Warning: Spoilers for Viral Hit episode 2The incredible second episode of Viral Hit on Crunchyroll continues this new manhwa adaptation’s immediately established tradition of delivering persistently peak content to the point where it’s a contender to replicate the success of last season’s smash manhwa Solo Leveling.
Like Viral Hit episode 1, every trope that’s flawlessly executed in episode 2 is further amplified by not only the series’ unique satirical commentary of social media livestreaming culture through the lens of YouTube, but the underlining classic shonen theme that follows the archetypal rise of the underdog.
Not surprisingly, the first scene offers a highly layered situation right off the bat, the ramifications of which are felt throughout the entirety of the episode. It begins as the protagonist Hobin’s perfect revenge strategy against a bully before evolving into a scenario with several remarkable twists, each representing or mirroring a specific type of trope to marvelous effect.
Viral Hit Episode 2 Delivers Twist After Twist, Subverting Classing Tropes
Based on the manhwa by Taejun Pak and Kim Junghyun, produced by Okuruto Noboru
Without giving too much away, Hobin’s daring and socially damaging revenge tactic surprisingly initially falls to pieces. And when all hope is lost, Hobin attempts to salvage what little he can gain from the situation by relying on the “underdog hero” trope that he himself references directly.
This, however, leads to the second twist, which subverts the hero’s triumph by having him categorically defeated in stunning fashion, leaving the audience devastated after having dared to hope for at least one small win despite the initial plan failing spectacularly. The fact that Hobin refers to the trope by name makes his defeat all the more devastating.
But therein lies the true genius of the scene, which becomes a theme later on, thanks to Viral Hit‘s socially relevant focus: everything can and most likely will be live-streamed, and it is that final twist that allows Hobin to skyrocket to fame. Most importantly, it is by way of unconventional means or roundabout fashion, in a perfect set up that creates a satisfying book-ending effect on the episode.
Viral Hit Has More Than One Winning Formula
These moments aren’t the episode’s only successes, however. Hobin’s meteoric rise is also captured through the always welcomed trope of the nerdy, un-athletic kid getting the beautiful girl, except in this case, it’s two. Better yet, both of them play very different roles to further amplify the situation. One promises to be legitimately interested in Hobin for the right reasons, especially since he once “saved” her from mockery, and the other is the classic popular girl who is likely only showing Hobin attention because of his sudden popularity.
Incredibly, there are more winning formulas in episode 2 that add yet another layer to this already highly nuanced episode. One is a play off of a popular classic shonen trope where the hero has a secret source of power that only they have access to. Interestingly, it’s similar to Solo Leveling, except at a more realistic level with no supernatural flair. This “power,” of course, is also somehow connected to the series’ livestreaming theme for added dramatic effect. Viral Hit is also appropriately beginning to delve into the nuances of live-streaming for revenue as a means to further explore its YouTube-based theme.
Overall, Viral Hit is already so packed with popular tropes that are further subverted, layered, twisted, or given a realistic spin to make it completely unique that it’s a miracle that it’s not on everyone’s radar, especially after the success of fellow manhwa star Solo Leveling.
Viral Hit is simulcasting on Crunchyroll
Watch on Crunchyroll
