You Aren't E-Rank, Are You?

Season 2 of Solo Leveling kicks off with the highly anticipated Red Gate Arc, setting the stage for an action-packed season rumored to conclude with the epic Jeju Island Arc.

The very first episode delivers an excellent balance of action and gore, providing a thrilling glimpse of the chaos and massacres that lie ahead. The animation is smooth, visually stunning, and truly elevates the experience.

What stood out the most for me in this episode was the incredible character development of our protagonist, Sung Jin-Woo. Once known as "the weakest hunter in the world," with an unremarkable and timid personality, he has transformed into a confident, powerful, and undeniably charismatic figure. His evolution from the humble beginnings of Episode 1 to now is remarkable. Sung Jin-Woo is no longer overlooked; he's admired by both his peers and the audience. Officers now humorously tell him to "stand back and give the newcomers a chance," while his newfound charm begins to captivate everyone around him.

This episode is undoubtedly better than S1E1. The pacing of the episode was spot on-I didn't even realize how quickly 24-25 minutes flew by. It's a fantastic start to the season, and this episode undoubtedly deserves a solid 10/10.

I mostly watch regular tv-shows and dont write many reviews, but this anime is so amazing i have to make an expection: Far better start as season 1. This episode has everything: mystery, new enemies/monsters and ACTION! For me its almost on the level of S1E2!

Jin-Woo is back for good and so much powerful and confident as at the beginning of last season. Its worth to watch this episode for the last 5 minutes only. I dont want to reveal to much, but: the shadow army will finally get something to do and this warriors really fabricate some iconic scenes.

And animation is even better than season 1 which was already high level. Can't wait to see what happens next in Red Gate Part 2...

"Solo Leveling" Season 2 Episode 1, "You Aren't E-Rank, Are You?", wastes no time throwing viewers back into the action-packed world of Sung Jin-woo. The episode seamlessly picks up from the season 1 finale, showcasing Jin-woo's newfound power and the challenges that come with it.

The animation is a significant upgrade from the first season, with fluid and dynamic fight sequences that truly capture the intensity of the action. The character designs are more detailed, and the overall visual presentation is a feast for the eyes.

The episode masterfully sets the stage for the season, introducing new threats and reintroducing familiar faces with renewed stakes. The encounter with the Ice Elves hints at the scale of the challenges Jin-woo and his allies will face, while the return of certain characters promises exciting confrontations.

For fans of the original webtoon, the episode faithfully adapts the source material while adding its own unique flourishes. The pacing is excellent, and the episode leaves viewers eager for more.

While the episode is largely successful, some viewers may find the dialogue a bit stilted at times. Additionally, the focus on action might overshadow character development in the early stages of the season.

Similar start as Season 1: Team enters a portal for an easy task/ mission, but the portal/dungeon keeps some surprises and shows up as an extremely difficult and lethal mission.

So far, solid start, but formulaic and not that suspenseful, because we know, it's the first episode of this second season and the main protagonist will survive this mission and level up again.

I'm a big fan of the mangas and the show. I'm glad about the second season and am hooked.

But: The episode is ok, but not a 10/10 or 9/10. That would mean, it's a (nearly) perfect episode and it's not getting better. It's a solid, fast paced episode with known tropes.

Relax and enjoy.

This was such a stunning way to make a first impression and tease the viewers about what is to come. My goat sung jinwoo is looking as hot as ever and I honestly cannot stand having to wait a whole week just for a mere 20 minutes of this masterpiece. I highly suggest watching the first season now to quickly catch up with the second one as it releases week by week. As a manwha reader I know for sure that the next episodes are going to be just as enjoyable as this first one. I have been left utterly speechless by this anime and manwha series. Truly impeccable in my eyes.

P.s. SUNG DRIP WOO the GOAT.