In the anime community, there is a habit of gatekeeping that often tries to label certain shows as “guilty pleasures” or not “real” anime, and one show that has found itself in that unfair spotlight is Solo Leveling. Critics dismiss it as shallow, a mindless power fantasy for people who just want cool fight scenes and glowing auras. But here is the thing, Solo Leveling is not trying to be Monster or Steins;Gate, and it should not have to. It delivers exactly what it promises, which is a high-octane, stylish, and emotionally engaging thrill ride with enough depth to keep fans hooked.

Sure, it leans heavily into tropes most anime viewers have seen before, with a weak MC becoming a literal god, dungeons, leveling systems, the whole package, but writing it off just because it does not prioritize slow-burn psychological complexity is missing the point. Solo Leveling is so successful because it understands its strengths and plays to them with gusto. So instead of trying to invalidate people’s enjoyment of the show, maybe it is time to appreciate what it actually is, a damn good anime that delivers on spectacle, stakes, and style.

Power Fantasy Is Not an Inherently Bad Genre

Solo Leveling is Exactly What It is Trying to Be

It needs to be said that power fantasies are not inherently bad. In fact, they are a core part of why so many people fall in love with anime in the first place. From Dragon Ball Z to Naruto to Attack on Titan, the idea of watching a character grow from weak to practically unstoppable is a narrative hook that works for a reason. Solo Leveling knows this, and instead of dancing around it, it dives in headfirst. It is a series about growth, about overcoming fear and inadequacy, and there is nothing cheap or shameful about that.

The show’s protagonist, Sung Jinwoo, starts at rock bottom being mocked, overlooked, and powerless. But as he climbs the ranks, the audience does not just cheer for his strength; they connect to his struggle. There is a deep, primal satisfaction in watching someone take control of their fate and refuse to be crushed by it. The “aura farming” and fight sequences are a metaphor for the grind everyone faces, just with a lot more swords and shadows. Power fantasies work because they let people experience catharsis through the hero’s victories.

Critics love to roll their eyes at Solo Leveling’s nonstop escalation, but honestly, that is part of the appeal. It is not pretending to be a subtle political drama, the series knows it is here to entertain. And it does. The tension builds episode after episode, with power-ups and boss fights that feel earned and satisfying. If fans are looking for a quiet slice-of-life or an introspective character drama, this might not be their anime. But if they want to feel their blood rush with each level-up screen, then Solo Leveling delivers tenfold.

Visuals Matter, And Solo Leveling Slaps

Solo Leveling Has Amazing Animation and It's Time That It Was Appreciated

One of the most immediate draws of Solo Leveling is its animation. From the very first episode, it’s clear that this is not an average adaptation. The studio, A-1 Pictures, went all-in on making sure every frame drips with intensity and polish. From the smooth transitions to the intricate choreography, the visual storytelling makes even the simplest moments into full-blown cinematic experiences. This is not just “good for a battle anime”, this is peak production value that rivals the best in the genre.

Fight scenes in Solo Leveling are masterclasses in pacing and visual design. Each swing of a blade or summon of a shadow feels like it has weight, thanks to smart animation direction and tight editing. The use of color and lighting, those deep purples and electric blues, create a recognizable aesthetic that is both modern and memorable. And do not forget the sound design that pairs with it: heavy bass drops, blade clashes, and ambient dungeon dread all wrapped in a killer soundtrack. It is the kind of show fans want to re-watch just to see how cool everything looks again.

Visual storytelling and animation can say more than dialogue sometimes, and Solo Leveling understands this.

But the visuals are not just flash for flash’s sake. They serve the story. The world of Solo Leveling is harsh, and the aesthetic reflects that. Every time Jinwoo steps into a new dungeon, the environment feels oppressive and alien. When he powers up, it is not just a stat bump, it is a transformation viewers see and feel. Visual storytelling and animation can say more than dialogue sometimes, and Solo Leveling understands this. It turns every battle into a spectacle not just of action, but of emotional stakes.

Yes, the Story Has Depth, Even If It is Not Perfect

Solo Leveling Does Have a Good Story, Despite It's Sole Focus on Jinwoo

A common complaint is that Solo Leveling is all style and no substance, that beyond Jinwoo’s ascension, there is little real story. But that take feels surface-level at best. While it is true the show prioritizes action, there is narrative meat here, just not the kind that waves a flag for attention. It is woven into the world-building, the rising tension between guilds, the mysterious origin of dungeons, and Jinwoo’s evolving identity as something more than human. If anything, it is a slow burn that does not reveal all its cards at once.

That said, the show is not flawless. Secondary characters often get sidelined, and the world-building could go deeper. But these are areas for growth, not reasons to discredit the entire series. The foundation is solid, and there is genuine intrigue driving the plot forward. Who controls the system? What lies beyond S-Rank? Why was Jinwoo chosen? These are compelling questions that the series takes seriously, and as it unfolds, it hints at a grander design behind the monster-hunting mayhem. It is not just about killing bosses, it is about uncovering truths.

Additionally, Jinwoo himself is much more than a silent and cool hero. His journey is one of self-worth, of rising from someone discarded to someone indispensable. He questions the morality of his power, the cost of survival, and what it means to be “human” when your strength isolates you. No, he is not monologuing about philosophy every episode, but his internal evolution is quietly impactful. He is a protagonist who learns, adapts, and bears the weight of his choices, which are all qualities that deserve more recognition than the show usually gets credit for.

Anime Fans Need to Stop Policing Enjoyment

Solo Leveling Is a Solid Anime That Can be Loved by Anyone

At the end of the day, anime is entertainment. It is allowed to be flashy, fun, and adrenaline-pumping. Not every story needs to be a meditation on the human condition. Solo Leveling is a love letter to action junkies, to gamers, to fans of underdog stories and overwhelming victories. And there is nothing wrong with loving that. The idea that enjoying Solo Leveling somehow makes someone less of an “anime fan” is just snobbery masquerading as critique.

Solo Leveling is awesome, and that is enough. It is well-animated, emotionally charged, narratively satisfying, and deeply fun.

So let’s stop pretending that enjoyment needs to be justified with academic analysis. Solo Leveling is awesome, and that is enough. It is well-animated, emotionally charged, narratively satisfying, and deeply fun. Whether fans watch it for the fights, the world, or the fantasy of overcoming impossible odds, they are valid. No qualifiers. No guilt. Just good anime.