Solo Leveling is based on the hit web novel by Chugong, which began publication in 2016 through KakaoPage, and ended in December 2019 on Webnovel. Yen Press publishes the manhwa in English. Season 1 of the anime was a decent success, but Season 2’s popularity exploded out of nowhere thanks to internet memes and discussions. But that online popularity hasn’t converted into sales for the web novel.
Circana Bookscan recently released its monthly report of graphic novel sales from July. Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 26 held the top spot, with Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Part 7–Steel Ball Run Vol. 2 HC in second. Their domination is understandable, as both manga have new entries in their respective anime adaptations releasing soon. But of the 20 most popular comics and graphic novel volumes from July, not a single volume of Solo Leveling made the list.
The list included other notable big hitters, like Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 1, The Summer Hikaru Died Vol. 1, Gachiakuta Vol. 1, and One Piece Vol. 109. But, Solo Leveling also lost out to comparatively smaller IPs, like Toilet-Bound Hanako-Kun and Destroy All Humans. They Can’t Be Regenerated. A Magic: The Gathering Manga.
From an anime-only perspective, Solo Leveling Season 3 is almost a guarantee. Season 2 is one of the most popular, if not the most popular, anime of the decade in the US, toppling giants like One Piece, Demon Slayer, and Jujutsu Kaisen on Crunchyroll. But if the anime’s production committee factors in the franchise’s declining print manhwa sales, they could see Solo Leveling as a franchise that’s slowly losing popularity. This could cause the committee to hesitate regarding a third season, if it has diminishing returns in terms of merchandising and sales upon its release.
At the time of writing, Solo Leveling Season 3 still hasn’t been officially announced. However, fans are hoping for some good news by the end of the year to maintain the hype towards a third season.
H/T: Circana Bookscan
