In the ever-expanding multiverse of anime, three powerhouse titles stand out for their unique flavors of storytelling, character development, and sheer action-packed intensity: Solo Leveling, Bleach, and Dragon Ball Super. While they each belong to the broader action/fantasy genre, the way they approach themes like power, transformation, and heroism couldn’t be more different. But which of them truly stands above the rest in 2025? Let’s break it down.
1. Solo Leveling: The Modern Power Fantasy Redefined
Originally a Korean web novel turned webtoon and then anime, Solo Leveling has taken the anime world by storm since its release. Following Sung Jin-Woo’s transformation from the world’s weakest hunter to an unstoppable shadow monarch, Solo Leveling offers an incredibly satisfying power progression that’s sleek, fast-paced, and visually jaw-dropping.
- Strengths: Beautiful animation (especially in the anime adaptation by A-1 Pictures), tight pacing, a relatable underdog story, and a protagonist who evolves with ruthless determination.
- Weaknesses: Lacks deep philosophical themes, and its villain development can feel rushed compared to older series.
Verdict: If you’re into dark fantasy with RPG-style mechanics and one-man-army battles, Solo Leveling hits all the right notes.
2. Bleach: The Comeback King of Classic Shonen
Bleach came roaring back into relevance with the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, finally delivering the long-awaited climax of Ichigo Kurosaki’s journey. Tite Kubo’s universe is as stylish and chaotic as ever, with Soul Reapers, Quincy, and Hollows locked in an all-out war.
- Strengths: Vast lore, a massive cast of iconic characters, and a masterclass in supernatural world-building.
- Weaknesses: Inconsistent pacing and some convoluted plot threads. Filler episodes in earlier seasons also hurt its reputation.
Verdict: For fans of deep lore and epic wars between factions, Bleach remains a titan in anime history, especially with its polished return.
3. Dragon Ball Super: The God-Tier Legacy Continues
Dragon Ball Super is the sequel series to Akira Toriyama’s legendary Dragon Ball Z, and it leans hard into multiversal battles, divine hierarchies, and transformations that redefine the meaning of “power level.”
- Strengths: Nostalgia, iconic characters like Goku and Vegeta, and larger-than-life tournament arcs that never fail to entertain.
- Weaknesses: Power scaling issues, recycled plot points, and sometimes shallow character development.
Verdict: If you’re here for explosions, transformations, and characters punching holes in space-time, DBS is still the king of spectacle.
Final Comparison Table
| Feature | Solo Leveling | Bleach | Dragon Ball Super |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protagonist | Sung Jin-Woo | Ichigo Kurosaki | Goku / Vegeta |
| Power Progression | Linear & explosive | Complex & lore-based | Multiversal & god-tier |
| Animation Quality | Top-tier (A-1) | Enhanced (Studio Pierrot) | Varies, but solid |
| Themes | Revenge, power, destiny | Identity, war, loyalty | Survival, strength, legacy |
| Fanbase Energy | New-gen hype | Nostalgic loyalty + new fans | Global phenomenon |
So… Who Wins?
It really depends on what you’re looking for:
- Want a fresh, modern take with killer visuals? → Solo Leveling
- Craving deep lore and stylish swordplay? → Bleach
- Just want to watch gods punch each other into other dimensions? → Dragon Ball Super
At the end of the day, each of these series brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re a new-school fan or a seasoned veteran of shonen anime, you’ll find a reason to love each one.
