The legendary manga artist, animator, and producer of iconic Japanese comics, Osamu Tezuka, is often referred to as the “God of Manga” and the “Father of Anime.” He revolutionized the manga and anime industries by introducing detailed storylines, expressive characters, and dynamic framing techniques that brought the medium to life.
Osamu Tezuka’s career spanned over several decades, laying the foundation for modern manga and influencing many art forms. His pioneering style, characterized by the “big eyes,” has become a defining trait of the anime we see today. The impact of Osamu Tezuka can be observed in countless works, including Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball, Naoki Urasawa’s Monster, and many other emblematic manga series.
Tezuka’s Astro Boy is a groundbreaking work in many ways, shaping what anime and manga look like today. It was the first animated feature in Japan and set the groundwork for the entire anime industry. Astro Boy also established the standard for anime style, influencing how future series would be crafted.
The story delves into themes such as artificial intelligence, the relationship between humans and robots, war, and social discrimination, long before these topics became prevalent in today’s cultural discourse. Osamu Tezuka’s legacy in the anime and manga world is immeasurable, and to this day, many continue to honor his contributions.
However, Osamu Tezuka’s son, Makoto Tezuka, a director and animator, has sparked controversy due to his use of AI in hopes of recreating his father’s iconic works.
Makoto Tezuka Develops AI to Learn His Father’s Manga Style
An article by Pia shared updates from the 3rd International Animation Film Festival in Niigata, where a workshop titled “The Future of Animation Controlled by AI” took place. During the event, Makoto Tezuka stated: “I believe that recreating original works is a significant evaluation in anime, and by allowing AI to learn the original manga, we can produce versions that may even capture the very essence more closely than the original.”
“This is precisely what I have been studying for years, and I have tried to learn from Tezuka Osamu’s manga to see if I can create an anime that reflects his style. I can clearly say that ‘anime can be created through the lines drawn by Tezuka Osamu.’” he added.
Reactions from the Online Community Regarding Makoto Tezuka’s Methods
As expected, the online community reacted negatively to this news, expressing their disapproval and concern over Makoto’s approach, arguing that it does not honor his father’s work. One user commented: “Honestly, I really dislike Makoto Tezuka. Every time I see something about him, it’s quite disturbing and lacks respect for his father’s legacy.”
“Imagine if your son spent five years trying to recreate your works, not in a faithful manner but reinterpreting and altering them.” another person chimed in.
Makoto Tezuka heads a portion of Tezuka Productions and is known for various works such as Barbara, Hakuchi: The Innocent, and Moment. The project utilizing AI is currently in its early stages, with the primary goal of analyzing the style and techniques of Osamu Tezuka to create a new manga series.
