If you’re a fan of Chugong’s Solo Leveling series, you know it’s a rollercoaster of captivating artwork and heart-pounding action sequences that keep you hooked.
But amid all the excitement, one moment left both readers and the series’ protagonist, Sung Jin-Woo, traumatized – the appearance of the enigmatic Smiling Statue.
In a Double Dungeon, a colossal statue unleashed heat vision, disintegrating Jin-Woo and his raid party and sporting a sadistic smile that has haunted fans. So what is this smiling statue?
In the Solo Leveling manhwa, the smiling statue is known as the ‘Statue of God.’ It becomes Sung Jin-Woo’s main adversary. Initially mysterious, it’s unveiled as the Architect’s formidable creation, a colossal replica of the Absolute Being. After it decimates Jin-Woo’s team, he returns stronger with level 100 powers and defeats the Statue of God, asserting dominance over the Architect’s creations. Fans also found similarities to Attack on Titan’s Smiling Titans.
Explained: What Is The Smiling Statue in Solo-Leveling?
In the Solo Leveling manhwa, the enigmatic smiling statue is identified as the ‘Statue of God,’ serving as the primary antagonist faced by Sung Jin-Woo.
Initially shrouded in mystery, it’s later revealed that the Statue of God was the most potent creation of the hidden boss of the Double Dungeon, known as the Architect.
The statue’s grin first appeared when the raid party members followed the Cartenon Temple’s first commandment, ‘Worship the God.’
As they kneeled before it, the Statue of God displayed its horrifying smile and glowing red eyes, sending shivers down readers’ spines.
As the story unfolded, it was disclosed that the Statue of God was a colossal replica of the Absolute Being.
It sat on a throne with an expressionless face, surrounded by smaller statues. Despite the party’s belief that praying to the statue would stop the onslaught, it mercilessly slaughtered them, leaving only Sung Jin-Woo behind.
Jin-Woo’s survival depended on his choice to become a player of the System, granting him a second chance at life and growth. Months later, he returned to the Double Dungeon, this time significantly stronger at level 100, invited by the Architect to test his abilities.
Once more, the Statue of God and its minions confronted Jin-Woo at the Architect’s command. Despite their overwhelming numbers, Jin-Woo triumphed over all the statues, reserving the final showdown with the Statue of God.
In a stark contrast to their previous encounter, Jin-Woo’s immense strength allowed him to overpower the Statue of God, landing powerful blows on its face.
This triumphant battle marked the end of an era as Jin-Woo established his dominance over the Architect’s creations and ultimately defeated the System’s creator.
On the Solo Leveling subreddit, user PreviaSens said about the smiling statue, “God statue smile honestly gave me nightmares.”
Another user, YareYareDaze7, said, “I knew I was going to be on one hell of a ride right when I saw that smile.”
Fans also couldn’t help but draw parallels between the Smiling Statue and the Smiling Titan from Attack on Titan’s premiere.
Eren’s younger self was even compared to Jinwoo. While their worlds differ significantly, the shared theme of facing overwhelming threats until they become strong enough to fight back resonates.
Both series explore characters’ journeys from vulnerability to empowerment, and if Solo Leveling’s gore-filled visuals are any indication, it’s ready to deliver intense moments akin to Attack on Titan.
So, if you’re yearning for an anime to fill that Attack on Titan-shaped hole in your life, the Solo Leveling anime might be your next thrilling adventure.
What do you think of the Smiling Statue’s role in Solo Leveling? Does it give you Attack on Titan vibes?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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