Hirohiko Araki, the legendary creator of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (JJBA), recently made a statement that deserves more attention than the usual “AI bad” discourse we see online.
On November 15, 2024, the second chapter of Araki’s New Manga Techniques dropped, and in it, he talked about encountering an AI-generated artwork that perfectly imitated his style. And when I say “perfectly,” I mean he literally thought it was something he had drawn.
Considering how distinct his style is—anyone who’s seen his work from Phantom Blood to JoJolion knows how much attention to detail he puts into things like eyelashes and folds of clothing—this is no small feat.
Araki’s reaction was a mix of shock and concern. He admitted that while he could differentiate AI-generated pieces from his recent works, it was much harder with older ones, where even he might not remember every nuance.
That’s where the real issue lies. As AI tech becomes more sophisticated, it’s not just about imitation; it’s about indistinguishable counterfeits.
Hirohiko Araki on the evil of AI art in today's "world of con artists". He worries about the impact AI-generated fakes will have on manga. He recently saw an AI image and was shocked at its similarity to his art style.
— JoJo's Bizarre Encyclopedia (@jojo_wiki) November 16, 2024
– Hirohiko Araki's New Manga Techniques (November 15, 2024) pic.twitter.com/NVNc2lUzXR
Araki’s Warning Against Artificial Intelligence
Araki didn’t mince words. He called out the potential future of art and manga being dominated by fraud and deceit, highlighting two key dangers:
Authenticity Crisis: AI-generated fakes could blur the line between real and counterfeit art. Imagine a future where fans buy what they think is an authentic Araki sketch, only to realize it was made by an algorithm. That’s not just harmful to the artist—it’s a betrayal of the audience.
Copyright Challenges: Even as a veteran backed by Shueisha, Araki admitted that copyright management is a daunting task in the AI age. He emphasized that independent or “lax” artists are especially vulnerable, with their works being used, altered, or even outright stolen by AI tools.
And before anyone jumps to the “just adapt to AI” argument, Araki also pointed out how con artists could exploit legal loopholes.
In his words, laws favoring these bad actors could emerge before proper protections are even in place. That’s a grim prospect, especially for an industry already plagued by piracy and low pay for creators.
AI in Animanga Industry
This isn’t an isolated case. The animanga industry has been grappling with AI-related issues for a while now.
Just recently, big-name seiyuu (voice actors) like Ryusei Nakao (Dragon Ball’s Frieza) and Yuki Kaji (Attack on Titan’s Eren) have been raising alarms about unauthorized AI voice cloning. It’s the same pattern: technology advances faster than ethical or legal frameworks can keep up.
The conversation around AI isn’t inherently anti-tech. Araki himself has embraced new tools in his work over the years (his digital coloring in JoJolion is proof of that).
But there’s a difference between using tech as a tool and letting it replace the human element. Manga, like all art, is a reflection of its creator’s individuality. That’s why we connect with it on such a deep level.
Can This Be a Turning Point?
This feels like a tipping point. If Araki—someone with decades of experience and resources—is this concerned, what does that mean for smaller creators? How do we protect the integrity of art in a world where AI can replicate it with terrifying precision?
I don’t have all the answers, but it’s clear we need better regulation and stronger protections for creators. Otherwise, we’re looking at a future where the line between genuine art and AI-generated mimicry disappears entirely.
(PS: If you’re unfamiliar with Araki’s style and what makes it so unique, check out his work from the 80s vs. the modern JoJo arcs. The evolution is incredible and just underscores how personal his art is.)
