J-List Writers’ Bests of Anime, 2023: The Captain’s 3 AI Moments

Our J-List writers search far and wide for the best anime news and features. So, we cornered them and asked them for their top anime-related picks of 2023.

2023 was a watershed year for AI applications. AI art. ChatGPT. Artificially generated booba. The Internet exploded with new apps, and they were everywhere. Controversy was sure to follow, as it did. Although DALL-E was released in 2021, we saw AI art pop up in manga and anime this year. Some of us were interested in the possibilities of this new technology, but others were pissed off. Skynet, it seemed, was going to destroy our fandom with crappy art before releasing the T-800s to destroy us.

Like any tool, AI will invariably be used to create bad and good creations, including worthy works that elevate the human spirit. The Industrial Revolution wasn’t a smooth transition, and it produced its fair share of garbage inventions and human angst. Now, we have a lot of convenient systems giving us more time to glue our eyeballs to the newest anime hotness. Things will work out in the end.

So, that’s my introduction to the three most bizarre anime-related bits of AI news this year. Let’s take a closer look.

Pixel Perfect Waifus: Set Your Imagination Free(er)

The J-List (Official) Discord is my favorite place on the Internet. The memes are great, and the waifus come in hot and fast, and I’ll take that pun to the bank. Now we have a whole channel dedicated to AI waifu art, too. Join us! We hang out and share fun or weird generations, tips, and plenty of feet pics.

AI waifus generated by poiGenAI.

AI and Manga: Who Needs Drawing Skills?

Midjourney was used to illustrate Cyberpunk: Peach John, purportedly Japan’s first all-AI-illustrated manga. When CNN reported the story in March of this year, hands were still an issue for AI art bots. Author and creator Rootport said he reduced the number of scenes showing hands because of this issue, but already AI’s improving. If you ever wanted to create manga, now is the time to start.

Art Bots and Anime: Underpaid Artists vs. Art Apps

In February, Vice reported on an anime short that used AI art in its backgrounds. The Dog & The Boy came under fire after producer Netflix claimed that using AI-generated assets was necessary because of labor shortages in the industry. What would you say to that if you were a hardworking, underpaid anime staffer? Or rather, don’t tell us in the comments.

Finding the perfect application for AI tools will remain a question for animators while AI technology matures. This is why Rock, Paper, Scissors, an “anime” (you decide) made by Corridor Digital, is noteworthy. Love or hate it, it showcases one new way to create stories. There will definitely be more ideas in the future, and you can bet animators are paying attention.

2024 is still unwritten, but AI will also leave its mark on the new year. What are your predictions? Should AI go to weird-hand-hell, or is it the tool we need? Let us know in the comments below.

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J-List is helping you out with your shipping! From now until the end of the year, J-List will pick up $25 of your shipping for all orders over $150. Want to get those super awesome cast-off figures, load up on male stress toys or personal lotion, or perhaps order a few 2024 anime and sexy calendars? Now is your chance! Use code SUPPORT at checkout to get the discount!