The world of anime often presents intriguing character parallels across different series, offering fans deeper insights into storytelling and character development.
One such comparison that often goes unnoticed is between Beru from Solo Leveling and Meruem from Hunter x Hunter.
While these two exist in entirely different universes, their origins, powers, and character arcs share striking similarities.
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Born as Royalty: The Ant Queen’s Ultimate Creation
Both Beru and Meruem originate from powerful queens, making them the pinnacle of their respective species.
In Hunter x Hunter, Meruem is the apex of the Chimera Ant Queen’s evolution, created from the genetic material of the strongest beings she consumed.
His birth marked the culmination of her plan to produce the ultimate being, one capable of surpassing all others in intelligence and combat.
Similarly, Beru emerges from an S-rank gate in Jeju Island as the Ant King, the most formidable creature among the queen ant’s creations in Solo Leveling.
As her strongest offspring, he commands an army of terrifying ant warriors, standing as the supreme ruler of Jeju Island’s monster horde.
This shared origin highlights their status as the ultimate product of their mothers’ ambitions.
Unrivaled Power and Leadership
From the moment of their birth, both characters embody absolute dominance.
Meruem asserts his authority immediately upon entering the world, demonstrating his overwhelming power by casually eliminating lesser Chimera Ants and intimidating even his Royal Guards.
His strength is so immense that even elite Nen users struggle to challenge him.
Beru mirrors this dominance in Solo Leveling, ruling over the Jeju Island dungeon as an S-rank monster.
His combat abilities surpass all other creatures within the dungeon, requiring the intervention of Sung Jin-Woo, the world’s strongest hunter, to take him down.
This shared theme of being a nearly invincible ruler sets them apart as extraordinary figures in their respective stories.
Role in the Narrative: Central Villain vs. Supporting Character
One major distinction between Meruem and Beru lies in their narrative significance.
Meruem serves as the focal point of Hunter x Hunter’s Chimera Ant arc, evolving from a ruthless conqueror to a character who contemplates humanity and morality.
His philosophical transformation, primarily through his relationship with Komugi, adds depth to his character, making him one of the most complex antagonists in anime history.
In contrast, Beru starts as a major threat but transitions into a supporting role after his defeat.
Revived as one of Sung Jin-Woo’s shadow soldiers, he retains a sense of personality but ultimately serves as a loyal subordinate rather than a fully independent character.
While Beru remains a significant presence in Solo Leveling, his role lacks the philosophical depth and emotional complexity that define Meruem’s journey.
Character Growth: Evolution vs. Loyalty
Meruem’s arc in Hunter x Hunter is widely regarded as one of the most profound in anime.
Initially a being of pure instinct and power, his interactions with Komugi shift his worldview, teaching him humility, compassion, and love.
His final moments, spent with Komugi as they succumb to radiation poisoning, leave a lasting emotional impact on viewers.
On the other hand, Beru’s development is more limited.
While his transformation from a mindless beast to a sentient shadow soldier is unique, it primarily serves to highlight Sung Jin-Woo’s growing influence.
He remains fiercely loyal and provides moments of humor, but he never experiences the same philosophical evolution that defines Meruem’s character arc.
Legacy and Impact
Although Beru enjoys a longer presence in Solo Leveling, Meruem’s brief but impactful journey cements him as one of anime’s most unforgettable antagonists.
His transformation from a merciless predator to a deeply introspective character exploring themes of humanity and morality makes him stand out.
Meanwhile, Beru, while a fan-favorite, remains primarily an extension of Sung Jin-Woo’s power rather than a fully independent force within the story.
Ultimately, this comparison highlights that a character’s importance isn’t solely determined by screen time but by the depth of their narrative journey.
Meruem’s story continues to resonate with audiences due to its emotional and thematic weight, while Beru remains an entertaining yet secondary presence in Solo Leveling’s grand tale.
A writer with a passion for sharing insights on anime, manga, and manhwa.