REVIEW: ‘Solo Leveling’ Season 2 Episode 12 — “Are You the King of Humans”

The fight for Jeju Island is not going well for the hunters, forcing Sung Jin-woo (Taito Ban) into the fray. Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 12, “Are You the King of Humans,” gives Jin-woo his toughest challenge yet if he can manage to find a way to overcome it.

Jin-woo was content to leave the S-rank Hunters alone for the fight. Sure, he was keeping an eye on it from afar, but he only goes to Jeju Island because he feels like he has no choice. His appearance shocks the other Hunters, especially since he brings his impressive shadow army. The cat is out of the bag now, as more and more people are discovering how powerful he is.

While the Hunters he is rescuing know how powerful he is, the rest of the country can’t find out just yet. The video broadcast conveniently goes down right as Jin-woo shows up. It allows him to keep his powers somewhat hidden still, but it also highlights how important this battle is. The Hunters Association back home, as well as countless civilians watching, are all on the edge of their seats, waiting to see what happens. Cutting to show the reaction to losing that video feed helps drive home how much this battle matters to everyone in Korea and the rest of the world.

Jin-woo’s need to help rises to the forefront in Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 12.

Despite his strength, Jin-woo doesn’t just show up to kick butt. He is also there to help rescue the struggling Hunters and keep them alive. He has to force-feed them his healing potions since he can’t transfer them, but it is telling that one of his first actions is to try to help heal the Hunters. Jin-woo’s entire purpose has been to get stronger to help others, something he showcases here amid one of his most challenging battles.

Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 12 does bring back one of the series’ more frustrating decisions. As the battle looks about to heat up, it cuts back to the Hunter’s Association and Jin-woo’s family in Korea. It is important to know how they are feeling and what they are experiencing, but choosing to cut away right before the action starts makes the pacing feel choppy.

Once it returns to the action, Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 12 steps up the intensity a few notches. Jin-woo finally comes face-to-face with the Ant King and does not back down. Their staredown comes right as the camera feed is restored, allowing everyone to watch the epic showdown.

The cuts back and forth between the battle continue to screw up the pacing.

The fight between Jin-woo and the Ant King does not disappoint. Everyone watching is floored by Jin-woo’s ability to hold his own against such a powerful creature. It isn’t as surprising for viewers since we’ve seen his power before, but now that he is showing it to the public, it adds a new layer to his fame as a strong warrior.

What stands out the most about this fight is that it finally feels like Jin-woo might lose. He is left paralyzed at one point, although Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 12 does cut away from that right as it happens in another mildly frustrating change of pace. Once it returns to the battle, however, all gloves are off.

The Ant King’s attacks are as impressive visually as they are in terms of sheer power. There is a reason no other Hunter could defeat him, and the animation quality makes that clear. The visual display of skill combined with a great soundtrack makes the battle as epic as it is built up to be. Both fighters are going all-out, making the epic climax at the end of the battle more impactful because of the explosive display of power.

Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 12 shows Jin-woo at his most powerful as he takes on his biggest challenge yet. The action is incredible, but some minor pacing issues stop it from being as perfect as possible.

Solo Leveling Season 2 Episode 12 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.

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