Key Takeaways:
– Yoshiyuki Tomino, the creator of Gundam, remains confident that AI cannot replace human creation in anime and manga.
– He points out that people can sense when something is artificial and they prefer the authenticity of real, analog creations.
– Despite an increasing shift towards digital, there are campaigners like Tite Kubo and Hayao Miyazaki who stick to analog techniques.
– Tomino's stance against artificial intelligence reflects his belief in preserving the creative essence of anime.
Characterizing AI in Anime and Manga
Popularly recognized for being the mastermind behind the creation of Gundam franchise, Yoshiyuki Tomino has a firm belief that the arena of anime and manga will remain invulnerable to the takeover by artificial intelligence. Suggesting that humans have an innate ability to discern the authenticity of natural creations, Tomino relies on the human quotient to resist the encroachment of AI in this creative sphere.
Verbally opposing the forecast of AI being the future of anime and manga, Tomino recalls his initial days in the industry. He mentions his preferred method of analog line drawing employed during the creation of Mobile Suit Gundam. This was in contrast to modern techniques, as back in the 70s and 80s, the Disney-fied approach hadn't emerged yet.
Tomino's Faith in Analog Drawings
Lauding the distinctive human capability of sensing dissimilarities, Tomino expresses his faith in the sense of distinguishing real from unreal. He firmly believes that even if anime becomes completely digitalized and AI creeps in, the machinations can't outclass the human level of creation. This feeling is premised on the hypothesis that people are inherently drawn towards real things and can identify when something lacks naturalness.
His notion aligns with other anime creators who have experienced obstacles in adapting digital techniques. For instance, Tite Kubo, the creator of Bleach, reverted to analog drawing after battling with a digital pen. Similarly, renowned animator Hayao Miyazaki stands by analog line drawings. His multiple Academy Award-winning works bear testament to the viability of these traditional techniques.
The Legacy of Mobile Suit Gundam
Launched over four decades ago, the Gundam franchise revolutionized the Mecha genre in the anime world. It has amassed an impressive net worth of $26 billion, ranking as the fourth wealthiest anime franchise. This remarkable success story is the result of Tomino's heartfelt devotion towards his creation, notwithstanding the occasional misunderstandings among fans about the true essence of the series.
Now an octogenarian, Tomino's work frequency has understandably reduced. Yet, he never misses an opportunity to revisit the studio. His dislike of fully air-conditioned studios further reflects his preference for maintaining a natural vibe in the creative process.
Staying True to the Essence of Anime
Despite the rapid advancement of AI, Tomino fervently wishes that anime and manga can retain the beauty of hand drawings. He holds strong in his belief of keeping the creative spirit intact, away from the cold artificiality of AI. As of now, Mobile Suit Gundam is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
In the end, despite being from an older generation, Tomino's stance is a vital reminder of the enduring importance of authenticity in a world that is increasingly digital and automated. It serves as a testament to the undying power of human creativity in an era of advanced technology. His words provide a calming reassurance to everyone who sees value in maintaining inherent humanistic traits in a world that is rapidly advancing towards artificial intelligence.
