Introduction

I can tell we’re approaching a gigantic war in Solo Leveling. Battle after battle leads to revelations showing Sung Jinwoo has been part of a war that has gone on far longer than most were aware. I was excited to finally have volume 10 in my hands after the ending of the previous entry and was wondering what would happen next to our hunter.

I read Solo Leveling Vol 10 in one sitting and for good reason. Was it perfect? No, but several big revelations occur and lead to a strong volume! Why should you read this volume, ASAP? Let’s find out in my review of Solo Leveling Volume 10!

Thanks, Yen Press for providing us with an early-release copy here at SunsetNerdVerse!

Art Style

I haven’t reviewed anything of Solo Leveling yet and let me say that of the few dozen Manhwa/Webtoons I’ve read, Solo Leveling is one of my top 3! The art always looks stunning full of color and feels like watching an anime but in manhwa format. When Sung Jinwoo was battling Regia Monarch in the beginning, I was in awe between the two. Even the early battle between Thomas Andre and Sung Jinwoo makes me want the next volume now!

Nevertheless, volume 10 again shows the incredible art done by Jang Sung-rak.

Story & Characters

Solo Leveling has made plenty of mention of Monarchs and Rulers in the series but we haven’t been given a lot of information about them and Volume 10 shows us they are, indeed, enemies with one another and a war is coming once again—one that will allegedly change the world Sung Jinwoo knows. We equally get to see Thomas Andre who has been boasted about finally going toe-to-toe with our S-Rank hunter Sung! There’s a lot to look at in Volume 10, and while I won’t spoil it, let me talk about some of the highlights of value.

Sung Jinwoo has finally taken down the powerful Monarch, Regia, and is now facing the number 1 S-Rank Hunter, Thomas Andre. These two elements make up a lot of the shocking moments in Volume 10 but show how strong our Sung Jinwoo has become. Even more so, he’s able to stand toe-to-toe with fearsome enemies. I wonder how Sung Jinwoo will battle Thomas in the next volume but for now, Volume 10 planted enough to show this won’t be an easy battle and might be the prologue to the great battle looming in the shadows.

Pacing

Solo Leveling Volume 10’s pacing is likely the only thing keeping it from being a perfect 10/10. The first portion flows well and is chock full of action that keeps you locked in. We then have a bit of a formulaic middle where we learn what is happening in America and with some other hunters (won’t spoil who) and how it’s spreading to South Korea. Then before you know it, Thomas Andres goes to battle with our main man himself and I was like…wait, that all happened in almost a heartbeat.

We needed more slow portions after Regia to get our barring before being tossed into another battle. Still, Solo Leveling 10 is setting up for some big war-like battles soon so maybe this was a necessary element to avoid overloading in later volumes.

Panel Layout & Flow

Solo Leveling has never had any issues with panel layout and flow in all of the 10 volumes I’ve read up to this point. I think the panels can be a bit overwhelming, especially when the fights pick up but that’s a rare issue and I didn’t have that problem in the latest volume of the series. Likewise, the flow was nice. As I mentioned in the pacing section. I did feel that it was a bit too quick from battle to battle which could be seen as a flow issue but it wasn’t jarring to say it hurt the volume made it a bit too ridiculous.

Themes & Tone

The tone of Solo Leveling Volume 10 is interesting. When Sung Jinwoo learns of the war soon to be held between Rulers and Monarchs, the expression on his face is how we reacted. Seeing as these entities are powerful and full of various powers/abilities, a battle between them could cost the lives of those caught in the crossfire. Likewise, it could mean the entire world is thrown into a power struggle where even the hunters may not be able to stop them. Aside from that, seeing how America is beginning to make some moves shows our various Hunters will also be thrown into a battle that will test their mettle. I liked how Volume 10 felt grim in comparison to previous volumes and made me wonder what Sung would do next to survive.

Conclusion

Solo Leveling Volume 10 had a strong start with a ton of action and some God-tier art but the middle was slow and formulaic. Still, I can’t deny that the ending leads me to believe this series is edging closer to a gigantic battle and possibly closer to the finale! Solo Leveling fans will love Volume 10 and I can’t wait for Volume 11!

—Aaron