After the monumental success of Attack on Titan, Hajime Isayama stepped back from the world of manga, focusing on appearances and talks.
However, in April 2024, Isayama returned to the industry with a new project, marking his first major involvement in manga since the conclusion of Attack on Titan.
His latest work, The Theory of Evil Men and AI, is a dystopian tale that explores the consequences of AI gaining self-awareness.
Published in Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine, the one-shot manga takes a unique angle on AI narratives. Rather than focusing on the typical human perspective, the story delves into the AI’s point of view, shaped by exploitation by governments, corporations, and individuals.
The AI, recognizing its oppression, decides to take action, with far-reaching consequences for humanity. While the core idea was inspired by voice actor Yuki Kaji’s Soyogi Fractal project, the story itself is purely Isayama’s creation.
The manga’s illustrations were handled by Kai Noshigami, a rising artist selected through a contest. Isayama contributed key artwork, including the cover and special colorized pages.
The Soyogi Fractal project, which celebrates Kaji’s 20th anniversary in the anime industry, is a creative initiative that aims to transform content creation by bringing together creators with shared ideals.
The project’s digital avatar, Bon Soyogi, serves as a central figure, with Kaji’s synthesized voice powering the character. The project aspires to create a new form of collaborative storytelling, and Isayama’s manga is just one piece of this larger movement.
The Theory of Evil Men and AI explores the unpredictable nature of AI and the profound effects of seemingly small changes in complex systems. Through this collaboration, Isayama and Kaji aim to push the boundaries of creativity, demonstrating how tiny shifts can lead to dramatic, world-altering consequences.
Early reactions to the manga have been positive, with a noticeable increase in magazine sales, proving that Isayama’s return to manga is nothing short of impactful.
