If you've been craving more Solo Leveling and nothing else scratches that itch, a new manhwa just landed on Webtoon that doesn't just borrow from Chugong's masterpiece—it practically copies the homework, name and all. Shadow System: Harnessing Shadow Power to Become the Ultimate Hunter is the most blatant Solo Leveling clone yet, and it's already drawing attention for how transparently it mirrors Sung Jinwoo's powers, from summoning a shadow army to a near-death awakening.
What Actually Launched
The series debuted on Webtoon in English on July 9, 2026, produced by SnapStudio and MoeMoon. It had previously been running on Tappytoon in Korean since February 16, 2026. As of late July, eight chapters are available, with regular updates planned. The protagonist is Li Yiben, a Hunter who, after being betrayed and left for dead, awakens the "Heaven-Pillaring Shadow System"—a power set that lets him command shadows, devour enemies, and level up.
"Li Yiben is betrayed by his own comrades during an Aberrant attack. On the brink of death, he awakens the Heaven-Pillaring Shadow System—his shadow can evolve without limit!" — Webtoon description
If that sounds like the Double Dungeon awakening from Solo Leveling, you're not wrong. The structure is identical: a weak protagonist, betrayal, a brush with death, and the sudden acquisition of a system tied to shadow manipulation.
Why This One Feels Different
Solo Leveling has inspired countless copycats since its web novel days in 2016, but few have been this direct. The series name itself advertises the overlap: "Shadow System" is essentially a rebranding of Jinwoo's unique power. Li Yiben can summon a shadow army, level up through a system interface, and even shares visual design cues with Sung Jinwoo—despite being drawn by a different studio, SnapStudio, not Redice Studio.
Fans have pointed out that the character designs feel recycled, which is especially noticeable when the art comes from a separate team. Redice Studio was known for a certain generic protagonist look, but SnapStudio had no excuse to replicate it so closely.
The Appeal for Solo Leveling Fans
Here's the thing: for fans who can't get enough of the shadow-summoning, level-grinding formula, this might actually be a decent stopgap. The Solo Leveling: Ragnarok manhwa is currently on hiatus, and the next animated content—the movie Solo Leveling: Beyond the System—won't arrive until 2027. That leaves a gap of nearly a year with no new Jinwoo content.
Shadow System fills that void with something comfortingly familiar. It's not trying to innovate; it's trying to replicate the dopamine hit of watching an underdog rise through a system. For readers who just want more of the same, it delivers exactly that.
The Counterpoint: Is This Too Derivative?
There's a legitimate concern here. Solo Leveling succeeded because it combined a compelling progression system with strong art and pacing. A direct copy risks feeling hollow—like a cover band playing the hits without the soul. The shadow army was one of the most creative elements Chugong introduced, and seeing it repackaged without meaningful changes raises questions about originality in the manhwa market.
South Korea's webtoon industry has been churning out Solo Leveling-adjacent series for years, from Tomb Raider King to The Beginning After the End. But Shadow System is the most transparent about its inspiration, which might alienate readers who want something new rather than a reskin.
What Comes Next for Both Series
Solo Leveling isn't slowing down. The anime adaptation, which began in 2024 and returned for Season 2 in 2025, has made the series a global phenomenon. The upcoming movie, Solo Leveling: Beyond the System, announced at Anime Expo in July 2026, will cover the Ahjin Guild Arc and the Return to Double Dungeon Arc, with a 2027 release window.
For Shadow System, the immediate future is about building an audience on Webtoon. An anime adaptation is years away, if it ever happens. But if the series can carve out its own identity beyond the shadow army gimmick—perhaps through its "devour ores to fortify defense" mechanic or the insectoid Aberrant enemies—it might survive the inevitable comparisons.
For now, it's the most obvious Solo Leveling clone on the market, and that's either a selling point or a dealbreaker depending on what you're looking for. If you just want more shadow-summoning action while waiting for Jinwoo's big-screen return, Shadow System is ready and waiting. Just don't expect it to surprise you.
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