Why is there a delay?
Summary:
- Episode 8 was supposed to air on February 24.
- It’s been delayed for a week.
- It might have happened due to production issues.
Solo Leveling (Ore dake Level Up na Ken) Episode 8 was supposed to air on February 24 initially, but instead of it there was Episode 7.5, which is a recap of the first 7 episodes of the series.
Release date
Episode 8 has been delayed for one week, and will air on March 2, 2024, instead. The fact that the episode is called “This is Frustrating” is the most wonderful irony, as fans are indeed frustrated because of the delay.
Manhwa readers say that this is giving them the worst possible flashbacks, since there was a delay like that when the manhwa artist was sick.
Why is it delayed?
There are various rumors surrounding the delay. While some people say that it’s connected to production issues and A-1 Pictures just need more time to finish the upcoming episode, some mention the leading voice actor being infected with covid.
Fans agree that if the production staff is in need of a break, then let them have one. No one wants A-1 Pictures to become the next MAPPA and start another anime industry controversy.
There’s also an idea that the break is done intentionally, and the studio is trying to build up the Solo Leveling hype or even force some fans to buy the source material and read it. It’s just a way of marketing, and not an actual production issue.
And we have to say that it’s working: there are a number of fans who have admitted to giving up and finishing the manhwa during the break. On top of that, they truly enjoyed it.
Still, everyone agrees that having a recap of 7 episodes is a weird thing, since there hasn’t been enough time for fans to forget everything that’s happened in the series. Solo Leveling is nowhere near the most confusing anime series, so there’s just no need explaining anything yet.
That’s why it is indeed possible that the break was unplanned, and something happened along the way. Be it really the sickness of the lead voice actor, or inability to meet the schedule.
Fans are trying really hard to be as patient as they can (although not everyone manages), and they hope that whatever the true issue is, the animation studio will resolve it soon and we’ll keep enjoying the Solo Leveling anime.