When Solo Leveling swept the webtoon scene, it did more than just smash records; it established an empire. With a gripping tale, jaw-dropping artwork, and a protagonist who grew stronger with each chapter, it’s no surprise that it became a worldwide phenomenon. However, now that the anime has premiered and the original series has concluded, viewers are left wondering what comes next.

If you enjoyed Solo Leveling for its action, world-building, and tension, there’s good news: there’s an entire universe of underappreciated manhwa (Korean comics) with equally engrossing storytelling, amazing images, and new narratives. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the genre, 2025 is the year to discover hidden gems that are flying under the radar.

So grab your favorite snacks, clear some space on your reading list, and get ready to dive into a world beyond Solo Leveling.

1. The Legend of the Northern Blade

Let’s start strong. The Legend of the Northern Blade is a masterpiece that deserves way more attention. The story follows Jin Mu-Won, the last descendant of a powerful sect, who goes from isolated outcast to avenging warrior. If you’re a fan of training arcs, emotional backstories, and epic sword fights, this one delivers in spades.

What distinguishes this manhwa is its steady burn. It takes its time developing characters and setting the stakes, so when the action begins, it hits even harder. The art style complements the emotional intensity of the story, which is raw, dramatic, and startling. In short, if you enjoyed Jin-Woo’s journey in Solo Leveling, Mu-Won’s climb could be your next passion.

2. Nano Machine

Imagine waking up one day with a futuristic nanotech system implanted in your body that boosts your abilities in a medieval martial arts world. That’s the hook of Nano Machine, and yes, it’s as cool as it sounds. The protagonist, Cheon Yeo-Woon, is a martial artist outcast who gets a major power-up—think AI assistant meets cultivation master.

The combination of science fiction and martial arts fantasy is refreshing. The action is fast-paced, the stakes are high, and the battle sequences are the chef’s kiss. Furthermore, the progression feels earned. Yeo-Woon does not become OP (overpowered) overnight; he works for it, and the AI system adds a fun twist to his development.

3. Return of the Blossoming Blade

This one’s a hidden treasure for fans of martial arts and dry humor. Return of the Blossoming Blade (also known as Hwasan Reincarnation) flips the usual grim hero trope on its head. The protagonist, Lee Jaha, once a legendary warrior, gets reincarnated into a much younger body. But instead of becoming cold and stoic, he’s sarcastic, petty, and hilariously confident.

What makes this series shine is its balance between action and comedy. The martial arts scenes are dynamic and beautifully drawn, while the dialogue is often laugh-out-loud funny. It’s the kind of manhwa that keeps you entertained in between intense story beats.

4. A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special

Set in a post-apocalyptic magical world, A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special features Desir Arman, a skilled mage who returns to the past after failing to save humanity. This time, he’s determined to change the future, and he’s not holding back.

If time travel, magic academies, and strategy-heavy battles are your thing, this is your next read. What makes it stand out is how Desir uses his knowledge of the future to outsmart enemies rather than just brute-force his way through. The story also explores teamwork and loyalty, giving it emotional stakes alongside the action.

5. Mercenary Enrollment

Want a break from magic and fantasy? Mercenary Enrollment brings things back to a modern setting, with a teenage protagonist who returns to high school after years as a deadly mercenary. It’s like John Wick meets School 2017—and it works surprisingly well.

Ijin Yu might look like a normal student, but when bullies mess with him or his new family, he lets his military training do the talking. The contrast between his cold combat persona and his struggle to live a peaceful life makes for a compelling read.

6. Tomb Raider King

If you liked the dungeon-hunting and relic-collecting aspects of Solo Leveling, Tomb Raider King scratches that same itch. The story follows Joo-Heon, a cunning relic hunter who gets betrayed and sent back to the past with a mission: beat his enemies at their own game.

This manhwa is all about conspiracies, treasure hunts, and extreme action. The protagonist is not your average hero; he is smart, manipulative, and constantly thinks five steps ahead. It’s a wild, fast-paced journey ideal for fans who enjoy a brilliant underdog story with a spooky twist.

7. FFF-Class Trash Hero

Ever wondered what would happen if an overpowered hero hated the world he was supposed to save? Enter FFF-Class Trash Hero, a savage satire of the isekai (transported-to-another-world) genre. Kang Han-Soo is forced to restart his fantasy adventure every time he makes a moral mistake, so naturally, he starts gaming the system in the most chaotic ways possible.

This series is wild, sarcastic, and not afraid to poke fun at genre tropes. If you enjoy dark humor and unpredictable twists, this one’s a guilty pleasure that keeps surprising you.

Conclusion

Solo Leveling may have opened the floodgates, but it’s only the beginning of what the manhwa world has in store. In 2025, these underappreciated titles demonstrate that thrilling storytelling, jaw-dropping art, and unforgettable characters are not limited to the big-name series. Whether you enjoy sword fights, sci-fi twists, school drama, or time travel, there is something out there that will captivate you and keep you hooked. So, if your “to-read” list has a Solo Leveling-sized hole in it, don’t worry fill it with these treasures and discover why manhwa is still redefining how we experience storytelling.