Solo Leveling Episodes 4-5 [Review]
Episode 4 - I’ve Gotta Get Stronger
As Jinwoo continues his journey through the solo dungeon, he quickly graduates from taking down goblins to steel-fanged wolves. Defeating monster after monster, acquiring XP, he begins to get a better understanding of his unique power, actively growing stronger as the dungeon progresses. Still, even after downing dozens of enemies, the dungeon boss is its own monstrous challenge.
Recalling his difficult time as a hunter, being mocked and insulted, Jinwoo resolves to use this new strength properly. After an arduous fight, he triumphs over the dungeon boss and emerges stronger than ever. Meanwhile, a nearby dungeon break leaves a party of lower-level hunters at risk. Seeing the powerful boss threatening to wipe out the party and hurt innocent bystanders, Jinwoo taps into some of his newfound power and uses a broken sword hilt to shatter the bosses defense, creating an opening for the hunters to take it down.
Jinwoo’s transformation is well underway…
Episode 5 - A Pretty Good Deal
After staying committed to his workout routine, distributing skill points and getting absolutely jacked, Jinwoo has become the talk of the hospital. Due for his discharge, the nurses can’t help but gossip about his muscles, as the meek young man they took in after the initial dungeon incident has now evolved into a toned, stoic hunter of formidable strength.
After a call from hisincredibly understanding landlord (Late on rent? No problem!) Jinwoo goes scrolling through the hunter ads to find an appropriate raid to join. Afraid to draw too much attention to himself as a re-awakened hunter, he lucks out when a notification comes through for a C-rank dungeon. The cheerful party leader explains that they just need a couple bodies to fulfill the quota, and noting Jinwoo’s reputation as “the weakest hunter of all mankind”, in lieu of equally splitting the monster loot, they are offering a flat sum for tagging along. They’re also accompanied by a D-rank hunter named Yoo Jinho, whose parents provided a lavish set of armor and weaponry for their first raid.
Something about it just feels…off…and Jinwoo is constantly on edge as the party navigates the dungeon. The party is also running without a healer, which further adds to Jinwoo’s suspicion.
The party demonstrates their coordination and skill, and Jinwoo helps out with his keen perception in calling out an incoming attack with moments to spare. After the initial attack, however, the dungeon seems mostly empty. Insect husks and signs of other struggle are found…alluding to a more powerful enemy within.
Eventually they stumble upon a massive cavern of mana crystals. While not as valuable as the essence stones, the sheer volume promises a handsome payout to the whole party…including Jinwoo! After all, the contract only states he’d be left out of monster loot, not discovered treasure…right?
Well, maybe not. After the real intentions of the party are revealed, both Yoo and Jinwoo find themselves isolated in the dungeon boss lair. Jinwoo, however, refuses to stand down. He’s calm and confident - ready to showcase the power he’s gained in just a short period!
Solo Leveling has been a great fantasy jaunt for me.
The animation continues to impress, with bombastic action sequences becoming more frequent. While Jinwoo is the archetypal OP protagonist, watching Jinwoo’s transformation is endearing: like a proud parent cheering on their kid from the sidelines. I’m eager to see what sorts of new skills and abilities Jinwoo showcases in the upcoming conflict, as well as the inevitable justice he’ll bring on the party that tried to leave them for dead.
I’m also interested in seeing more of the S-rank hunters. We’ve gotten some teases so far, but I’m really curious to see how the dynamics change in the anime when Jinwoo begins to disrupt the previously understood hierarchy of power.
The anticipation is high - and the cliffhangers each week have me yearning for more. Looking forward to more Solo Leveling!
