Shunsuke Nakashige, the director behind the immensely popular Solo Leveling anime, recently shed light on the decision to forego the cartoon-like expressions that characterized the original manhwa in the TV adaptation.
In response to inquiries about his approach to bringing Solo Leveling to the small screen, Nakashige went into the discussions he had with his team during the adaptation process.
In an interview with Animate Times, Nakashige explained,
“I believed that this project demanded visuals that aligned with contemporary trends. Consequently, I aimed to minimize cartoonish elements and instead focused on utilizing compositions, colors, and cinematography techniques akin to those found in live-action productions.”
He adds,
“However, this approach posed challenges, as it consumed considerable time and resources while potentially diluting the essence of the source material. To strike a balance, extensive deliberations were held with each department during meetings and video screenings.”
Nakashige’s insights into the adaptation process echo sentiments previously shared in the documentary, “The Leveling of Solo Leveling.” In this special feature, he acknowledged the inherent challenges in directly translating the fast-paced narrative of the manhwa to the screen.
To address this, Nakashige and his team introduced additional narrative elements to enhance the story’s coherence and pacing. Importantly, he emphasized that these alterations were not a reflection of the manhwa’s quality but rather a strategic effort to ensure that the anime captured the original’s core and entertainment value.
This candid explanation provides fans with valuable context behind the creative decisions shaping the Solo Leveling anime. While diverging from the visual style of its source material, the adaptation seeks to deliver a compelling viewing experience that remains faithful to the spirit of the beloved series.
As Nakashige continues to navigate the complexities of adapting Solo Leveling for the screen, fans eagerly anticipate the evolution of this amazing anime saga.
The Collaborative Evolution of Solo Leveling
The absence of comedic elements in Season 1 of Solo Leveling sparked debates among viewers, both seasoned fans and newcomers alike. Some drew parallels between Shunsuke Nakashige’s recent remarks and the polarizing reception of the Chainsaw Man anime, which also opted for a live-action aesthetic over a more whimsical tone.
However, unlike Chainsaw Man, the alterations in Solo Leveling were made in collaboration with the series’ publisher, D&C Media, signifying a mutual agreement.
As revealed in “The Leveling of Solo Leveling,” every creative decision underwent scrutiny and approval from D&C Media, who served as supervisors for the project.
This collaborative approach ensured that changes to the adaptation were made with careful consideration, aligning with the vision of both the production team and the original creators.
Solo Leveling’s upcoming Season 2 on Crunchyroll is highly anticipated by fans. Described as a tale of resilience and self-discovery, the series follows Sung Jinwoo, the world’s weakest hunter, who undergoes a transformative journey after a harrowing encounter in a high-ranking dungeon.
Empowered by a mysterious program known as the System, Jinwoo begins on a quest to unravel the secrets behind his newfound abilities and the amazing dungeon that bestowed them upon him.
In anticipation of Season 2, fans can look forward to further developments in Jinwoo’s quest for strength and understanding.
With Crunchyroll set to continue streaming the series, audiences can expect a continuation of the exhilarating saga that has amazed viewers with its blend of action, mystery, and supernatural intrigue.