Anime are all of different kinds; some of them pull the viewers into a blood-pumping world of hype while others show a wonderful world of fantasy. For instance, Solo Leveling delivers thrilling action, but something feels missing from it.
That is when a series like Jujutsu Kaisen comes to the rescue, with a fulfilling series that is a complete meal without anything lacking. I enjoyed every last slurp of it. The fights in Jujutsu Kaisen are extremely stunning, the world is beautifully crafted, and the power-ups are very satisfying.
Solo Leveling is extremely popular, and there is a reason for that. Not only does it have exceptional action sequences, but the animation is stellar as well.
The difference between action and substance
Watching Solo Leveling makes me realize and appreciate just how well-crafted Jujutsu Kaisen is, not only does it feel like a real setting with a lot of immersion through the world-building, unlike Solo Leveling, where it seems like everything happens to serve the protagonist (massive plot armor), Jujutsu Kaisen is different.
I understand why people love Solo Leveling; it is fast-paced and thrilling, and it really gets you going. Yet, compared to Jujutsu Kaisen, it lacks the depth that makes a story truly stick and be memorable.
Sure, Yuji Itadori might have a Demon King inside him, but the other characters like Gojo Satoru, Megumi Fushiguro, and even Sukuna shine, being gradually fleshed out, getting as much attention as protagonists do in a usual Shonen.
The series has got everything, from its dynamic characters, who are extremely charming and lovable, to the emotional stakes that are attached to the battles. Unlike Jinwoo’s life, which seems extremely solitary, with all of the characters just being supports, Yuji forms bonds that stand strong until the very end.
Appreciating a gem like JJK before it’s gone
There’s no denying Solo Leveling excels in spectacle, and it makes for a very thrilling, blood-pumping watch. I can watch it once and feel good about it, but does it change anything? Will I wonder about the mysteries of the world and the interactions of the characters that are happening in the background?
Probably not, the world-building in Solo Leveling falls short compared to the world of anime like Jujutsu Kaisen or Frieren: Beyond the Journey’s End. These are the series that will be remembered and talked about because the style and hype are temporary, it is the plot and the narrative that stays with you.
Unlike the power-scaling and power-leveling focused Solo Leveling, Jujutsu Kaisen really dives into the story. It feels like it pulled me in to explore the struggles, philosophies, and relationships of the characters. I can define what each character is, even the minor ones.
But with Solo Leveling, the cold and somewhat aloof Jinwoo seems alien to me. In fact, his cool-guy persona makes him feel detached and unrelatable, even during emotional times. This is why watching Solo Leveling, although I had a lot of fun, reminded me not to forget a series like Jujutsu Kaisen.
Solo Leveling and Jujutsu Kaisen are available to stream on Crunchyroll.
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