Whether you’re new to Solo Leveling or a long-time fan, chances are you’ve come across the franchise in more than one format: the anime, the webtoon (manhwa), or the original light novel. While all three versions follow the story of Sung Jin-Woo, the world’s weakest hunter who becomes the most powerful, each medium tells the story differently in terms of pacing, tone, character development, and worldbuilding.
If you’re wondering which version to read or watch first—or just curious how they differ—this guide will break it all down. Let’s explore the major differences between the Solo Leveling anime, webtoon, and light novel, so you can choose the best format for your taste or better appreciate the story across all three.
Origin of the Story: From Novel to Global Hit
Before diving into format differences, it helps to understand the origin timeline.
The light novel, written by Chugong, is the original source material. It was first serialized in 2016 and completed with 270+ chapters.
The webtoon adaptation, illustrated by Dubu (REDICE Studio), launched in 2018 and became a global sensation for its cinematic art and fast-paced action.
The anime adaptation, produced by A-1 Pictures, premiered in 2024 and quickly reached international streaming charts with its high-quality animation and music.
Each format tells the same core story—but each one prioritizes different elements.
Storytelling and Pacing
Light Novel
The light novel offers the most detailed and extensive version of the story. It delves into:
Internal monologues and thoughts
Political factions behind the scenes
Side characters’ backstories
Detailed dungeon mechanics and world lore
Because it’s prose-based, the pacing can feel slower—but that’s where the depth comes from. You get the full emotional arc of Sung Jin-Woo’s transformation, including his fear, self-doubt, and tactical decision-making.
Webtoon (Manhwa)
The webtoon takes the story from the novel and adapts it visually—streamlining scenes for faster pacing. It trims or simplifies some explanations to keep the action flowing and emphasizes:
Stylized fight scenes
Dramatic panel layouts
Visual growth of Jin-Woo’s character (hair, physique, aura)
You’ll notice that some minor arcs from the light novel are either shortened or removed entirely. Still, for many readers, the webtoon is the most accessible and addictive version.
Anime
The anime is based primarily on the webtoon but also takes creative liberties. It adds:
New original scenes (like extended side character moments)
Re-sequenced events to improve flow
Soundtrack and voice acting to heighten emotion
Some altered pacing, especially early on to build suspense
That means the anime isn’t a panel-by-panel adaptation of the webtoon—it’s a reinterpretation that balances visual appeal with runtime limits.
Character Development: Who Gets the Spotlight?
Sung Jin-Woo
In the light novel, his growth is deeply psychological. You see his trauma, hesitation, strategy, and eventual acceptance of power.
In the webtoon, Jin-Woo comes across as cooler and more reserved, with less internal narration. His confidence builds visually rather than introspectively.
The anime portrays him as even more emotionally vulnerable early on, especially with voice acting and background music emphasizing his loneliness and family bonds.
Side Characters
The light novel gives the most attention to characters like Cha Hae-In, Go Gun-Hee, Woo Jin-Chul, and even foreign hunters like Thomas Andre. Their motivations and relationships with Jin-Woo are fleshed out.
In the webtoon, many side characters are reduced to occasional appearances unless they directly impact Jin-Woo’s arc.
The anime tries to strike a balance—some characters like Jin-Woo’s sister or guild masters receive expanded scenes not seen in the webtoon.
If you love ensemble casts and character development, the light novel will satisfy you most.
Worldbuilding and Lore
Light Novel
The world of Solo Leveling—from dungeons and gates to monarchs and rulers—is deeply expanded in the novel. You’ll get:
Detailed lore about the System and its creator
Expanded mythology of the Monarchs and Rulers war
More thorough explanations of how hunter society functions globally
Strategic details behind Jin-Woo’s battles and decisions
Webtoon
Many of these elements are simplified or presented visually. For example:
The System interface looks like a floating UI
Rulers and Monarchs are introduced gradually with epic fight panels
Complex political threads are often skipped
Anime
The anime picks and chooses which parts of lore to expand based on available episodes. It relies heavily on:
Narration and short flashbacks
Music and visual symbolism to represent the System and supernatural elements
While it introduces the Monarchs arc later, expect some condensed storytelling compared to the novel.
Visual Style and Action
Webtoon
The manhwa’s artwork is a major reason for Solo Leveling’s success. It:
Emphasizes dynamic poses and glowing effects
Makes Jin-Woo’s power-ups feel visually satisfying
Uses cinematic angles and color grading to create tension
Anime
The anime elevates the webtoon’s visuals with:
Fluid animation sequences
Dramatic slow motion and high-intensity fight choreography
A powerful original soundtrack that amplifies boss fights
One key difference: the anime may tone down some of the gore or exaggeration found in the webtoon to meet broadcast standards.
What’s Exclusive to Each Version?
Light Novel Only:
In-depth look into Jin-Woo’s psyche
Extended Monarchs war lore and history
Entire arcs like Jin-Woo’s visit to Japan (fully detailed in writing)
Hidden training scenes and tactical decisions
Webtoon Only:
Visual redesigns of characters (Jin-Woo’s evolution is particularly iconic)
Unique pacing and paneling that heightens cliffhangers
Some minor dialogue changes to fit visuals
Anime Only:
Original dialogue not in webtoon
Added emotional beats with music
Rearranged scene order for dramatic impact
New angles on iconic webtoon scenes
Which Version Should You Start With?
| Format | Best for Fans Who… |
|---|---|
| Light Novel | Want depth, full lore, and emotional nuance |
| Webtoon | Love art, action, and visual storytelling |
| Anime | Prefer cinematic pacing, music, and high production value |
Many fans choose to watch the anime first, then read the webtoon to go further, and finally dive into the light novel to explore the deeper lore and motivations behind the characters. Whichever path you take, Solo Leveling remains one of the most gripping modern fantasy sagas available today.
If you’re ready for a deep, evolving story full of mystery, magic, and action—pick your format and start leveling up.