In the world of Solo Leveling, there are countless villains, but if we were to pick the most underrated one, it would undoubtedly be Antares. As the Monarch of Destruction and the King of Dragons, Antares possesses unparalleled destructive power and a complex personality, yet he remains overlooked by many. Below is an in-depth analysis of why Antares is the most underrated villain in the entire series.
Antares’ Abilities and Status
Antares is the strongest Monarch in the series, second only to Ashborn in terms of pure physical strength. However, in terms of overall capabilities, even Ashborn cannot surpass him. His abilities include:
- Dragon Transformation: Antares can switch between his human form and his true dragon form, or even transform specific parts of his body, such as his arm, to attack while remaining in human form.
- Immense Speed and Reflexes: Antares can effortlessly hold Jinwoo single-handedly, predicting and countering his movements.
- Telepathy: He can communicate with other Monarchs through mental messages.
- Nigh-Invulnerability: Even some of Jinwoo’s strongest skills have no effect on him.
- Breath of Destruction: As the King of Dragons, Antares can unleash fire from his mouth, powerful enough to cancel most of Jinwoo’s attacks and even permanently eliminate his shadow soldiers.
- Dragon’s Fear: A debuff ability that plunges opponents into terror and fear through a soul-infused cry charged with mana.
Antares’ destructive power is unmatched, and his army of dragons is stronger than anything Earth has ever seen. Even National-Level Hunters cannot touch him, and if Antares were a National-Level Hunter, National-Level Hunters would not even be considered E-Rank.
Antares’ Personality and Motivations
Antares’ personality is complex and multifaceted. Like other Monarchs, he looks down on humanity, viewing them as weak and irrelevant to the world order he wishes to establish. However, he is not merely a one-dimensional villain.
Antares is egotistical, but he also respects powerful foes. For instance, he ridiculed Jinwoo’s son, Sung Suho, for being a weakling compared to his father, showing a certain level of acknowledgment for Jinwoo’s strength.
Antares’ fear of Ashborn’s power led to a series of events that ultimately shaped his destiny. Despite his immense strength, he is not fearless, which adds depth to his character. His desire to create chaos and destruction is not just for the sake of it but stems from his belief in a world order where only the strongest survive.
Antares’ Role in the Storyline
Antares played a significant role in the ancient war against the Rulers, fighting alongside other powerful beings like Ashborn. However, his fear of Ashborn’s growing power led him to send Rakan and Baran to kill Ashborn’s vessel, Jinwoo. This decision ultimately backfired, as Baran was killed by Ashborn in the most brutal fashion, and Rakan fled the battlefield in terror.
In the final battle arc, Antares becomes a formidable antagonist, leading his army of dragons into the human world to deal with Ashborn’s vessel, Jinwoo. Despite his immense power and cunning tactics, Antares underestimates Jinwoo’s strategic prowess and falls victim to a fatal blow, leading to his demise at the hands of both Jinwoo and the Rulers.
Why Antares Is Underrated
Antares is often overshadowed by other villains like Ashborn and the Architect, but his contributions to the story are undeniable. His fear of Ashborn and his subsequent actions highlight his vulnerability, making him more human (or draconic) than other Monarchs. Additionally, his complex personality and motivations make him a more intriguing villain than those who are simply evil for the sake of it.
Antares’ role in the storyline is pivotal, yet he does not receive the same level of attention as other characters. His ability to challenge even Ashborn and his eventual defeat at Jinwoo’s hands showcase his strength and significance in the series. Despite this, he remains underrated, which is a disservice to the depth and complexity of his character.
Antares is undoubtedly one of the most underrated villains in Solo Leveling. His unparalleled destructive power, complex personality, and significant role in the storyline make him a standout character. While he may not be as widely recognized as other villains, his impact on the series is undeniable. Antares deserves more recognition for his contributions to the rich and intricate world of Solo Leveling.
