The world of Solo Leveling is officially getting bigger. While fans are currently gripped by the Ragnarok sequel, series creator Chugong has revealed plans for a highly anticipated prequel. This new story will step away from Sung Jinwoo’s era to focus on the two most legendary figures in the franchise’s lore: Ashborn, the original Shadow Monarch, and his most loyal knight, Igris.
What will the Solo Leveling Prequel cover?
For years, fans have wondered about the cosmic war that preceded the events of the main series. The prequel is set to dive deep into Ashborn’s history—not as the Shadow Monarch we know, but as the Greatest Fragment of Brilliant Light. The story will explore his tragic betrayal by the Rulers and his eventual transformation into the Monarch of Shadows.
By moving the timeline back thousands of years, Chugong aims to show the true scale of the conflict between the Monarchs and the Rulers. This era defines the very foundations of the power system that Sung Jinwoo eventually inherits, providing much-needed context to the “Absolute Being” and the creation of the universe.
The Evolution of Igris: From Commander to Shadow
Perhaps even more exciting for the fanbase is the focus on Igris the Bloodred. Before he was the silent, stoic Shadow Knight residing in Jinwoo’s shadow, Igris was a legendary commander with his own history and personality.
The prequel will reportedly depict how Igris first met Ashborn and the circumstances that led him to swear eternal loyalty to the Shadow Monarch. Fans can expect to see Igris in his prime, showcasing the combat skills and noble spirit that made him a breakout favorite in the original manhwa and anime.
Expanding the Solo Leveling Multiverse
This move toward prequel storytelling signals a new phase for the Solo Leveling brand. With the anime’s second season reaching record-breaking viewership in 2026, Marvel-style world-building has become the priority. By exploring the past through Ashborn and the future through Jinwoo’s son in Ragnarok, Chugong is successfully turning a single story into a massive, multi-generational epic.
While a release date for the prequel manga/webtoon has not yet been finalized, the announcement alone has topped trending charts across social media. For those who found the lore of the original series fascinating, this prequel promises to answer the lingering questions about why the Shadow Monarch chose Earth as his final battleground.
Source: Outlook Respawn
