Solo Leveling Season 2 is the most anticipated anime of the Fall 2025 season, having dropped several key visuals on Crunchyroll. The anime continues the journey of Sung Jinwoo as he ascends to new heights and becomes a Rank S hunter. Unlike the common Rank S hunters, those in this category are exceedingly rare and possess immense strength.
Despite being in the same rank, Jinwoo has managed to surpass all the Rank S hunters introduced in the series so far. With his rank being publicly announced, the story is eagerly transitioning into the Jeju Island arc. South Korea has finally launched the Jeju Island raid, and this time, they are collaborating with the Rank S hunters from Japan.
Previous raids on the Jeju Island have completely failed, but this time, the Rank S hunters are confident they can succeed. However, the appearance of the Ant King (Beru) has turned the tables. Beru’s emergence in Season 2, Episode 10 hints at the changes in the anime’s design compared to the Ant King Baran. Both characters play significant roles in the second season, having a considerable impact on the storyline.
Baran and Beru: A Clash of Designs in the Anime Solo Leveling

Ant King Baran is one of the most powerful characters in the story, yet his appearance in the anime is notably simplistic. Compared to the manhwa, Baran’s color palette is much less intricate, making him look less imposing. Consequently, the anime adaptation fails to fully portray the overwhelming presence he has in the manhwa.

Now, the Ant King Beru also faces a similar issue with a simplified color palette. His introduction is a crucial aspect of the anime’s storyline, yet his appearance resembles that of a mundane insect, failing to create the intended impact.
When the Ant King first appeared in the manhwa, he had a powerful aura, radiating an intense light that made him seem like a moving shadow. The anime does not capture this essence, and Beru’s introduction lacks the captivating allure expected.

The anime makes Beru appear too pale, and the Ant King’s design is overly simplistic in the debut episode. Fortunately, the preview for the upcoming episode promises a new design for Beru, featuring a more powerful aura enveloping his character. The color scheme and design of Beru look much better compared to the earlier episodes.
It’s unfortunate that the anime does not allow the Ant King to create a more imposing presence right from the start. It has missed the opportunity to present a more visually striking character, as Beru is one of the most beloved figures in the series.