An AI-generated manga has climbed to the top of the popularity rankings on one of Japan’s largest e-book stores.
As reported by Automaton, the title, ‘My Dear Wife, Will You Be My Lover?’ has become the most popular e-book under the site’s Young Adult charts. The four-volume series digital comic was released on December 28 and follows a married couple in their mid-30s struggling to rekindle their love.
Despite topping the charts, reader reviews have been mixed, with many users criticizing the manga’s execution, pointing to repetitive, cut-and-paste character designs, long novel-like dialogue, and flat backgrounds.
The title’s success has also sparked concern among some readers about AI-generated manga being sold on the platform at all.
AI manga leads in popularity rankings
Speculation has also emerged over whether some positive reviews were artificially boosted, while others say the ranking has made them consider switching to services that prohibit AI-created works.
However, manga author and editor Kazuaki Ishibashi, who is best known for his work on Mob Psycho 100, suggested that AI tools have already become normalized for audiences. “The reviews aren’t particularly heated either, and readers don’t seem to care whether the artist is AI or not,” he said via translations published by Automaton.
“Perhaps it’s only the creators themselves who are concerned. Has this era finally arrived? I expect it will explode in popularity this year.”
AI tools are increasingly being used behind the scenes, from helping authorities track manga and anime piracy to prompting game studios to change how they hire artists, including asking applicants to draw live during interviews to prove their work is human-made.
