The first two episodes of Solo Leveling season 2 are now streaming on Crunchyroll.Much like the video games it emulates, the anime series Solo Leveling often forces its protagonist to tediously grind away in order to gain experience and level up a gift unique to Sung Jinwoo in this universe of invading monsters and the magical hunters who keep them at bay. But when that repetition is followed by a big, hyper-intense, and awesome fight, it justifies the whole thing. This is a show thats practically criticism-proof: Just when it seems like Solo Leveling is wasting the audience's time with a subplot that goes nowhere or with side characters that threaten to steal our attention away from Jinwoo's feats of strength, it throws a dozen visually stunning, jaw-dropping things at the screen. Theres not much substance to Solo Leveling beyond its thrilling fights, but the beginning of season 2 is still an exhilarating, fist-pump-worthy good time.Thanks to the flashyThese two episodes see Jinwoo continue his journey toward antiheroism (and at times full-on villainy). They even raise some interesting questions about the corrupting nature of Jinwoo's powers and make some hints that hes becoming more like the monsters he fights in the dungeons. Yet all that is quickly brushed aside in favor of developments like the arrival of vicious killer Hwang Dung-soo, whos looking for Jinwoo in order to avenge the death of his brother. Hed be an intimidating presence if Solo Leveling had any sense of stakes, but we all know theres zero chance of this guy actually posing a threat to Jinwoo.We also get more of the White Tiger Guild leader's interest in Jinwoo and whether or not he has reawakened, an interesting mystery with some potentially huge consequences for the larger world of Solo Leveling. But that storyline is moving at a snail's pace and its kind of hard to remember that people discovering Jinwoos stupidly huge increase in power is meant to be important. And, of course, there's the mystery of the program that allows Jinwoo to level up, the most compelling story of the show, but thats another pot that seems to be simmering in the background. What we said about Solo Leveling Season 1"The first season of Solo Leveling brings gaming mechanics to animation, with a thrilling power fantasy that understands the tediousness of experience farming, the fun of gaining a new level and skill points, and the thrills of facing down a boss. Thanks to dazzling visuals, a killer soundtrack, and interesting world-building that explores how the emergence of magic and monsters would reshape our modern world, this is the start of a great anime." Rafael MotamayorScore: 8Read the complete Solo Leveling Season 1 Review.So there is more to Solo Leveling than the action, but in the early stages of season 2, the show seems uninterested in paying attention to anything other than Jinwoo's accomplishments in combat. Once these storylines move along, perhaps the anime will gain some actual substance. But for now, it doesn't matter. Everything is secondary to the intensity of the fight scenes and the tremendous number of "hell yeahs" they elicit.And you know what? It works. This is not a show I watch for complex characterizations, nuanced discussions of morality, intricate world-building, or even memorable characters. I keep up with Solo Leveling for the same reason I watch gamers pull incredible acts of badassery in Elden Ring or play a game using every cheat code and mod available. That's where Solo Leveling becomes a distinctively thrilling viewing experience.Solo Leveling Season 2 Premiere Gallery