AI Helping to Continue the Legacy of Japanese Cartoonists
The legacy of Japan’s renowned cartoonists is being continued with the help of artificial intelligence (AI), raising both accolades and concerns within the industry. The recent release of a sequel to Osamu Tezuka’s iconic manga “Black Jack” created with the assistance of AI has sparked discussions on the future of comic creation.
In commemoration of the 35th anniversary of Osamu Tezuka’s passing and the 50th anniversary of the debut of “Black Jack”, a new AI-generated sequel titled “Mechanical Heart” has surfaced in a popular comic magazine. Makoto Tezuka, the son of Osamu Tezuka, expressed his belief that his father would have embraced AI as a partner in his creative endeavors, citing Osamu Tezuka’s penchant for taking on new challenges.
The project team behind the AI-created sequel, known as “TEZUKA2023”, consists of AI experts and cartoonists led by Tezuka Makoto and Professor Satoshi Kurihara from Keio University. The team utilized AI to design characters reminiscent of Osamu Tezuka’s unique style and crafted a storyline exploring themes relevant to the contemporary era of AI technology.
While some members of the project team view AI as a collaborative partner enhancing creativity, others acknowledge the need for human intervention to refine and guide the storytelling process. The challenge remains in bridging the gap between AI-generated content and the emotional depth inherent in human expression within Osamu Tezuka’s works.
Public opinion on the AI-generated “Black Jack” sequel is mixed, with nostalgia-driven fans welcoming the revival of their beloved childhood memories through AI technology. However, critiques have surfaced regarding the lack of emotional depth and authentic artistic expression in AI-generated works, questioning the potential impact of AI on the creative industry and human employment.
As the boundaries of technology and creativity blur, the integration of AI in comic creation poses both opportunities and challenges for preserving the essence of iconic cartoonists like Osamu Tezuka. The debate surrounding the role of AI in artistic endeavors continues to evolve, raising important questions about the future of storytelling and human creativity in the digital age.