Legend of the Northern Blade vs Solo Leveling: Which Manhwa Deserves the Next Big Anime?
A dark revenge saga with rich martial arts and emotional depth.
Image via Crunchyroll
Following Solo Leveling's huge international success, another Korean manhwa lies in the shadows, waiting for its chance to shine. Legend of the Northern Blade, a dark fantasy series originally serialized in 2019, could match — or even exceed — the popularity of Solo Leveling, if it were to be adapted into an anime, as fans feel it should be.
Solo Leveling, on the other hand, became a runaway hit due to its addictive plot, fierce combat, and a hero who gradually climbed in strength. Its anime version by A-1 Pictures in 2024 only further solidified its position in the international limelight. Legend of the Northern Blade, in contrast, has been a cult classic, building up a dedicated readership silently with its intricate characters, darker narrative, and rich themes.
A Bleak World, A Revenge-Driven Hero
From writer Woo-Gak and artist Hae-Min comes Legend of the Northern Blade, which takes Jin Mu-Won, the sole son of the Northern Heavenly Sect, on a ride. When his father is unjustly accused of betrayal and kills himself, Mu-Won finds himself abandoned by friends and pursued by foes. After an opportunistic attack from the evil Silent Night group gives him an opening, he sets out on a long and arduous path of martial arts mastery and vengeance.
In contrast to Solo Leveling's level-based advancement, Mu-Won's growth is rooted in classic martial discipline. His path is arduous and agonizing, marked by sacrifice, emotional scarring, and hard decisions. The manhwa avoids the high-octane spectacle of level-ups for a more realistic, character-driven advancement.
A Protagonist Built on Loss and Resilience
Mu-Won's appeal is his humanity. He is not blessed with overwhelming power, nor does he trip over easy victories. His strength is hard-won in adversity and unassuming determination. This contrast makes him a poignant figure alongside Sung Jinwoo, Solo Leveling's legendary protagonist whose power progression is as swift as it is exhilarating.
The tale is also richened by its morally complex universe. Betrayal and shifting allegiances reflect the ever-present danger, while the distinction between good and evil frequently blurs. Such themes provide a rich framework for character-led storytelling, ratcheting up the emotional tension past the level of action sequences.
A Hidden Gem Awaiting Its Moment
Although critically acclaimed, Legend of the Northern Blade has not yet entered the mainstream. Its slower rate of production and more mature subject matter could have made it less appealing to readers who want instant gratification. Additionally, translator delays initially kept it from reaching a global audience. It is now fully translated into English through Tappytoon, but its source novels are not translated.
The absence of an anime adaption is one of the bigger obstacles. Looking at the experience of Solo Leveling, it is possible to see that high-quality anime adaptation can make or break a work. Many specialists believe that with a studio as MAPPA or Ufotable, working on Legend of the Northern Blade, the work could enjoy its own meteoric success. With its dark, mature theme, complex combat maneuvers, and its emotional storyelling, Legend would be perfectly animated.
A Perfect Fit for Today's Anime Landscape
The market for anime has seen a rising demand for darker and more mature stories. Anime series like Vinland Saga and Chainsaw Man have shown that there is demand from audiences for deep, dark stories. Legend of the Northern Blade, with its complex character buildups and tragic storyline, is just the right kind of show for this trend.
With more than 200 chapters of source material, there is plenty of content for a long-running adaptation. Its worldbuilding, which is full of political conflict, warring sects, and philosophical disagreement, has endless possibilities for episodic depth.
A Worthy Contender
Legend of the Northern Blade might not yet be a name on everyone's lips like Solo Leveling, but those who've read the series know that it has something very special to offer. It sacrifices flashy flash for emotional depth, and instant strength for gradual skill. These are not its weaknesses — they're its strengths that make it stand out.
Also Read: Solo Leveling Season 3 May Be Years Away, But the Delay Could Be a Good Thing
If afforded the same industry support, Legend of the Northern Blade might excel in tandem with Solo Leveling as one of the decade's definitive Korean action series. Its moment in the sun may be past due, but the narrative is prepared — and waiting — to enchant the world.
Written By Manika Kayal, Intern, India Today Gaming
