Solo Leveling vs Ragnarok: a beginner-friendly comparison

Hello, this is Kanahina 😊
This article explains the differences between the popular sequel Solo Leveling: Ragnarok and the original Solo Leveling in a simple way.

📘 Start with the original Solo Leveling

Solo Leveling is a manga-style webtoon based on a Korean novel. The protagonist is Sung Jinwoo, known as Shun Mizushino in the Japanese edition.

He begins as the weakest hunter, but after being chosen by a mysterious “system” at the edge of death, he gains the unique ability to keep leveling up. Eventually, he becomes a being beyond S-rank and gains power that can affect the fate of the world.

The appeal is not only battle action. Family, allies, enemy tactics and the interests of nations all connect into a large-scale dark fantasy story.

⚔️ What is Solo Leveling: Ragnarok?

Solo Leveling: Ragnarok is a sequel set after the ending of the main story. The protagonist is Sung Suho, the son of Sung Jinwoo.

In a world that seemed to have regained peace, a new abnormality appears, and Suho inherits the power of the Shadow Monarch. The story focuses on his growth, his conflict as the son of a legendary father, and a new generation of threats.

As of May 4, 2025, the Japanese Piccoma release was still ongoing and had not reached its ending.

🔍 Quick comparison

🎯 Which one should you read first?

Both are appealing, but I recommend reading the original series first.
Once you know Jinwoo’s growth and achievements, you can understand Ragnarok’s world and Suho’s feelings much more deeply. Ragnarok works best when you already know the weight of Jinwoo’s presence.

📚 Where can you read them?

As of May 4, 2025, I could only read Ragnarok on Piccoma in Japan. It was not yet available on ebookJapan or DMM Books.

The original Solo Leveling is available on stores such as ebookJapan. New users can use a 70% off coupon for up to 6 books, so it is a strong option if you want to buy many volumes cheaply while using PayPay point rewards.

Ragnarok is still ongoing, so I plan to keep reading it and write another review later.

Want to buy all volumes cheaply? ebookJapan

🖌 How is the art different? DUBU and the new art team

The original Solo Leveling was illustrated by DUBU, also known as Jang Sung-rak, from REDICE Studio. His powerful battle scenes and delicate character expressions were a major reason the series became such a hit.

Sadly, DUBU passed away in July 2022, and Ragnarok is handled by a different art team. The new series respects his style while adding a slightly softer, more modern look. Readers may notice small differences in facial expressions, battle effects and visual details.

I have also written a separate article about DUBU.

Piccoma PR video for Solo Leveling: Ragnarok

I also found a video on YouTube, so I am including it here.

💬 Summary

Solo Leveling: Jinwoo’s growth and his fight against a world crisis
Ragnarok: a new adventure where Suho tries to surpass his father
Reading both makes the themes of parent-child contrast and inherited power more meaningful

Solo Leveling is a classic rise-from-weakest-to-strongest story with powerful visuals and strong worldbuilding. Even after its conclusion, it remains highly rated and easy to reread.

Ragnarok is the next-generation story. It is especially recommended if you want to know what happens after the main story or follow a new Shadow Monarch.

If you are unsure, start with the main story and then move naturally into Ragnarok 😊

❓ Frequently asked questions about Solo Leveling