Goodnight Punpun creator Inio Asano has opened up about why his manga Mujina Into the Deep is currently on hiatus, revealing that the manga industry’s cautious stance toward generative AI is one of the factors behind the decision.
The acclaimed manga artist recently appeared on WEEKLY OCHIAI, a talk show hosted by Japanese media artist Yoichi Ochiai, where he discussed his unique manga production workflow, the use of Blender and Unreal Engine, and how AI could transform the way he creates manga backgrounds.
Asano Builds Most of His Manga Worlds in 3D
During the interview, Asano revealed that over 90% of the backgrounds in Mujina Into the Deep are created by him using Blender for modeling and Unreal Engine for scene layout.
He explained that he purchases ready-made 3D assets whenever possible and creates his own models when suitable assets aren’t available.
Asano also shared that the series wasn’t originally intended to be an action manga.
“Initially, it was supposed to be a simple, grounded story about this hopeless middle-aged man in a shopping street. But when I created the town in 3D, I was like, I could make a manga that’s much better suited for this – and it naturally became an action manga.”
AI Could Greatly Speed Up His Workflow
When asked whether generative AI could help streamline the process of modeling and placing assets across such a large 3D environment, Asano said it certainly has the potential.
“It’s definitely possible, but there is a very difficult problem of what extent you can use AI to.”
He explained that publishers are currently reluctant to openly approve the use of AI in professional manga production.
“Right now, publishers are not in a position where they can overtly say that they allow AI use. It’s a strange situation; you’re not allowed to use it precisely because you’re a professional.”
AI Stance Is One Reason for the Hiatus
Asano clarified that Mujina Into the Deep is on hiatus for several reasons, but said the industry’s current attitude toward AI is one of them.
According to the mangaka, AI could significantly improve the quality of his production while dramatically reducing the time required to build complex 3D environments.
“In the current state of things, mangaka are not allowed to use AI. But using AI actually drives up the quality by a mile. So doesn’t that mean it would be best to not draw the manga now? Maybe they suddenly lift the ban [on AI] next year, so it might be better to start drawing after that happens. I’m currently on standby in that sense.”
While Asano did not specify how extensively he would use AI if restrictions changed, he emphasized that it could greatly accelerate his modeling workflow.
GTA Inspired His Recent Works
Beyond AI, Asano also spoke about his creative process, revealing that video games have become one of his biggest sources of inspiration.
He said that nearly all of his works following Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction, including Mujina Into the Deep, have been heavily influenced by the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series.
Rather than beginning with the story itself, Asano explained that he first creates an “open world” for his manga before developing the narrative within it.
Separately, Asano also shared a post on X showcasing his production process, reaffirming that more than 90% of the backgrounds in Mujina Into the Deep are created in 3D using Blender and Unreal Engine, with purchased assets used where available and custom models created when necessary.
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About Mujina Into the Deep
Mujina Into the Deep (Japanese Title: Mujina Into the Deep) is a manga series by Inio Asano, best known for Goodnight Punpun and Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction. The series follows a futuristic society where individuals known as Mujina exist outside the protection of the law, exploring themes of identity, violence, and social inequality through Asano’s signature detailed artwork and world-building. The manga is currently on hiatus and is scheduled to resume in 2027.
