An Isekai Overlord: Why Solo Leveling’s “Anime of the Year” Win Missed the Mark

In a move that has been widely debated across social media and forums, the Crunchyroll Anime Awards crowned Solo Leveling as the “Anime of the Year.” While the win is a testament to the series’ immense popularity and undeniable success as a global phenomenon, the decision has left many critics and long-time anime fans scratching their heads. The truth is that while Solo Leveling delivers on its high-octane action and flashy animation, another series from the same year stands leagues above in terms of emotional depth, masterful storytelling, and technical brilliance. That series, which many argue is the real Anime of the Year, is none other than Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.

The debate is not about whether Solo Leveling is a good show. The manhwa adaptation, handled by A-1 Pictures, delivered on the power fantasy that fans have been craving for years. The animation is crisp, the fight choreography is dynamic, and the score by Hiroyuki Sawano is as epic as expected. However, when we break down what makes an anime truly great, Frieren excels in every category where Solo Leveling, despite its strengths, falls short. This is an important discussion for understanding the difference between a popular series and a genuine masterpiece, and for anyone who is looking for the best anime recommendations.

The Case for Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

If Solo Leveling is a story about gaining power, Frieren is a story about what happens after the power is gained. It subverts the traditional fantasy narrative and explores themes of loss, memory, and the passage of time with a level of maturity and grace that is rarely seen in the medium. Here’s why Frieren is the true king of the year:

1. Storytelling and Emotional Resonance

While Solo Leveling‘s plot is a straightforward and satisfying power fantasy—a weak protagonist gets a cheat-like ability and becomes the strongest—Frieren‘s narrative is a quiet, contemplative masterpiece. The story follows the elven mage Frieren, who, after a decade-long quest with her companions to defeat the Demon King, is left to grapple with the reality that she, with her thousand-year lifespan, has barely noticed the passage of time. The show’s emotional core lies in Frieren’s journey to understand the human experience and the profound connections she made with her now-deceased friends. Each episode is a gentle exploration of memory and regret, building a powerful, heartfelt narrative that resonates on a deeply human level. This is a far cry from the relentless action and “get strong” mantra of Solo Leveling, and it’s a testament to the fact that great storytelling doesn’t need flashy fights to be compelling.

2. Character Development and Depth

Sung Jinwoo’s character arc in Solo Leveling is about becoming stronger. While there are some emotional moments and a touch of humanity, his development is largely linear and predictable. In contrast, Frieren‘s characters are complex and nuanced. Frieren herself goes from a detached, immortal being to one who actively seeks to understand and cherish the fleeting moments of human life. Her journey is defined not by how much stronger she gets, but by how much more she cares. The supporting cast, from the determined warrior Stark to the kind and emotional priestess Fern, are all given their own moments to shine, with their own desires, fears, and internal conflicts. The relationships between the characters feel genuine and earned, making their adventures feel more meaningful than a simple leveling-up process.

3. The Art of Animation and Direction

While A-1 Pictures did a commendable job on Solo Leveling‘s animation, especially during its climactic fight scenes, Frieren‘s animation by Madhouse is in a league of its own. It is not just about the explosive fights; it is about the attention to detail, the subtlety of the character expressions, and the breathtakingly beautiful background art. The visual direction of Frieren is masterful, using cinematic wide shots and gentle, fluid movements to convey emotion and tone. The animation breathes life into a world that feels vast and alive, with a visual style that is both stunning and understated. The show’s quiet moments are often more impactful than its action, a feat that is only possible with a skilled team that understands that animation is a tool for storytelling, not just spectacle. For anyone who truly appreciates the artistry of animation, Frieren is a showcase of what the medium can achieve.

A Battle of Popularity vs. Quality

The “Anime of the Year” award, as with many fan-voted awards, often becomes a popularity contest. Solo Leveling came into the year with an astronomical amount of hype, fueled by a massive global fanbase from its webtoon origins. The marketing budget, the iconic soundtrack, and the raw power of the source material all contributed to its mainstream success. Frieren, on the other hand, was a more slow-burn phenomenon, a critical darling that gained a dedicated following through word-of-mouth and its consistently high quality. While Solo Leveling captured the popular imagination with its action, Frieren captured the hearts of viewers with its emotional depth and beautiful narrative. It is a timeless story that will be remembered and rewatched for years to come, a mark of true greatness. While Solo Leveling may be the “Anime of the Year” by a popular vote, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is the one that deserves the title based on its superior craftsmanship, powerful storytelling, and emotional impact. It is a series that proves that in the end, substance will always trump flash, and a good story will always be better than a good grind.