Few anime in recent memory have exploded likeSolo Leveling. Based on the South Korean web novel turned webtoon,the series has become a global juggernaut, amassing millions of fans from Seoul to São Paulo. Its premise is pure power fantasy: a weak hunter named Jinwoo becomes Earth’s most powerful being after a mysterious system allows him to level up by defeating monsters.
What really cemented the show’s success is the sleek production, striking fight scenes, and the underdog story that speaks to viewers everywhere.Season two ended big, but some emotions still linger behind the scenes.
Behind the Scenes, It’s a Bittersweet Grind
Solo Leveling Isn’t Just a Hit, It’s a Global Earthquake
This weekend at Anime Expo 2025, producer Atsushi Kaneko reflected onSolo Leveling’s incredible run. While fans lined up for exclusive merchandise and sneak peeks, Kaneko offered something more personal. “Even though season two is over, it still doesn’t feel like it was enough,” he shared.
“Every time I produce an anime or create something, there’s some sort of conflict or difficulty that I encounter.” It was a rare moment of honesty from someone at the heart of one of anime’s most successful franchises.
Kaneko added, “It can be tough at times, but when I finish,there’s also a sense of sadness that makes me feel conflicted.” The comment may surprise fans, but it makes sense given his career path. Kaneko has worked on productions likeThe Anthem of the HeartandSword Art Online, where high expectations and complex storytelling were key.
Kaneko is best known for balancing commercial hits with his personal vision. That emotional weight after completing a season reflects the pressure of meeting global expectations while still delivering something meaningful.
What Made Solo Leveling Resonate With So Many Fans?
Part of the Answer Lies in Its Clean and Powerful Storytelling
Jinwoo’s journey from weakest to strongest is easy to root for, while the animation brought his transformation to life with incredible flair. The show also arrived at a moment when Korean content was making huge waves worldwide.
With its hybrid origins and bold action scenes,Solo Levelingconnected across borders.A third season has yet to be announced, but the groundwork has been laid. Future arcs promise higher stakes, more monsters, and even deeper dives into the system itself.
Kaneko’s reflections at AX leave fans with a different kind of cliffhanger. His mixed feelings show that anime is more than a product; it is a process full of risk, reward, and reflection. AsSolo Levelinggears upfor what could be a longer future, that sense of unfinished business might actually be a good sign.
It showsthe team is invested, emotional, and ready to grow. Whether or not season three gets the green light soon, the story’s spirit lives on in the people who make it. For now, fans will just have to wait, rewatch, and level up their patience.
