This Was Not What I Was Expecting | Solo Leveling Episode 1 Reaction

[@minami_janai]

Solo Leveling is the most read webtoon of all time i’m pretty sure. I even remember there being a petition for an anime of it to be made years ago

[@rogerluiz2479]

Many people who haven't read the work fell for the bait of the trailer, those who read it know that the trailer didn't deliver anything other than the possible first 3/4 episodes... the work has all the fantasy base of RPGs, the best work of the genre that I've already read it, and I'm boring about the quality of what I see... there are few low points, but there are many epic points that will remain in your memory.

[@julesvr5205]

Yeah, the non-readers have no idea yet what great will all arise in this show

[@Benzxz2333]

Why​@@julesvr5205

[@noblecody]

I see what u did there @@julesvr5205

[@EldenLord.]

@@julesvr5205 Arise, exactly.

[@Blitzxcell]

@@julesvr5205 Yeah, Arise..

[@psy_99]

Sung jinwoo has already awakened. Every hunter are awakened and are given a ranking upon awakening that they can never change. So since he awakened as an E rank, he can no longer grow more. I find it fitting that A1 is animating this since Solo Leveling has always been compared to SAO. Btw it also goes by another title "I Alone Level Up". After watching I suggest checking out the Manhwa even just for the art. IMO it's one of the few manwha that makes full use of the strengths and limitations of the medium. The panelling is second to none and they lay out the action to look like it's in motion as you scroll down.

[@davetheblade]

I've read Solo Leveling Manhwa several times, but when I first saw the trailers I was skeptical about how it would turn out, but now that it's here I'm really happy with what they are doing!

[@sk8notacrime]

Bro you’re so effing smart I swear I got a crush on you… the only reactor who actually payed attention to the “no one can get stronger after their awakening” and connected the dots. Please keep reacting to this so I can keep falling harder for you, thank you. This is a demand btw , not a request

[@galakstiv]

"No matter what they try, their powers will no longer develop" ... as a matter of fact, the original title was not "Solo Leveling", but "나 혼자만 레벨업" which basically translate to "Only I level up". I don't know where Solo Leveling comes from (probably the english-translated version of the webtoon by fans) but it would usually mean to level up by staying solo/not grouping with a party. All hunters are capped at their awakening level, except for a handful of cases which will talked later on.

[@bolt2134]

The best way i could describe solo leveling to a novice would be that it's the dragón ball z of manwha simple plot, insanily hype and iconic

[@saberathena4960]

On point mate

[@Raffalius]

That's a terrible comparison. Dragonball z is a terrible anime.

[@saberathena4960]

@@Raffalius nope, you know right that nobody agrees with that, sure dbz doesn't have a that masterpiece of a storyline but sure is iconic or a inspiration for so many animes of today.

[@Raffalius]

@@saberathena4960 I don't really understand why it's so well liked. Artstyle is terrible, story is weak and the fights is straight up boring to watch.

[@saberathena4960]

@@Raffalius maybe it's not suited for you so why spread hate if someone likes it

[@electricant55]

Finally a reactor that didn't talk over and miss the "once awakened you can't get stronger" bit

[@zackwilcox3183]

I think the best thing this series has going for it is character growth and action and kinda unique designs i.e. the statues and how they look etc. also main characters power is my favorite type , without spoiling anything. After reading it all and seeing this first EP. I think it's gunna be a banger anime and I hope you continue watching. ( At the end of your video yes that is sign language for "thank you" )

[@CSM_Kobeni]

0:25 I wasn't impressed about trailer either. But a year ago I heard about it and then I binged read it last month. Man oh man I love drip woo. The book covers are pretty great too. Always at every target.

[@mambamentality3141]

Yessir

[@geovaninoconnell]

There were literally five trailers released for this series. If it was the Manhwa trailer (1st one) no wonder you thought it wasn't impressive.

[@CSM_Kobeni]

@@geovaninoconnell No I actually saw at least 4 trailers. (Can't remember exactly how many I saw) but thats because I saw the book covers at like I said target. I was like "I heard of this" and the covers of the manhwa are awesome. Then I was like "who is this kid" then after reading it I was like "THATS WHY THEY CALL HIM DRIP GOD" The trailers focus a lot on the first 5 episodes. That is my criticism. After that he changes. When he changes I love it.

[@Benzxz2333]

​Why

[@1lonethos_98]

I ain't go lie this woman reaction was a w. She was actually getting to understanding the anime/ story Big w🔥

[@godxxinferno]

This will be a top 5 anime for me, can't wait for everyone to love it too!

[@EvilPerson666]

For the team that goes in the Gate the rule is they can call for majority vote but the whole team must stay together no matter what the result is... In this case the majority vote for to go in so even if you says no you still has to go... Otherwise your carrier as Hunter end if you abandon the team...

[@drewferguson4787]

Because of how raids work, its either they all go or none of them do. So the ones who didn't want to go just leaving would be considered a crappy thing to do.

[@Werday-bv7eh]

I remember the first time I read this, the sensation convinced me that the story would be interesting, I didn't expect to enjoy the sensation again when I watched this ☕

[@Dove0faction]

The ending is the ultimate F around and find out

[@lizardkirby1196]

Im so happy you're reactioning to this show, I've heard great things about this anime!😁

[@willbordy]

Some information, just for comparison, without spoilers, In Average an E rank is around at least twice if not up to 5 times stronger them a normal person and the ranks keep following that logic where normally a single D rank if well equip enough could wipe a whole E rank team of 10 people, so an S rank is strong enough to wipe cities and being a national treasure or threat. I think there is only like 5 S rank hunters in the whole Korea and even Like Japan has 6 or something, There are very rare worldwide Also, Hunter can't evolve normally, no matter how much you work or train, You can kind of became more skilled and have better equipment but an E rank always is going to lose to a D rank

[@fsnr836]

I've read it a lot of times and even tho i love how fun and hype the story is, it also has problems. I see it like a mix of one punch man and sao, basically dont expect a very complex story and it will be a very fun watch

[@try2fly]

Finally someone who did not read manga or so. -.- true fresh reaction. Ty

[@theeLonelyRedPanda]

If you've never read the novel or the webtoon. There's so many nods/easter eggs and set ups in this first episode is crazy. Like they showed us the initial raid on the ant island which we never saw it was mentioned and introduced us to S rank hunters in the first few minutes is crazy.

[@sounakparui1054]

Even if all of Korea's current hunters came to this dungeon they would not make it out alive. Not even the S ranks.

[@rachidattallaoui1378]

If they follow the manhwa or the light novel this have great potential but you should judge it yourself uk ❤

[@mambamentality3141]

Facts

[@gustavocampanari2853]

I loved the manhwa. One of the best stories I've read. Didn't know they were making the animated series. This is gonna be good...

[@centripetal6157]

Story: Basic as f*%k show about anime video game tropes - where the weak main character gets an infinite cheat code and becomes the strongest. Wow. Great story. Just like the million other anime video game stories.

[@muneyotsuki8164]

The manwa was so good. Never watch trailers. They're just spoiler reels. But nothing can compare to the art of the manwa. Still very good.

[@irvinnunez1781]

I think it would be a good idea to react to the anime and read the manwah on your own time so you can experience both appreciate the art and tell the differences between the two

[@irvinnunez1781]

Also I’m an extremely huge fan of Solo Leveling having read the Manwah & Light Novel multiple times So any questions or clarifications or even fun facts with the anime compared to the manwah or light novel I’d be happy to answer. (No spoilers of course)

[@mikepriestey2547]

Fall to the abyss 😅😂. Solo Leveling is already huge from the manhwa

[@susbedo9258]

I think Solo Leveling will be quite enjoyable and decently good. But people seriously need to stop hyping up too much as it will fall under expectations.

[@zephyrekansh]

If I am unsure about any ongoing trending anime or any show, I wait out a few episodes to get some proper genuine feedback rather than falling for the hype of fans. Coz it depends on a person's liking. Then I try it, imo 3-4 episodes should be enough to show potential. I did the same for jjk and demon slayer, but they delivered in the very first episode😮🔥

[@CSM_Kobeni]

If you are unsure about the anime like you said multiple times in the video...read up to chapter 16. That will get enough juice if you like the show or not. (which would be ep 4ish with 24ep in season so enough for you to get a taste before you dive in a full course meal)

[@kevinkovacs3131]

Season 1 is total 12 ep btw. lol

[@Matheus2Mr]

@@kevinkovacs3131 Wasn't this expected to have 26 eps?

[@kevinkovacs3131]

@@Matheus2Mr That's what I read in multiple websides so I think i'm right.

[@marvenhendi3831]

@@kevinkovacs3131its split into 2 cours i am pretty sure so first coure is like 12 and the rest would be the second cour

[@kevinkovacs3131]

@@marvenhendi3831 i guess but I haven't seen nothing about cour 2 and they most of the time they say somethinf about it before it starts to air like at least 2-3 weeks.

[@LukasJampen]

People just happen to awaken with a specific amount of magic power and that amount will never change, no matter what you do. You might get a bit more out by training and polishing your fighting but that is negligible. Also better gear can give you a straight power boost but that is expensive and might get you from C to B but only if you already were in the upper range and it would only get you into the lower range of B. And considering that B ranks earn more money and can buy better gear than the C rank, it won't make much difference.

[@Prudaeng]

cant wait until she discovers sung drip woo

[@lordhandro]

I expect a lot from solo leveling from what I’ve heard about it, so far it looks like it’s gonna be very promising

[@CLOUDED_YT]

8:34 you know it’s coming but you still get scared 😂. It’s pretty creepy tho 😂

[@lanzduldulao7636]

It's tru that the people who voted no could've stayed behind but it's also tru that there's safety in numbers and even tho they defeated the official boss there's still unseen threats they might not be ready for if they decided to split up which is why all of them went

[@waltwhite8126]

SOLO is a decent power fantasy, but it got a lot of hype due to it's fantastic artstyle and the good pace of the first half. I'm very curious if it will live up to its hype for the ppl that didn't read the manhwa/novel.

[@tarno_bejo_]

Yeah, i thought it would be such military operation just like in Gate Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri (what a long title X-P ). But i guess its gonna be another pain in the butt to watch "japanese-korean anime" type like Re Zero. What a disappointment :(

[@markbaradas5630]

ARISE!!! My fellow Solo Levelers...

[@mr.vesper5659]

And so it begins.

[@remus4283]

I enjoyed the manhwa up to chapter 110. After that I became very critical of the direction the story went in. HOWEVER, this episode alone has shown a willingness to correct some of the issues I had with the manhwa. Expanded worldbuilding and character motivations. As long as it doesn't neglect and fodderize the side characters like the manhwa did, Solo Leveling has to potential to be something truly special.

[@waltwhite8126]

Don't expect the anime will change that much, no amount of small changes will correct the lack of side character development SL has. I'm curious how the anime will turn out since it is being overhyped as f*ck. It's a good power fantasy, but nowhere near the level of the hype it's getting.

[@remus4283]

@@waltwhite8126 I get you, but one of the major changes I saw that gives me hope, is the new plot point of the government wanting mana shards to use as clean energy. I dont recall that being a plot point in the source material so it seems they are working towards a less superficial arc. Also they introduced the dead S rank who we never saw in the manhwa. This gives me hope for the national level hunters who were criminally underused. Lastly they made Sung's motivations a lot more clear and relatable in just this one episode. Unlike the manhwa I actually felt something for the MC. So I'm cautiously optimistic about this adaptation. I always thought that with the right changes and expansions SL could compete for top 10 battle manhwa/manga

[@waltwhite8126]

@@remus4283 I hope this adaptation becomes the best it can be!

[@portgasace474]

I agree The arc ending that really let me down and made me realise how repetitive the manhwa was becoming was the ants arc(I don't remember which chapters it was but i think it was towards the end of season 1)

[@remus4283]

@@portgasace474 Yea the Jeju Island Arc ended around 110. But I was most let down by the reveal of what the system was. In the early chapters it felt like this dark manipulative thing that came with a cost. I was so ready to see what price SJW would have to pay for that power... but nope it was all good and 100% on his side. Another theory I had was that the National Rank hunters also all had systems and would be rivals to Sung.... but nope everyone other than the MC is fodder.

[@DreamyCozyLife]

My Liegeeeeeee!! I'm so excited!!! FINALLY!!!! I'm a fan since light novel, then manhwa and now, the anime will be release!! The epic cliff hanger of Solo Leveling continous!!!! This feeling whenever I wait for a new chapter during the manhwa, now having the same excitement and feeling for new episodes of the anime!! MY LIEGE AND MAH BOY BERU!!!! ANOTHER HELL OF A RIDEEEE!

[@irfankamalludin359]

Why you skip cha hae in? 😂

[@muneyotsuki8164]

Not sure where you're watching this, but these subs are really unclear. They're better on crunchyroll. Basically "Once these abilities have been awakened, no amount of individual effort can ever increase their power." You can't raise your magical power level. You get what you get.

[@buggydes]

I'll be honest. The story of solo levelling is nothing impressive but dammit it's pretty damn fun

[@Louie23LA]

A lot of people hyped this one up. I hope it's a good one.

[@outforbeer]

Hype is based off manwha. Whether anime live up to is unknown

[@susbedo9258]

Go with an average expectation. It is average kind of good but not anything that blows our mind, and judging from the 1st episode. It will be enjoyable not a masterpiece

[@Gikens2]

Yeah... not much to talk about with this episode, they should have combined episode 1 and 2.

[@NadeemShekh-uy9zn]

You look good in that X-Men t-shirt

[@darkaquatus]

The internal logic of this story already makes no sense which prevents any type of immersion to occur. Kind of a shame, really. I mean, the entire reason this guy does a job he's not equipped for to get less than the bare minimum of money he requires is completely ridiculous considering the fact that he can just take a job at freaking McDonalds. I don't know, it's pretty disappointing already.

[@RazorStormInc]

I might be eight months late with this reply, but it's really funny that you don't understand the weight of his family's financial woes. You think working at McDonald's is going to cover medical treatments for his mother and college funds for his sister? He awakened as a hunter and the prospect of hard cash was suddenly dangled in front of him. Very few things offer the kind of cash he needs, and he awakened as one of the few that does.

[@darkaquatus]

@@RazorStormInc Yes, I understand the idea of making lots of money was enticing and so he gave it a shot. But he realized right away that this was never going to work and he immediately saw the pathetic amount of money he made doing it. So him giving it a try is something I understand. But him continuing to do so after realizing he's not making any money with it and he'll probably end up dying from it soon does not make any sense.

[@RazorStormInc]

@@darkaquatus The story (not just the anime) presents it as the only real option he has, with the way gates have changed economics.

[@darkaquatus]

@@RazorStormInc If they wanted to present it like that they should have told us that there's a huge unemployment issue going on at that time and the guy tried to get a 'real' job but he simply couldn't find any and therefore tried doing the one thing that was left, even if it paid like shit, he sucked at it, and it would end up killing him. Now that I think about it, that would have been a way better storyline, don't you think? But sadly they did none of that and instead wrote and character story and a world that simply don't really make too much sense.

[@RazorStormInc]

@@darkaquatus Actually, all you have to do is use your head. He's only in his early twenties, he has no prior experience in any high-paying profession nor any college degree to get such jobs with. Then, he awakened as a hunter and suddenly he finally had a way to get the money he needed. He's not going to get the money he needs working a normal job.

[@debamalyanath5793]

Just wait till the he says 'ARISE'

[@juicermcgooser3352]

it was ight the animation was kind of plain at the beginning but some good effect in the last scenes we will have to see if the story can keep us invested alot of people hyped this show

[@dany_ltv]

Ok good first episode. I still need to see more. But they were fucked when they walk into that last room. I would have bailed out when I saw the room with imposing statues and that light itself with magic. 😅

[@dullus]

Ngl, as a fan I do feel like the anime (or atleast this first episode) is really for us, but not too sure about new fans going into it. spoilers... there's a lot of things/characters that were immediately introduced where as in the original, we only kinda hear about them for a while (i.e Cha). I think it would've been better if they just did the whole double dungeon gate in the first episode, as that event is a really good hook into the show. They could've moved all the introduction of future characters and explanation of the world in the second episode when they re-test Sung. just imo tho

[@rayz7899]

I agree on moving the introduction of the characters and future characters to the next episode. Because I saw some people say they should get rid of those scenes entirely which I find absurd because it just makes the story better in the long run.

[@ilikeknives1000]

just watched it myself and i feel good about it also remember these guys have powers they are cocky and think this low level dungeon doesn't pose a risk

[@PainfulSin]

We in for a long ride i cant wait for the next episodes 😂

[@Shanks6039]

Peak leveling 🔥

[@rahul-ve6dd]

2 ep you will get interested and from there it will be grind.

[@ryouvans6293]

One of top anime for this year, good first episode😁

[@diceblitz09]

ARISE!!

[@bittersugar-101]

The reason it hype because manhwa have really good artwork I think. and really cool MC. 😂😂 In my opinion it take sometime to get hype. like 40 Chapters in manhwa, which I think that where season 1 gonna end (or maybe sooner). It interesting anyway, even not that hype but also not bad, just maybe not like what people said. because if it end around that point, there're not much things to show. just like another gamelike comic, but it is after that. In short: It's good, just not from beginning.

[@rahul-ve6dd]

Yeah but the begining slow is needed to get invested in mc.

[@kurosakii89]

I have read the manhwa and have to say, yeah this is good but I bet it doesen't "start" before episode 4 or 5 anyone else thinks this?

[@hectornonayurbusiness2631]

I heard a lot of good things about this show and the first episode did not disappoint.

[@kurosakii89]

its a slow start for sure I bet it doesent "start" before acouple of episdoes in I would say.

[@mikaelgauslaa5547]

If the animation lives up to the expectations the manhwa created, its gonna be a good lookin show and very hype. However in terms of story, its fairly mid.

[@Wheelerarsh]

Peak leveling

[@aseprusnandi2759]

People exaggerate the Solo Leveling manhwa. The Jeju island arc is the best of these manhwa. If you like very strong MC, visuals, okay combat and don't really care about the storyline, this is recommended for you. I have read it to the end. My rating for Manhwa Solo Leveling is 6 out of 10. But I heard that A1-Pictures adapted the light novel, not the manhwa, and I heard that the solo leveling manhwa cut 50% of the story from the light novel, so I have hope that the anime will be better than the manhwa. Sorry I wrote this all with the help of Google Translate (my English is very bad).

[@rogerluiz2479]

6/10 is underestimating... this webtoon doesn't fit into either extreme, the journey is truly epic with moments that will remain in my memory forever, I never forget the best parts I read, my only reservation is the end of the work, that part is a little lower, overall it is easily an 8/10, much more fun than Jujutsu the anime copycat, that one is overrated.

[@brandonkukumayeyi6048]

I think it's was my first webtoon and goddamn i was so in to that

[@pegasix99]

But you have not mentioned the reasoning behind your rating on the manhwa? What were you hoping for it? Was it just for the story? Besides, I don't think it is an exaggeration. Its predictable that so many hype the manhwa because of course nobody would be reading that much compared to the light novel and all you have to see is just mostly pictures, which apparently cause people to be so excited for its vibrant visuals and action-packed panels. I have not read the novel so I don't know anything. Still, no offense, but calling it an exaggeration on the manhwa from the eyes of a faithful light novel reader isn't the way to go for me. Or are you really just not invested of how manhwas represent the story because its highlights more of action? If you are not then, would you still keep the same rating for it as a 6/10 and believe it is still an exaggeration?

[@SynergyHD]

Sometimes simplicity is good. And the story is simple. Its generic, but the way they executed it was great and that is why this show is a good show

[@brandonkukumayeyi6048]

@@SynergyHD exactly just like demon slayer

[@radamanthy]

This begin remember Gantz... it´s good but go to far in webtoon.

[@Ocean88]

I feel the hype for this show is misplaced, I vaguely remember being disappointed reading the manwha. The concept of an “epic” main character power fantasy doesn’t do it for me, felt a lack of substance, but who knows I hope to be proven wrong.

[@shamalziyad1312]

You have no idea what's coming next , not compare this to some Japanese normal isakei shit

[@geovaninoconnell]

No way this is forgettable...

[@FelixRodriguez-ct9ll]

👍