Hunter x Hunter fans probably can’t help but notice the glaring similarities between the Chimera Ant arc and Solo Leveling’s ant invasion (Jeju Island raid). The level of ‘inspiration’ taken is mind-boggling, what started as a one-episode homage now feels like an uninspired copy, dragging on for multiple episodes.
There is no doubt that some kind of emphasis is required when it comes to the overpowered ant king’s introduction, but there is little to no change between the two series. The violent rampage and even the way he emerges all point to the Chimera Ant arc, but with none of the depth or emotional weight.
No moral complexity, just mindless carnage
In Hunter X Hunter, the Chimera Ant arc is possibly the most emotionally impactful with Neferpitou, one of the Ant King’s generals, killing Kite, a former hunter and Gon’s mentor, who was later used as a puppet by the Chimera Ants.
Not just the people involved, even the Chimera Ants have a deep emotional significance (some retain memories of their past lives) and have human-like emotions. The only change that can be seen between the Jeju Island arc and the Chimera Ant arc, is that Jeju Island’s Ant raid lacks the kind of significance that Hunter X Hunter had.
In the narrative sense, there are only two motivations at play: the Japanese Hunters, who wish to humiliate and sabotage the Koreans, and to instill a sense of awe and wonder by introducing Jinwoo on a world stage against a formidable enemy who can one-shot Japan’s strongest Hunter.
It’s one thing to take inspiration, but Solo Leveling is treading dangerously close to blatant copying. Hunter X Hunter is a legacy series. It has been close to fifteen years since the remake dropped, and the veteran fans of the series are extremely disappointed with Solo Leveling for borrowing so much that it does not feel original anymore.
The Jeju Island Ant King feels like a cheap Meruem clone
One of the most striking similarities is the introduction of the ant king in Solo Leveling. Like Meruem in Hunter x Hunter, he is born absurdly powerful, immediately proving his dominance by mercilessly slaughtering enemies (even the stronger ones).
His brutal decapitations and effortless rampage mimic the birth of Meruem, who was hyped for the whole arc, and it was just destruction when he was born.
Solo leveling borrowing heavily from hxh
byu/loftedbooch inHunterXHunter
Comment
byu/loftedbooch from discussion
inHunterXHunter
Hunter x Hunter handled this concept with far more nuance, but Solo Leveling is a series in which the focus is on the power scaling and power leveling, not on the emotions of anyone, not even Jinwoo. Comparing it to Hunter X Hunter is a big stretch as the series allows for character development for even the most insignificant seeming characters.
Super overpowered child of the ant queen that’s obliterating and decapitating people as soon as he’s born? It’s like copy and paste almost 😂
— Beanie C-Gull⚡️ (@CGull_97) March 17, 2025
Meruem was not just a mindless killing machine, he had a whole setting, his development, his struggle with his own identity, and his eventual downfall made him one of anime’s greatest villains. He was relatable, although not agreeable with the way he was slaughtering people.
In contrast, Solo Leveling’s Ant King feels like a shallow imitation. The only purpose of the Jeju Island Ant King Beru showcasing his powers was so that he could hype Sung Jinwoo on a global scale (on live camera) while also giving Jinwoo a great Shadow Soldier to increase his power.
Solo Leveling is available to watch on Crunchyroll. Hunter x Hunter manga is available to read on Viz Media, and the anime is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
