Yes, it is quite popular. 'Solo Leveling' has a large and dedicated fan base around the world. The story, with its unique take on the isekai and leveling - up genre, has captured the imaginations of many readers. It features an interesting protagonist and a well - developed power - up system that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
Solo Leveling is both. It originated as a web novel and was then transformed into a manga. The manga adaptation brought the story to life visually for many fans.
It's hard to say which one is more popular as it depends on different factors. In some regions, the manga might be more popular because it appeals to those who like visual stories. The action - packed panels and the cool character designs can draw in a large audience. For example, in Japan, the manga format is very popular in general, so the solo leveling manga has a good chance of being well - received there.
The main difference is in the way the story is presented. The manga has visual art that can enhance the action scenes and character designs. For example, the epic battles in the manga can look really cool with detailed drawings. The light novel, on the other hand, usually goes more in - depth with the descriptions of the world - building and the characters' inner thoughts. It might have more detailed explanations of how the leveling system works in the story.