Solo Leveling season 2 has been a roller coaster, and episode 13 did not disappoint. Fans who read the manhwa were watching closely to see how the anime would handle this important chapter. While some changes worked in favor of the anime, others left fans wondering what could have been. Let’s take a look at what got tweaked, added, or left out, and how that affects the experience for both anime-only viewers and manhwa readers.
A More Cinematic Final Battle
First off, let’s talk about the battle. The anime really nailed the fight choreography. The animation was smooth, and the camera angles made each move feel like a big deal. If you’re just watching the anime, you probably thought it was awesome, and you’re not wrong. But if you read the manhwa, you might have noticed that the fight was a bit more intense in terms of Jinwoo’s inner thoughts.
In the manhwa, we got more insight into his strategy and emotions, which made the fight feel even more tense. The anime, by focusing more on the visuals, left out some of that mental depth, which makes the fight feel a little less layered. It’s not a huge issue, but if you’re a manhwa reader, it’s definitely something you’ll miss.
Min Byung-Gyu’s Shadow Extraction Scene Was Altered
Manhwa fans will remember that Min Byung-Gyu’s shadow extraction played out very differently in the original. In the manhwa, Jinwoo had to search for the Hunter’s body using his shadows, and even when he found it, the extraction wasn’t easy, it took three attempts before it finally worked.
The anime, however, simplified this moment. Jinwoo mentioned that he could hear Min Byung-Gyu’s voice, asking him to use his power to save Cha Hae-In. And instead of struggling with the extraction, it worked on the first try. While this change doesn’t completely break the scene, it does take away some of the suspense and effort that made it more impactful in the manhwa. Anime-only viewers might not think twice about it, but manhwa readers will definitely notice the difference.
Jinwoo Used the Elixir of Life on Cha Hae-In
One of the biggest surprises in the anime was Jinwoo using the Elixir of Life to heal Cha Hae-In. If you’ve read the manhwa or the novel, you’ll know this didn’t happen originally.
The Elixir of Life is a rare, incredibly powerful potion that can cure any illness, but Jinwoo only ever had six bottles of it. In the original timeline, he used it to cure his mother’s Eternal Slumber and later to save Jinho’s father from the same condition.
In the manhwa, healing potions only worked if the patient’s HP wasn’t too low, and since Cha Hae-In’s condition was more about her physical injuries, Jinwoo didn’t give her the elixir at all. But in the anime, the normal potions didn’t work on her, as expected, but Jinwoo tried to use the Elixir of Life. It’s an unexpected twist that adds a new layer to the story, showing that even longtime fans can still be caught off guard.
Missing Character Moments That Hurt
Now, here’s where things get a bit disappointing. The anime cut out or downplayed some important character moments, which left a noticeable gap for fans who know the source material. Take, for example, the confrontation between Jinwoo and a high-ranking guild leader.
In the manhwa, this scene is full of tension and sets up future conflicts, showing how much power Jinwoo has gained. In the anime, this moment was rushed and didn’t have the same impact. For anime-only viewers, this might seem like just another scene, but for those who’ve read the manhwa, it’s a bit of a letdown.
Also, Cha Hae-in’s character development took a hit in the anime. There’s a moment in the manhwa where Hae-in has a realization about Jinwoo, which hints at her future role. The anime completely skips this, and it’s a shame. For anyone who hasn’t read the manhwa, you probably won’t even notice, but it’s a missed opportunity for some important character growth. Maybe they’ll somehow incorporate it in season 3.
A Surprise Extended Scene
But not all changes were for the worse. One surprise upgrade was the extended scene with Beru. In the manhwa, Beru’s comedic moments often felt a little rushed, but in the anime, the extra time given to his interactions with Jinwoo really helped flesh out his character. His humor and loyalty came through a lot more. It’s a small addition, but it adds a lot to the overall tone, and anime-only viewers will definitely appreciate it.
The Ending Leaves a Different Impression
The ending of episode 13 also takes a different pace than the manhwa. In the source material, things move quickly, and we’re immediately thrown into the next big challenge. The anime, on the other hand, takes its time, letting some of the emotional moments linger a bit longer.
For anime-only viewers, this might feel like a nice, reflective moment. But for manhwa readers, it might feel like a bit of a slow down before the next big event. While the pacing change isn’t necessarily bad, it’s a bit of a shift in tone from what the manhwa set up.
Final Thoughts – A Mixed Bag, But Still a Solid Episode
So, was Episode 13 of Solo Leveling perfect? Not exactly. There were some highs—like the amazing fight choreography and the extended Beru scenes—but also some lows, especially with the missing character moments and the pacing changes.
If you’re watching the anime without having read the manhwa, you might not feel the impact of these omissions, but manhwa readers will definitely notice them. Still, the anime continues to deliver on the action and visual front, and it keeps the excitement alive for what’s to come. Hopefully, the future season will strike the right balance between staying true to the source material and adding creative touches for the anime.
About Solo Leveling
Solo Leveling is a Korean Webtoon written by Chu Gong and illustrated by Jang Sung Rak. It is adapted from the web novel; I Alone Level Up. Kakaopage publishes it in South Korea and Piccoma in Japan. The series ended in December 2021 and has been collected into 14 volumes.
Portals connecting the Earth to realms of monsters have opened up, and hunters defeat those monsters. Sung Jin Woo belongs to the lowest level of hunters, but after getting involved in a Dungeon quest, he alone can see quests like that of a game.
His journey to become the most powerful hunter and bring peace back to Earth begins.
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