The use of AI in creative work has been a contentious topic for years, and Goodnight Punpun creator Inio Asano has now offered a rather different perspective. The mangaka says restrictions around using AI are one of several reasons his latest series, Mujina Into the Deep, is on hiatus until 2027, arguing that the technology could significantly improve his work and speed up parts of his production process.
Asano is best known for creating acclaimed manga including Goodnight Punpun and Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction. He has been working on Mujina Into the Deep, his latest manga series, since 2023.
Appearing on the Japanese showWEEKLY OCHIAI, Asano discussed his process of using Unreal Engine and Blender to create 3D backgrounds for his manga. When asked whether AI could help with the process, Asano said, “It’s definitely possible, but there is a very difficult problem of what extent you can use AI to.”
“Right now, publishers are not in a position where they can overtly say that they allow AI use,” Asano said. “It’s a strange situation. You’re not allowed to use it precisely because you’re a professional.”
Asano explained that there are several reasons Mujina Into the Deep has been put on hiatus until 2027, with the manga industry’s current position on AI being one of them.
“In the current state of things, mangaka are not allowed to use AI. But using AI actually drives up the quality by a mile. So doesn’t that mean it would be best to not draw the manga now? Maybe they suddenly lift the ban [on AI] next year, so it might be better to start drawing after that happens. I’m currently on standby in that sense,” Asano said.
Asano did not explain exactly how he would use AI in Mujina Into the Deep if restrictions were lifted, or whether that would involve generative AI being used directly in the manga’s artwork. He did say, though, that AI could significantly speed up the modelling process he currently handles using tools such as Unreal Engine and Blender.
Reactions online have been as one would expect, ranging from meme reactions such as“when you find out your GOAT is washed”to“he tryna ignore it,”with others chiming in and saying they’re glad the ban on AI is kept as“manga is meant to be art.”
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