Solo Leveling is a story of video game logic and preposterous scenarios but it’s also the story of one person’s overcoming of trauma. (Mild to Heavy spoilers ahead). Here we have a hero who has been given an unbelievable power in a world where unbelievable powers are common-place. Here in this world people have become hunters, or people endowed with super-human abilities to fight incursions of monsters from different dimensions called “Dungeons”. (Familiarity with video games and anime will expedite a lot of exposition). Our protagonist is a substantially below average hunter with the title of “The Weakest Hunter” who upon joining a seemingly typical expedition is granted something more by protecting others at the cost of his own life.
Our lead Sung Jinwoo, starts as a complete weakling, someone who is guided to become strong in the oncoming struggles. However he isn’t picked to become a hero because he’s already physically strong, he’s the hero because he is willing to push past his weakness, he’s the hero due to his emotional strength. Our heroe’s video-game-like abilities and their growth mirrors his own victory in his internal struggles. Time and time again as the weakest he’s faced injury and death but his desire to care for his ailing mother and younger sister pushes him to continue to face annihilation. Again and again he barely makes it just for a bit of money his family desperately needs. Once he’s given newfound powers it’s this willingness to confront Death that allows him to grow. Again and again he’s faced with his mortality but his determination allows him to grow beyond his limits. He’s still haunted by his “death” and it rattles him every time he has to face it again, but he does so regardless.
Jinwoo isn’t the hero because he was chosen, he’s the hero because he’s willing to put himself in mortal danger for those he loves. His family becomes his reason to continue. It’s only in facing those most fearful moments and pushing past them can we overcome our weaknesses, our traumas, as Jinwoo does.It’s ok to enjoy something for being dumb fun, but sometimes there’s a bit more beneath the surface. Both are equally ok but Solo Leveling is an example of where entertainment and statements about the human condition can be found. If you haven’t read the Manhwa or watched the show, go ahead, you might like it.
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