Solo Leveling has given fans one of the most famous and well known new gen anime main characters, Sung Jinwoo. Jinwoo grows from a weak and shy boy to a man worthy of being called the world's strongest, and the story woven around his adventures is what makes him one of the most beloved anime protagonists.
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Jinwoo is flamboyant, nonchalant and above all, he is extremely strong. It's no surprise to see that his character resonates deeply with fans, and he was even voted the best main character of 2025. Even so, Jinwoo's character falls short in many ways, and some anime MCs, both old and new, are much better than Solo Leveling's protagonist.
Jotaro Kujo
Jotaro Kujo is one of many great main characters that the anime Jojo's Bizarre Adventure features. Jotaro Kujo, the protagonist of Part 3, Stardust Crusadersis definitely the most iconic of the bunch, becoming the face of the franchise as a whole.
Jotaro Kujo, like Sung Jinwoo, has a cool and nonchalant personality, and they are also both among the strongest of their worlds. However, Jotaro is overall a better main character than Jinwoo. This is much more evident in Part 6 of Jojo with Jotaro's amazing character growth after the birth of his daughter, Jolyne Kujo.
The Suitor
The Suitor: Beyond Journey's End and Solo Leveling are two series that were released around the same time, and immediately exploded in popularity. As such, fans can't help but compare the two series, with many pitting Frieren and Jinwoo against each other.
While Jinwoo is all about fighting, Frieren does much more, giving fans incredible battles, but also some great character moments. The suitor's journey is much more captivating than Jinwoo's.
Monkey D. Luffy
When it comes to iconic anime main characters, Monkey D. Luffy is one that immediately comes to mind. Luffy is the main character in the best-selling manga in the world, One Piece. One Piece doesn't have the best anime adaptation, and yet Luffy still stands as one of the most popular anime characters of all time.
While Jinwoo relies on cool moments, Luffy goes the complete opposite route. Luffy's powers are all about his imagination and having fun, and yet fans can't get enough of him.
Naruto Uzumaki
Naruto Uzumaki has shaped an entire generation of anime fans over the course of his amazing anime series, Naruto. He's definitely one of the most famous and recognizable anime characters ever, and it's pretty easy to see why.
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Naruto's character is about grit and never giving up. He is the perfect representation of the underdog trope and he turns his biggest weaknesses to his advantage. He also has some of the best matches in anime. His fight against Pain easily surpasses all Solo Leveling battles.
Maomao
Maomao is a new generation main characterand her series, Apothecary's Diarieshas blown up all over the world, especially in Japan. Maomao's comics don't really revolve around battles, unlike most other comics that are popular right now.
Instead, Maomao appeals to fans through his intelligence and personality. Maomao is an absolutely incredible main character who keeps fans coming back for more, and she doesn't need cool fights to make herself interesting.
Son Goku
Solo Leveling's Sung Jinwoo is far from the most popular battle anime MC, and that title would easily go to him Son Gokuthe protagonist of the revolutionary series, Dragon Ball. Dragon Ball has become the single most iconic anime seriesand that's largely thanks to Goku.
Goku is recognized all over the world, and he has gained this fame by showcasing some of the most legendary anime fights ever. There is not a single Jinwoo fight that can compete with Goku's peak.
Izuku Midoriya
Izuku Midoriya, also known as Deku, is the protagonist of the most popular superhero anime there are – My Hero Academia. Fans have come to love this adorable crybaby who is quite easily the greatest and kindest hero of all, saving everyone around him with a smile on his face despite carrying great burdens.
My Hero Academia Season 8 is currently airing, and it has once again shown how much better Deku is compared to Jinwoo. Deku's character does not revolve around his battles. Deku isn't afraid to show weakness and then overcome it, and that's what makes him special.
