The anti-gourmet manga
It's about AI art
My oneshot manga “My angel girlfriend sucks at cooking” is now available on the Tapir Terrace.
Summary:
An average high school boy turns down his childhood best friend, because he has a perfect girlfriend - an angel! Her only flaw is she’s a terrible chef! (It’s all an analogy for AI art, and the angel represents AI and the childhood best friend represents real art.)
I drew this about a year ago, and pushed myself to finish the complete manga in 2 weeks. I felt very compelled to make something on the very topical discussion of AI art, and make it fast.
And then I let it sit around my hard drive for a year, without showing anyone! Hilarious. Why am I like this.
At first I felt pretty defeated by the concept of AI art. Before Pixiv implemented their AI filter switch, it was legitimate zetsubou to go on an app that I used to use for inspiration be flooded with horseshit.
But then I listened to the Draftsmen Podcast talk about AI art and I got over it.
I reasoned: if AI is just going to be another tool for artists, let me get over my hangups and try it out myself. So I took action and made this oneshot.
Is it good? Is it bad??? Is it……… somewhere in the middle???????? Man, I don’t know, I just wanted to make something with a little more edge than that cake analogy.
I used image-to-image for the AI portion of this manga, posing Clipstudio anime models and then processing them through Meitu’s filter. And it was pretty tricky getting it to behave correctly. For many of the panels with Angel Girlfriend, I had to go over them and draw what I wanted (especially in regard to facial expression/eye movement). Some panels were a mix of AI and the original 3D model, because the AI kept giving bad results.
So I learned how to draw manga by tracing Clipstudio 3D models. I still rely on them heavily. But after much kicking and screaming, I started doing more life studies and that strengthened my minds eye.
Being able to draw without reference, and just know what you want, is certified chad behavior. And I want to get closer to being a big dick mangaka who can just ink an entire (physical!) page, no pencil step needed, no references, and certainly no computer needed.
Even if I’m not there yet and still struggling with my 3D dolls, a big appeal for the creative process is translating what I see in my head to the page. It’s the easiest way for me to express myself.
Playing with AI felt more like a slot machine, each time hoping that maybe this reroll will get it right. It didn’t have the same feelings of interest as real drawing, it felt closer to the mindset I have when I’m hunting for new 3D models or glitter screentones. It’s more like preparing for drawing - but it’s not the real thing.
Anyway, more about the actual manga. I never submitted this manga for editor review, since the character designs lacked definitive “manga-like” quality. This is a pretty big mistake I’ve gotten feedback for in the past. When it comes to editors, and only editors, I am an outstanding listener.
I wanted the boy and girl to feel like showa-era manga characters. But that’s hard! So I went with a more western “toon” expressions. I needed something to distinguish them from the angel - who has a “standard AI anime waifu” look to her, so she stays as something otherworldly.
I’d like to do more in this “toon” style, without the AI gimmick- but how?? Where????
I’m pretty lousy at generating ideas for manga oneshots, and usually wait until Manga-Lab or Manga-Meets provides a contest with an interesting prompt. And they’re looking for professional, real-deal manga! I can’t fart up my chance with cartoon art!!
Yes yes I know, manga can look like anything, it’s a diverse art form, yes I have read “Goodnight PunPun” and whatever else you’re about to recommend me. I’m saying if I’m entering a manga contest, I wanna play on their terms. It’s satisfying learning how to draw in “mainstream” manga art styles for commercial works. Part of my “idealized art self” that I’m always aiming for, is someone who can easily switch art styles.
As for the story: There’s something deeply appealing about the “Angel Girlfriend” trope. What if your soulmate just fell from the sky? When you’re deeply awkward, speedrunning past dating is a best case romantic scecnario.
There’s also a pseudo-Oedipal angle to the male lead and his angel girlfriend. I feel like he doesn’t approach her like a boy should approach a girl who’s supposedly his soulmate. At best she’s like a cool talking/flying dog for him to show off, at worst she’s a yandere mommy gf.
It’s all pretty ham-fisted with its analogies and character interactions.
Take this dialogue, for example:
I think this particular joke (of characters very blatantly establishing a scene/their relationship) would work in another context. In a context where everyone’s constantly yelling and over-emoting, this just kind of melts together with the rest.
I wanted to say something unique with AI art. I know I’m not really capable of saying anything poignant about Current Thing. And if you’re just going for the shock value twist, your work suffers. This one included! But hopefully it can be enjoyed as a fun little aesthetic experiment.
Final thoughts while we’re on the topic of AI art: This technology is ultimately useless and pathetic to me because it can’t generate image of Volo from Pokemon. I’ve tried both image-to-image and text-based AI. His asymmetrical bangs give him a non-standard face, so that trips up the ai art generators (My husbando is very beautiful and unique).
So until it can make me Volo art, it stinks.
Also, I’m fine if you use my art in AI! I keep saying that but no one’s done it yet. I know there’s an AI image generator based on e621. I’ve always been curious how much, if any, I’ve infected that. Not enough to actually look into it since I have Volo’s to draw since the goshdarn computer cant.
Which reminds me of an hilarious comment I got on rule 34:
I was strutting around with a serious confidence boost after reading that.
Next week on the Tapir Terrace: “My big-boobed classmate is distracting” will be available to read for the fine patrons of the Tapir Terrace. Here’s the first page:
PS: Commissions are opening soon! But only for paid subscribers! Check it out here.
The grand opening sale is still going, so don’t miss out:
Thanks for reading! 🫶
How big are her boobs?