as a first episode by itself, it was very weak and sloppily, not well executed. I don't expected a masterpiece but at least I wanted more Visual Coherence. Specially The Photography aspect was very loosey. Maybe is because of the Manwha (korean manga) format and panels, but it looks weird, the design of the characters and the clothes they use is ok. But if we talk about the sequence of images, the angles and how they cut the characters on the screen, is simply wrong. If someone is doing the main movement or action in the screen, you don´t cut his body, chest or part of his head without a purpose (like adding dramatic tone, or reflecting a thought). You could say is because the panel showed was on the manga, but the animation gives life and movement to the characters, you have the freedom to adjust those things. Many Scenes are ok in the sequence, but the Visual purpose is lost because of the poor composition of the scene, (there are rules to follow, are the same used in animation and on cinema) In anime you could bend the rules and be creative, but with a purpose, not just because I wanted it in that way. The illumination is wrong in many scenes, the proportion of space is not ok, the angles and how they cut part of the characters out of the screen, also the intention behind that angle and scene is blur or disappear, and you showed the manga and it was very good, perhaps in some instances as a manwha they cut in a different way the panels, the intention behind the panel remains. but when you are animating you have to be careful, not every panel should be traduced in the same way, specially if the scene don´t show clearly why that angle or cut was made, to produce "what" in the viewer, or to make the people understand "this thing", this emotion, or this aspect you may forgot. Even if the design of the characters are very colorful, the palette of colors is wrong and the contrast very plane, you wanted to contrast or add light and shadows, not just "visual effects" here and there. What is atrocious is the Composition of the shots and angles. Examples in this video: minute 7:27 you could see a panel of the Manwha, in the panel the character is very close, but the intention behind the panel is clear, they are showing the power of the character in action. then go to the minute 0:47, yes we know she is healing the protagonist, and we have the effect and light over, but you are not showing the wound (is some seconds before) but if you wanted to show the expression or lack of it (woman face), the angle is wrong because you put the girl´s face dark and in front, you cut their bodies and the face of the boy is in the corner, so you can´t pay attention to any face. There are too many scenes like this for a first episode. minute 1:23 the guy and the ant (too close). 1:40 the ant is big, we get that, but why is not over the floor, the characters appear a second later without feet, we get is big, but why not to put it complete, even if you wanted to show it form below, you could show the ground. Minute 3:43 this is cheap as f#%k way to show a gathering or reunion, and even like that, the interesting element in the shot (The Portal or Door) is out of the scene. and i could continue scene after scene. The Manwha panels are very detailed and have a clear intention, even with the estrange manwha format and panel's cuts, the composition, lights, colors palette, angles, is very well made. This is basic animation problems, even if you wanted to say is because is Manwha, is distracting and poorly executed. Lack of proper Photography direction, and lack of proper Direction in the episode. I don´t wanted to explain the argument problems, because as it is, the storytelling have many potential, but is not helping the crazy amount of characters that appear and distracted the viewer in the first episode, and we are not sure if they are important or not, because the time in screen was too short, or they were killed in an instant or probably will be death soon (I really don't know). The other reason is that i didn´t read the Novel or the Manwha, I heard is very famous. But as it is in the first episode of the anime, is very disappointing. I hope it gets better. I Hope...

[@scasimir1000]

Me personally, I'll be right up to the part where he was encapsulated by the merchant of ice and his father had to step in to help him out. Which now I got to reread it from the beginning to get up to that point and continue on what I'm going to let the enemy series stack up so I can spam it. I don't know if you're going to see this, but I would love your peeing hardcore leveling.

[@WickedAizen]

Watched the first ep when it aired and started reading the manhwa and now I'm on chapter 112. Ngl at first it was pretty good but now it's kinda mid. Hope something interesting happens in the next chapters.

[@Szn217]

Your in luck keep reading till the end. Read the side stories as well since they have very satisfying endings. At least the ones that don’t suggest a sequel

[@ktkace]

I marathoned the manhua in 2 days... A-1 pictures better do the webcomic justice!!!!

[@killian_hook_jones]

So I've been watching a fair amount of people reacting to this show and it seems like every single time there have been noticeable differences between them and even the version on crunchyroll. Like beyond just variations in the translating of the subs I'm talking entire different scenes that were cut or some even seemed added! Across several different react channels I have yet to see two identical episodes! One even had Song volunteering to be the leader which you pointed out was a detail that was cut!

[@looki4561]

The anime is definitely good enough. I mean, its unreasonable to expect a masterpiece (the anime) to be born out of a masterpiece (the manwha), since the chance is just way too low. However, the anime is definitely good, just in/slightly above my expectations

[@Anish_B]

At 2:17 is that the fontaine court music ? Goated music choices

[@hessian144]

i am completely new to solo leveling but the plot as i understand it is very amusing. i like it well so far and should probably go read the manga lol. thanks for the video! you actually answered several questions i didnt know i needed answered

[@Lloyd00]

i love that manwa readers got some glimpses of characters we'll meet in the future....mainly my dog Jin Ho!

[@remy5347]

LET'S FUCKING GOOOOOOOO!! FINALLY the only gripe i have is that they didnt include the statues signature smile in the first ep

[@TrainHardnett]

The starting scene is from the failed raid on the Island the guild attempted which only a few S rank hunters survived. Also the episode should have ended with the big fat creepy grin for the extra "you are fucked" cliffhanger.

[@Weeb7661]

13:37 i guess they changed it in the anime, but on the manhwa the runes were Hebrew letters.