[This review is spoiler free!] TL;DR: Overhyped? Probably. Zero-to-hero with beautiful fight scenes and good pacing. Read if you like the isekai genre, or shounen mangas with a relatively simple plot.

Without a doubt, Solo Leveling is a top-tier read.

Our protagonist, Jinwoo, is the weakest of the weak. If you are familiar with the shounen or isekai genre, you know exactly what is about to happen. In this aspect, Solo Leveling can be a hit or miss. If you aren't a fan of the isekai genre, you may be turned off by the later chapters. However, when it comes to story telling and character development, Solo Leveling is unmatched.

I can comfortably say that Solo Leveling gets a 10 across the board from me.

Starting from the very beginning, the story begins slow. As mentioned before, Jinwoo is the weakest of the weak. He is a scrawny boy who he teammates dread having on their side. He is pretty much the bag boy, carrying the heavy items that the rest don't want to be bothered with. However, after a near death experience, Jinwoo comes out as a new man. He is now in possession of a "system," which entire goal is to turn Jinwoo from the weakest, to the strongest the world has ever seen. From there, his adventure begins, as does the story.

In the beginning chapters, you may feel like Solo Leveling is overhyped with the mediocre artwork that is showcased at the start. However by around chapter 20, the art takes a dramatic shift in the right direction and it only goes up from there. It works well with the read, as you watch Jinwoo's appearance grow into a strong young man, from the small, meek boy we were introduced to at the beginning of the story.

Watching these transformation before my very eyes has been the greatest pleasure any author could ever offer me. If you read the first chapter of Solo Leveling and compare it to the latest, you will see two completely different people. This is an aspect that is missing in a lot of similar isekai and shounen reads. From start to finish, you end up with the same character. Sure, they went through some hardships and made friends along the way, but their character never developed any. Solo Leveling doesn't do that.

Each character, including the side characters, feel more dynamic and realistic. They are not bound to the will of their creator, but instead feel fluid, as if they were actual human beings, with their own wishes and wills. Each character feels deliberate and meaningful, rather than canon fodder or just some sort of device to keep the story going. I have found myself growing attached to each and every character Solo Leveling has offered. I cannot say this for a lot of other books out there.

I am truly invested into these characters. Each chapter has me on the edge of my seat, desperately waiting for more. In each chapter there is something new that keeps me wanting more. The only negative thing I can say is that the chapters come to an end. I can, and have, reread Solo Leveling time and time again. I can earnestly say it is one of the best things I've read in a very long time.

In the eyes of many, Solo Leveling has definitely been overhyped. This might ruin your overall experience with actually reading the story. If you fear that is the case, I will add this:

Solo Leveling is not for those who do not like the isekai genre, or an OP protagonist. This is not for those expecting the MC to have a harem of women by his side, or a gaggle of adoring fans. Solo Leveling has very little, if any, romance involved. Solo Leveling does **not** have an outstanding or awe-inspiring story or plot, in fact, these are some of it's weakest points. In the story and plot department, Solo Leveling is as predictable as anything can get, especially if you are well-versed in the realm of isekai. Don't go in expecting the holy grail of stories.

What Solo Leveling does have is beautiful fight scenes, realistic characters and character development, and overall enjoyment factor.

I will say, half of the reason I probably love Solo Leveling as much as I do, is because I have waited weekly for translated updates. If you are binge reading 100 chapters in one sitting, Solo Leveling might not be as impactful for you. As I think this is the case for most people who are reading SL because of the hype. Regardless, I definitely recommend this to those interested in the genre and looking for some beautiful art.