Summary
- Thomas Andre is widely regarded as America’s strongest hunter, celebrated for his extraordinary strength and capabilities.
- Despite his formidable presence, Thomas prioritizes the welfare of his people and does not embody evil.
- Thomas has expressed interest in connecting with Sung Jin-Woo, but this pursuit may be complicated by Hwang Dong-Soo’s interference.
Solo Leveling features a dynamic array of characters, particularly potent anime figures who either combat for good or temptations of evil. While Sung Jin-Woo embodies the hero’s journey, the sinister elements unveiled in the climax of the second season hint at darker motives at play. This begs the question regarding Thomas Andre, America’s strongest hunter—where does he truly stand on the moral spectrum? What are his underlying motivations?
The narrative of Solo Leveling predominantly centers on Korean hunters, especially the elite S-rankers. Amidst them, figures like Thomas Andre shine through, recognized for his exceptional prowess and esteemed position as the world’s top hunter.
This article includes spoilers from the Solo Leveling manhwa and novel.
Delving into Thomas Andre’s Character
The World’s Top Hunter
- First Anime Appearance: Episode 21
- First Webtoon Appearance: Chapter 83
- Hunter Rank: National-level Hunter
- Hunter Guild: Scavenger Guild
As America’s foremost hunter, Thomas Andre possesses powers that significantly eclipse those of many national-level competitors. He also leads the Scavenger Guild, which oversees the actions of S-rank hunter Hwang Dong-Soo, who bears a grudge against notable compatriots Yoo Jin-Ho and Sung Jin-Woo. Though he projects the image of a typical brute focused solely on might, there is a depth to his character that transcends initial assumptions.
“Do you perhaps not know who I am?”—Thomas Andre to Sung Jin-Woo
Before he attained fame, Thomas faced hardship as he navigated life with his immigrant family. His early experiences involved confronting bullies and proving his strength through sheer combativeness. The emergence of gates and magical beasts ultimately reshaped his life, allowing him to rise to prominence as one of the most formidable hunters in the Solo Leveling universe.
Examining Thomas Andre’s Morality
Is The Goliath Good or Evil?
Despite his fierce appearance, Thomas Andre does not embody malevolence and is not one to harm innocent individuals. His character is starkly different from Japan’s Goto Ryuji, known for scheming against Korean S-rank hunters. Although he chose not to partake in certain raids, Thomas would not hesitate to engage if threats emerged directly affecting his nation. His approach involves a calculative mindset, intervening only when there is a personal stake or monetary compensation.
Beyond his intimidating façade, Thomas exhibits a commitment to camaraderie and prioritizes the safety of his community. Even in scenarios where Hwang Dong-Soo poses a threat to Jin-Woo and Jin-Ho, he remains protective of his guild members. Notably, he displays moments of empathy, such as flying to Korea to communicate with Go Gun-Hee about the true intentions surrounding Hwang’s involvement in the Jeju Island raid.
“Blame your own ignorance!”—Thomas Andre to Sung Jin-Woo
Nevertheless, he is quite aware that he often resorts to violence as a means of resolution. Hwang Dong-Soo is not blind to this inclination and frequently cautions Thomas about the potential repercussions of his aggression, particularly when it comes to Jin-Woo. Ultimately, Thomas has a strong aversion to losing or damaging what he considers his, including relationships with those in his guild.
The Intentions Behind Thomas Andre
Throughout the Solo Leveling narrative, Thomas Andre exhibits no malicious intent towards others, aside from those who may threaten his standing. He wields his considerable strength responsibly, often akin to a vigilante championing the rights and safety of American citizens, showing up during critical events such as the emergence of new S-rank gates.
Were it not for his arrogance as a national-level hunter, Thomas could easily be viewed as an exemplar of altruism, consistently ready to aid those in need. However, his formidable nature, alongside a history of hardship and authority over numerous fighters, complicates this image.
“It’s not too late to admit your mistakes and back off. I’ll at least spare your life if you do so now and apologize.”—Thomas Andre to Sung Jin-Woo
Is Thomas a Friend or Foe to Jin-Woo?
Among all the hunters globally, Thomas Andre is particularly eager to align with Sung Jin-Woo, especially following Jin-Woo’s extraordinary accomplishments during the Jeju Island incident. His interest in forming a connection stems from either a desire to discuss Hwang Dong-Soo or potentially recruit Jin-Woo to the Scavenger Guild due to his extraordinary capabilities. That said, Thomas’s intentions are not born from malice but genuine curiosity regarding Jin-Woo’s powers.
Yet, navigating a relationship with Jin-Woo may prove challenging, primarily due to Hwang Dong-Soo’s unpredictable demeanor. This antagonist’s influence could thwart Thomas’s attempts at camaraderie, despite the absence of hostility on Thomas’s part. Ultimately, Thomas Andre is not the adversary that Jin-Woo must confront; rather, he is a guild leader striving to ensure the safety and well-being of his members.