Bleach: Solo Leveling creator's latest comments prove the series will receive a Bleach TYBW treatment

Solo Leveling season 2 has been the center of nearly 90% of discussions in the animanga community. Following the success of the first season, fans fell in love with protagonist Sung Jin-Woo and what he was becoming. Season 2 episode 1 debuted as one of the anime's biggest, garnering a ton of positive feedback and reactions. With the hype so high, there couldn't possibly be more.

But in fact, there is, in the form of author Chugong's comments. The creator of the original web novel has allegedly been heavily involved with the animating studio to further enhance the Solo Leveling anime. While staying true to its source material, the anime looks to be adding extra bits and pieces which elevate the story to another level.

Furthermore, Chugong has also revealed that he is working on additional content surrounding Igris and Ashborn. This has led the animanga community to believe that the series will now receive the Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War treatment.

Disclaimer: This article might contain spoilers for Solo Leveling and Bleach TYBW.

Chugong's comments indicate Solo Leveling to be handled like Bleach TYBW

Sung Jin-Woo and Igris (Image via A-1 Pictures)

Solo Leveling season 2 has been all the rage since Studio A-1 Pictures began releasing teasers. Safe to say, the anime's second season has more than justified the hype, topping popularity and rating charts. As fans eagerly await each episode's release, the author of the original web novel Chugong elected to step in and further stir things up.

As per recent news, he mentions that he knows where the new season will extend, i.e., the arcs it will adapt. This happens because Chugong is directly involved in the second season's production. This information is very similar to what happened with Bleach TYBW. Creator Tite Kubo also involved himself in the production of the TYBW Arc, thereby enhancing the anime adaptation.

In Kubo's case, the mangaka couldn't conclude the manga the way he had envisioned. The TYBW Arc was rushed due to his health issues and pressure from editors, publishers, etc. While it ended, the manga's conclusion wasn't exactly to Kubo's liking. For instance, the ending's deus ex machina, i.e., Uryu Ishida's clutch moment - no build-up.

Ichigo Kurosaki vs Yhwach (Image via Pierrot)

Thus, to deal with such shortcomings, Kubo directly stepped into the production of anime. As seen, several new Bankai were revealed, Uryu vs Renji Abarai was anime-only, Uryu vs Ichigo Kurosaki was extended, comedy was reduced given the grim setting, etc. All in all, Kubo is attempting to steer TYBW as per what he originally envisioned to do justice to the series and its massive fandom.

Now with Solo Leveling, even in season 1, A-1 Pictures took the liberty to add anime-original scenes. Needless to say, this elevated the series and made it more appealing. It did not interrupt the flow of the main storyline, but instead, the extras were welcome additions. The same looks to be in store for season 2 and its scheduled 13-episode-long run.

Moreover, Chugong is also reportedly working on side stories for Igris and Ashborn. The former's introduction in season 1 was heavily anticipated and now, his role in season 2 is crucial. Ashborn, who enters the story at a later stage, is another character whose introduction is much-awaited. The source material doesn't expand on Igris, but Chugong doing so now will elevate his character.

This further aligns with what the producers promised when season 1 ended, i.e., that they would endeavor to make Solo Leveling more than Jin-Woo. True to it, that is exactly what Igris and Ashborn's stories will do, alongside the anime-original content of the supporting cast.

In conclusion

Igris vs Ice Bear (Image via A-1 Pictures)

All in all, the Solo Leveling anime shares massive potential for enhancement with Bleach TYBW. Both creators being involved in their respective series' production can yield only positive results, as is evident with the latter. At the time of writing this feature, Solo Leveling season 2 episode 2 is mere hours away and will testify to the claims mentioned above.

As for the arcs being covered, given its 13-episode run, season 2 will likely adapt the Red Gate Arc, Demon Castle Arc, Retesting Rank Arc, Hunters Guild Gate Arc, and the Return to Demon Castle Arc. There was much hope that A-1 Pictures would also adapt the Jeju Island Arc, but that is highly unlikely. Considering its importance and length (17 webtoon chapters), it requires special attention.

Thus, season 2 should end on a massive cliffhanger, with Jin-Woo being compelled to travel to Jeju Island to face an overwhelming threat. But for fans' happiness, Esil Radiru will likely make her anime debut in the Return to Demon Castle Arc.

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Edited by Tiasha