In a recent episode of Crunchyroll’s special feature, “The Leveling of Solo Leveling,” producer Sota Furuhashi and director Shunsuke Nakashige provided insights into the process of adapting the immensely popular manhwa into a widely acclaimed anime series.
Furuhashi emphasized the key difference in pacing between adapting a manga and a webtoon, noting that a manga volume could be covered in two to three episodes, whereas a webtoon like Solo Leveling required around 1.5 episodes for the same content.
Addressing this challenge, Furuhashi revealed,
“In order to overcome that, we added a bit of extra meat to the story with an eye towards the overall adaptation.”
Nakashige chimed in, explaining that the brisk pace of the webtoon, which might be suitable for a quick read, needed adjustments for a 20-minute TV format.
He stressed the importance of incorporating ups and downs in the narrative for a more engaging viewing experience in the anime medium.
Director Nakashige collaborated closely with original author Chugong and D&C Media to introduce this “extra meat” to the story. Production discussions began in 2020, and D&C’s approval was sought for every aspect.
D&C Media CEO Choi Won-Yeong disclosed that multiple anime studios vied for the opportunity to adapt Solo Leveling, ultimately selecting Aniplex and A-1 Pictures for the project.
Nakashige’s meticulous choices have proven successful for Solo Leveling, earning it global recognition and securing a spot on IMDb’s Most Popular TV Series list.
Despite Episode 7.5, a recap episode, receiving negative feedback, it reflects the passionate fan base’s eagerness for more content rather than dissatisfaction with the quality. Fans are already clamoring for a second season, as discussed in a CBR feature that breaks down expectations for Solo Leveling Season 2.
The Solo Leveling anime, along with “The Leveling of Solo Leveling” special, is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
The platform’s description of the series highlights the protagonist Sung Jinwoo’s journey, marked by resurrection after a brutal encounter in a high-ranking dungeon, unveiling a mysterious system that enhances his abilities, and his quest to uncover the secrets behind his powers and the dungeon’s origin.