For many anime and manga fans, comparisons between big series likeSolo LevelingandHunter x Hunterare inevitable. When a show borrows elements from an iconic story, it can spark intense debates over whether it is an homage or outright imitation. Recently,Solo Levelinghas come under scrutiny for its ant-themed arc, with many fans claiming it heavily borrows fromHunter x Hunter’slegendary Chimera Ant arc. Given how reveredHunter x Hunter’sstoryline is, it is easy to see why people feel strongly about this comparison.
However, jumping to conclusions too quickly might not be fair toSolo Leveling. While the similarities are undeniable, the context, execution, and overall purpose of the arcs in each series differ significantly.Solo Levelingis not attempting to replicateHunter x Hunter’sdepthand complexity, because it thrives in a different story space that prioritizes spectacle and hype over detailed storytelling.
The Similarities Between Solo Leveling and Hunter x Hunter’s Ant Arcs
Why Do Both Series Have Similar Ant-Related Arcs?
At first glance, the parallels between the two arcs are very noticeable.Both feature monstrous, ant-like creatures that pose a massive threat to humanity.InHunter x Hunter, the Chimera Ants evolve to become terrifyingly powerful, developing unique abilities and even surpassing human intelligence. Similarly,Solo Levelingintroduces a deadly colony of ants that are very formidable enemies, acting as a major obstacle in Jinwoo’s journey.
After Toppling One Piece, Solo Leveling Just Usurped One of Chainsaw Man’s Top Records
Solo Leveling is anime’s number one series right now and its rapid approach to topping Chainsaw Man’s first episode reviews proves it.
The structure of the conflicts also mirrors each other. Both stories depict an initial underestimation of the threat, followed by a desperate struggle to contain it. The setting, a dangerous island where humanity is forced to confront an overwhelming force, also bears a resemblance. Fans have pointed out that the concept of a hive-like structure with a dominant, nearly invincible leader feels very reminiscent ofHunter x Hunter’sapproach to the Chimera Ant hierarchy.
Yet, despite these similarities, it is important to recognize thatSolo Leveling’sant arc functions differently within its own narrative framework.WhileHunter x Hunter’sarc is a deeply philosophical examination of morality, evolution, and the blurred lines between humanity and monstrosity,Solo Leveling’stake remains focused on action, spectacle, and power progression.The execution, not just the concept, is what ultimately sets them apart.
Solo Leveling Stays True to Its Core Identity
Solo Leveling Is Not Trying to Be The Most Original Anime Out There
Solo Levelinghas never set itself up as a series known for deep philosophical themes. Instead, its appeal lies in exhilarating fight sequences, power scaling, and the unstoppable rise of its protagonist, Jinwoo. WhileHunter x Hunterweaves intricate character arcs and moral dilemmas into its Chimera Ant saga,Solo Levelingapproaches its ant arc as an opportunity for intense battlesand an impressive display of Jinwoo’s abilities.
The criticism thatSolo Leveling“misses the point” ofHunter x Hunter’sarc assumes that it ever intended to replicate its depth.Solo Levelingis not trying to dissect existential questions about what it means to be human or to explore the complexity of villains like Meruem.Instead, it focuses on a straightforward, adrenaline-fueled journey where Jinwoo faces off against increasingly powerful enemies. ExpectingSolo Levelingto match the depth ofHunter x Hunteris akin to criticizing a summer blockbuster for not being a thought-provoking arthouse film, because they serve different purposes.
Additionally,Solo Levelinghas always drawn inspiration from various sources, blending popular tropes into its unique brand of storytelling.The ant arc may resembleHunter x Hunter’s, but it does so while staying true toSolo Leveling’ssignature style of high-energy action and hype-driven progression.
Does Borrowing Concepts Diminish Solo Leveling?
Is Solo Leveling a Worse Series For Taking Inspiration from Other Anime?
The reality is that many successful series borrow ideas and themes from their predecessors. In the world of storytelling, inspiration is inevitable, and what matters most is how a series uses those ideas originally.Solo Levelingis not alone in borrowing from other works, because many popular shōnen anime and manhwa have taken elements from earlier classics.EvenHunter x Hunteritself has drawn from older serieslikeDragon BallandFist of the North Star.
What sets great stories apart is how they take familiar ideas and transform them into something that feels fresh and interesting.WhileSolo Levelingmay have taken notes from the Chimera Ant arc, it has shaped those elements into something that aligns with its fast-paced, power-fantasy-driven narrative.It does not seek to outdoHunter x Hunterin emotional depth. Instead, it delivers what fans ofSolo Levelingexpect, which is high-stakes action, cool abilities, and the thrill of Jinwoo’s unstoppable rise.
If anything, the ant arc inSolo Levelinghas reignited discussions aboutHunter x Hunter’sbrilliance, reminding fans why the Chimera Ant saga is so highly regarded in the first place.
Many fans appreciate the clear nod toHunter x Hunterrather than see it as outright plagiarism. Homages in anime and manga are common, and acknowledging one’s influences can be a way of celebrating what came before. If anything, the ant arc inSolo Levelinghas reignited discussions aboutHunter x Hunter’sbrilliance, reminding fans why the Chimera Ant saga is so highly regarded in the first place.
Solo Leveling is a Tribute, Not a Copy
While the similarities betweenSolo Leveling’sant arc andHunter x Hunter’sChimera Ant saga are apparent, they do not necessarily meanSolo Levelingis copying without merit. Instead, it is a case of taking inspiration and reinterpreting it within a different storytelling style.Solo Levelingwas never about creating an intricate, multi-layered story, because it thrives on delivering exhilarating moments and maintaining a sense of power fantasy.
Rather than seeingSolo Leveling’sarc as a failed imitation, it is better to recognize it as a high-energy tribute that still manages to be entertaining in its own right.Hunter x Hunterwill always be a masterpiece, but that does not meanSolo Levelingcannot have its own fun with similar themes. Ultimately, both stories serve their audiences in different ways, and there is room for both to be appreciated for what they offer.
Solo Leveling
Cast
Solo Leveling follows Sung Jin-woo, the world’s weakest hunter, who gains extraordinary powers through a mysterious program after surviving a brutal monster attack. As he navigates his newfound abilities, Jinwoo embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets of his powers and the dungeon that altered his fate.
Hunter X Hunter
Hunter × Hunteris a Japanese manga and anime franchise created by Yoshihiro Togashi. The story follows Gon Freecss, a boy who discovers his father is a legendary Hunter, and embarks on a journey to become one himself. Along the way, he encounters friends and foes in a world filled with martial arts, adventure, and paranormal elements. The franchise spans manga, multiple anime adaptations, films, OVAs, and video games.
