The second season of the anime Solo Leveling has come to an end, yet its aftertaste still lingers in the hearts of its devoted fans. It is clear that this season has made significant strides in storytelling and character development, particularly in the breathtaking Jeju arc.
The battle between Jinwoo and the Ant King, also known as Beru, has quickly turned into a fan-favorite, even being hailed as one of the best battles in anime history. Beru himself has transformed into a formidable warrior that fans have come to appreciate. In fact, the animation quality has undergone a remarkable improvement in this season, contributing significantly to its success.
In a recent post on X, Yoshihiro Kanno, the animation director for the action-packed second season, shared insights into the creative process behind episode 12 of Solo Leveling. He discussed the various drafts and concepts regarding Beru’s transformation throughout the series. Along with these drafts, Kanno also shared a deep perspective on the creative changes that occurred while adapting the battle scenes from the manhwa, particularly focusing on the evolution of the Ant King, which is more vividly portrayed in the anime.
Kanno’s post included the following: “This is a reference image for Beru’s transformation in episode 24 of Solo Leveling. Since this marks the beginning of a crucial second phase for Jinwoo, I aimed to depict Beru’s transformation differently compared to the original.” When asked about the reasons for these changes, Kanno stated: “I wanted to create a character that evolves in a short period.”
The anime adaptation of Solo Leveling makes the battle between Jinwoo and Beru even more compelling than the manhwa
The extended transformation of the Ant King has become one of the most significant highlights in the anime, turning into a memorable moment in the series. While the Ant King’s transformation is also present in the manhwa, the anime showcases scenes that are uniquely captivating, emphasizing Beru’s presence at pivotal moments.
In addition to the stunning animation, the beautifully composed soundtrack by Hiroyuki Sawano and the exceptional audio design of the anime are standout features. Yoshihiro Kanno further commented on this in his post: “I was really surprised when the divine soundtrack and the ominous sound design by Sawano were added later. The atmosphere shifted immediately.”
If the goal was to leave a lasting impression in a short amount of time, it can be said that A-1 Pictures and Yoshihiro Kanno have exceeded expectations. The second season, episode 12 of Solo Leveling, has become one of the highest-rated episodes in the franchise, garnering enthusiastic responses from fans. This episode is a masterclass in adaptation, with each battle scene in the anime being extraordinarily impactful, elevating the stakes of the series to new heights compared to the original manhwa.
