Cyberpunk: Peach John, the groundbreaking AI-drawn manga, has fans and critics abuzz. Let’s explore the future of manga creation!
A New Frontier: AI in the World of Manga
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made significant strides in recent years. From AI-generated images winning art exhibitions to renowned mangakas experimenting with the latest AI software, it is clear that AI is making its mark on the world. Recently, the first AI-drawn manga was published in Japan, and its author, Rootport, discussed the experience in an interview with CNN [Source 1].
Introducing Cyberpunk: Peach John
Cyberpunk: Peach John is the first manga drawn by an AI program. Created by a 37-year-old mangaka who goes by the pen name Rootport, the manga was published in Japan as a physical volume on March 9, 2023 [Source 1]. By utilizing AI to draw the entire manga, Rootport has potentially made history. The artwork in Cyberpunk: Peach John bears some resemblance to that of Sui Ishida, the mangaka of Tokyo Ghoul and Choujin X.
How Was the Manga Created?
Rootport used AI drawing tools such as DALL-E 2, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and Google Imagen to create the manga. These tools have been publicly available since last year, with Midjourney being the most frequently used [Source 1]. Rootport completed the 100-page volume, which includes colored drawings, in just six weeks—a feat that would normally take a traditional mangaka nearly a year to accomplish.
Challenges and Compromises in AI-Drawn Manga
While the use of AI drastically reduced the time required to create the manga, it was not without its challenges. The AI struggled to replicate the same character in various scenes and emotions consistently. To differentiate characters, Rootport gave each one unique features, such as dog ears or pink hair [Source 1].
Another challenge was drawing hands, as AI tended to produce hands with too many fingers. As a result, Rootport made a “significant compromise” and minimized the number of panels featuring hands [Source 1].
AI: A Piece of Art, Not a Replacement for Human Mangakas
In the official manga release, Rootport included a ten-page guide on how to draw manga using AI. He argued that his work should be considered a “piece of art” and cited examples like Andy Warhol’s ‘Campbell’s Soup Cans’ and Marcel Duchamp’s ‘Fountain’ to demonstrate how artists have utilized existing industrial products in their creations and received praise. Rootport believes AI should not be treated differently in his case, as he also used the available resources to create his work [Source 1].
However, Rootport does not believe AI will render human manga artists obsolete anytime soon. He compared his process to making music using MIDI instruments, in that the technology “excels at quickly turning mental images into reality” [Source 2]. Humans can create not only from data but also from emotion, experience, and as a means of communication—qualities that AI currently lacks. Consequently, human assistance remains essential for creating manga, as AI cannot produce a perfect image independently [Source 2].
A More Humane Manga Industry with AI’s Help
Japanese manga artist and politician Ken Akamatsu has suggested that manga artists avoid uploading their works to databases used to train AI programs. If they do upload their work, they should seek compensation [Source 2]. Rootport, on the other hand, believes AI can help manga artists meet deadlines and alleviate health issues caused by overworking to meet tight schedules for weekly or monthly publications 1. By reducing the workload for manga artists, AI could provide them more time to focus on creativity and originality, ultimately leading to a more diverse and expansive manga industry.
Mixed Reactions from the Masses
Public opinion on the AI-drawn manga is mixed, with some expressing dissatisfaction. For example, comments on Twitter included: “An absolute insult to manga and mangaka (manga artists) everywhere” and “Weird to publish a manga by AI when your country (has) some of the most talented artists”.
Given the abundance of talented manga artists in Japan, such as Yuusuke Murata, Junji Ito, Tatsuki Fujimoto, and many others, these sentiments are understandable.
The Story of Cyberpunk: Peach John
Cyberpunk: Peach John takes place in a future urban setting. Peach John, a pink-haired protagonist with amnesia, is entrusted with the vital task of protecting valuable information. As he embarks on his mission, Peach John unexpectedly finds himself reliving the iconic Japanese tale of Momotaro. Along the way, he lends a helping hand to an elderly couple, collaborates with a skilled hacker, and deals with a purveyor of stolen data, all while masterminding money laundering through a strip club. Accompanied by Wanko, his loyal assistant with dog-like ears, Peach John’s fate hangs in the balance as he navigates this high-tech world.
Embracing AI: A Look into the Future of Manga
As AI continues to evolve and improve, it’s inevitable that it will make an impact on various industries, including the world of manga. While some may be skeptical of AI’s role in the creation of manga, it’s essential to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks it brings to the table.
AI: A Boon for Creativity and Efficiency
AI can undoubtedly help manga artists streamline their work processes and achieve greater efficiency. By automating some of the more time-consuming and labor-intensive tasks, such as drawing backgrounds and other minor details, AI allows artists to focus on the creative aspects of their work [Source 2].
Moreover, the use of AI could lead to a more diverse and expansive manga industry, as artists would have more time and resources to experiment with new styles and storytelling techniques. This could result in a wider variety of stories and genres, ultimately enriching the manga landscape[Source 1].
The Human Touch: The Limitations of AI in Manga
Despite the potential benefits, AI is far from perfect, and the human touch remains indispensable in the world of manga. While AI can create images based on data, it lacks the ability to incorporate emotions, experiences, and a desire to communicate with others[Source 2]. These are all crucial aspects of storytelling that cannot be replicated by machines.
Additionally, as AI tools improve, there is a growing concern over copyright issues and the ethical use of existing images and artwork to train AI programs[Source 2]. As the industry continues to evolve, new guidelines and regulations will need to be established to ensure that the rights of creators are protected.
Balancing AI and Human Creativity
While AI may never completely replace human manga artists, it has the potential to become a valuable tool in the creative process. By striking the right balance between AI-generated work and human creativity, the manga industry can continue to grow and adapt to an ever-changing technological landscape.
We invite you to join the conversation and share your thoughts on the role of AI in the manga world. Are you excited to see what new horizons AI will help explore in the world of manga, or are you wary of its potential impact on human artists? Let us know in the comments below!
Final Thoughts
Forming a definitive opinion on this matter is complex. On the one hand, AI can help reduce the burden on manga artists by eliminating the need to hire assistants for background and minor details, potentially increasing revenue for the manga community. On the other hand, using AI may stifle the emergence of new manga artists, as many begin their careers as assistants to established mangakas 1. Ultimately, only time will reveal the true impact of AI on the manga industry.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you think AI will threaten the careers of manga artists in the future? Share your opinions in the comments below. We at Anime Senpai would love to hear what you think!
Sources
Anime Senpai. (2023). World’s First AI-drawn Manga Has Been Officially Released. Retrieved from https://www.animesenpai.net/worlds-first-ai-drawn-manga-has-been-officially-released/#:~:text=On%20March%209%2C%202023%2C%20%E2%80%9C,first%20AI%2Ddrawn%20manga%20series
CNN Style. (2023). This is Japan’s first AI-generated manga comic. But is it art? Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/japan-first-ai-generated-manga-art-intl-hnk/index.html