ORV vs. Solo Leveling: The Battle for Manhwa Anime Supremacy

The era of Korean webtoons dominating global animation has officially arrived, but the crown currently held by Solo Leveling could soon be under siege. While Sung Jinwoo’s adventures have established a massive worldwide following, a new heavyweight is expected to step into the ring soon. Industry insiders are calling Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint (ORV) the "True King of Manhwa," and with prestigious Japanese powerhouse Aniplex steering the ship, the series is preparing to reshape the market and offer the stiffest competition yet for the current champion.

Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint is being treated as a flagship blockbuster, signaling a production standard that could eclipse current averages. The project was officially confirmed during a Crunchyroll Anime Expo 2024 industry panel, revealing a massive investment in quality. The adaptation is a co-production involving Aniplex, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment Japan. 

This is incredibly exciting news for fans, as Aniplex is the same powerhouse responsible for the production and distribution of Solo Leveling. The hype backing Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint is supported by staggering numbers. Data from Naver reveals the series has amassed over 300 million views globally across platforms. 

The original web novel by authors Sing Shong previously dominated the Korean market with over 50 million views on Munpia. Unlike the action-first focus of its competitors, critics praise ORV for its complex "meta-narrative." 

The story follows Kim Dokja, an ordinary office worker who is the sole reader of a novel that suddenly becomes reality. This narrative depth gives it a distinct advantage in retaining viewers who are looking for substance alongside spectacle, as reported by GameRant.

Solo Leveling: The Current King of Crunchyroll Anime

To understand what's actually on the line, we have to look at just how high Solo Leveling has set the bar. Following its debut, the series didn't just perform well; it became a historical turning point for the medium. In 2025, Solo Leveling became the first-ever manhwa adaptation to win "Anime of the Year" at the Crunchyroll Awards, a title that was very well deserved. 

Currently, Solo Leveling stands as one of the most popular anime on the Crunchyroll platform. It boasts the highest score (8.5 on IMDb) and the most ratings of any series, an impressive feat for a show with only around 25 total episodes. Sung Jinwoo’s action-heavy series has captivated millions, making it the undeniable king of the genre at this moment.

While Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint has been confirmed, the specific release window remains a mystery. The announcement at the 2024 Expo is the extent of what the public knows, and sadly, there have been no significant updates in the past two years. This silence has led to rampant speculation among the fanbase.

Some believe Aniplex is targeting a blockbuster launch in late 2026 to challenge Solo Leveling directly. However, given the lack of news and the sheer scale of the project, others speculate the release could slip into 2027 or 2028. The studio may be taking extra time to polish the project, ensuring it is fit to stand on the same level as its rival. 

The anime industry is currently in the midst of a "Manhwa Gold Rush." While Tomb Raider King is reportedly set to test the waters with a premiere in July 2026,  Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint looms on the horizon as the true heavyweight contender.

If Aniplex delivers on the animation quality, the question isn't just whether the adaptation will succeed, but whether Kim Dokja has the power to finally dethrone Sung Jinwoo.