English Dub Review: Solo Leveling -ReAwakening-

Overview

Solo Leveling -ReAwakening- features a catch-up recap of the first season coupled with an exclusive sneak peek of the first two episodes of the highly anticipated second season in one momentous theatrical fan experience.

Over a decade has passed since a pathway called a “gate” which connects this world and another dimension suddenly appeared, and people with superhuman powers called “hunters” have been awakened. Hunters use their superhuman powers to conquer dungeons inside the gates to make a living, and Sung Jinwoo, a hunter of the lowest rank, is considered the Weakest Hunter of All Mankind. One day, he encounters a double dungeon, a high-level dungeon hidden inside a low-level one. In front of a severely wounded Jinwoo, a mysterious quest window pops up. On the verge of death, Jinwoo decides to take on the quest, which makes him the only person who can level up.

Our Take

The histories of Korea and Japan aren’t actually rosie for the boomer generation, I’d probably equate it to that of German vehicles with American buyers of the same generation, but in today’s day and age the art that comes from both countries is very symbiotic which is why seeing Korean webtoons being produced by Japanese anime studios is a seemingly natural fit. Could this change in the future? Who knows, but Solo Leveling is absolutely a franchise that is probably the most prominent example of a series that benefits from this relationship.

The film adaptation of the anime series inspired by the infamous webtoon is entitled Solo Leveling-Reawakening- is directed by Shunsuke Nakashige and with animation by A-1 Pictures and motion graphics by Production I.G. The movie isn’t just a rehash of Season 1, it also features two brand-new, never-before-seen episodes of the upcoming Season 2. Normally when I see Crunchyroll produce compilation films like this, I usually come away disappointed. Far too often we’ll get the recapped seasons followed by an initial episode that acts as filler which begs the question why the hell even bother with the compilation in the first place? For Solo Level-Reawakening- I’m happy to announce not only is seeing this film an excellent way to revisit some of the show’s already iconic scenes from season one that only wrapped earlier this year, but boy, oh boy, do we a glimpse of a second season that may actually surpass the first season in every conceivable way.

BOTH of the first two episodes of the second English dubbed season of Solo Leveling are out of control. The production output between A-1 Pictures and Production IG have combined to reveal what may be the most awe-inspired anime of the year. The action sequences are absolutely jaw-dropping and may be giving a lot of Crunchyroll’s back catalog a run for its money, yes even whatever your favorite Shonen is at the moment. Aleks Le I’ve always found to be an interesting selection for the English dubbed take on Sung Jin-woo due to the fact that he’s kind of built like a professional wrestler and while Sung Jin-woo’s power is not to be questioned, he’s not exactly the most brute looking character in the history of anime. Granted that shouldn’t change who voices who, and granted I don’t want Aleks Le coming to look for me the next time I head to a Comic-Con, but who’s in charge of booking him for all of these small-looking characters?

Really though Aleks has solidified himself as probably one of the best voice actors in the game today and if you are like me and love his work on Bleach: A Thousand Year Blood War, Dandadan, and a dozen other series you’re gonna love him here. It will be interesting to see if the multitude of ancillary side characters introduced in these first two episodes will develop into anything worthwhile as season two goes on due to the fact that in season one nobody really carries over. Furthermore, it’s looking like season two is going to further delve into the challenge of Sung Jin-woo having a personal life and his responsibilities as a quest diver and I’m here for it.

Solo Leveling-Reawakening- the ideal catch-up for fans who want to relive the journey on the big screen and a great entry point for curious newcomers waiting to discover Jinwoo’s world.

Solo Leveling –ReAwakening– is coming to theaters on December 6 here in the U.S. & Canada (in IMAX on December 4.)