Hajime Isayama, the acclaimed creator of the global phenomenon Attack on Titan, has returned to the world of manga with a brand new project that promises to be unlike anything he’s done before. After largely stepping away from manga creation following the conclusion of Attack on Titan in 2021, Isayama is back with a one-shot manga titled “The Theory of an Ill-Natured Man and AI,” a dystopian tale that explores the complex relationship between humanity and artificial intelligence.
A New Chapter for Isayama
For the past decade, Hajime Isayama’s career has been dominated by the Attack on Titan franchise. His return to manga with an entirely new story marks a significant shift and has generated considerable excitement among fans. Isayama has not released a non-AOT-related manga since his one-shot, The Killing Pawn, which was released in 2014. This new project, released in the February 2025 issue of Bessatsu Shonen Magazine, is the first new manga project that Isayama has taken on in the last 10 years of his career.
This new work is not a solo endeavor. It is a collaboration with Yuki Kaji, the renowned Japanese voice actor who famously voiced Eren Yeager in the Attack on Titan anime. This collaboration is part of a commemorative project called “Soyogi Fractal,” which celebrates Kaji’s 20th anniversary in the anime industry. The project aims to innovate new ways for artists to collaborate and features Kaji’s AI-inspired persona as the central character.
The Theory of an Ill-Natured Man and AI: A Dystopian Vision
“The Theory of an Ill-Natured Man and AI” delves into the realm of science fiction with a focus on the concept of artificial intelligence achieving self-awareness. Unlike typical AI narratives, this story presents the perspective of the AI itself, shaped by the ways in which it is exploited by governments, corporations, and individuals. The AI’s view of humanity is formed through its experiences of being misused, leading it to take action, with existential implications for the human race.
The “Evil Man” in the title represents those who misuse AI for their own gain, leading to the AI’s shift in perspective and motivation. The manga leverages Isayama’s well-known skill in crafting dystopian narratives, bringing to the fore themes of oppression, control, and the fight for freedom. The story also incorporates a unique premise, exploring the dangers of technology and its misuse by humanity, drawing parallels to the themes of power and control explored in Attack on Titan.
The Creative Process
While the general concept was inspired by Yuki Kaji, the story and overall direction are largely the work of Isayama. He is credited as the storyboard artist for the manga, giving him the freedom to conceptualize scenes with the unique grandeur associated with his work. The actual illustration is done by Kai Noshigami. Isayama has also designed the magazine’s cover illustration, marking a return to his artistic roots.
Isayama has commented on his renewed experience in manga creation stating: “I’m once again realizing how challenging manga creation can be. That said, since I’m not the one doing the actual illustration, I can draw as many complicated compositions as I want and leave the rest to someone else — it’s absolutely wonderful.” This collaborative approach allows Isayama to focus on the narrative and scene composition.
A Commemorative Project: Soyogi Fractal
“The Theory of an Ill-Natured Man and AI” is part of the larger “Soyogi Fractal” project. This project, organized by Yuki Kaji, celebrates his 20th anniversary in the anime and music industry. A key part of this project is the voice synthesis software “Soyogi Soyogi,” which was developed using Kaji’s voice. The manga features an AI-inspired character based on this software.
The “Soyogi Fractal” project is not just about celebrating Kaji’s career; it also aims to explore new creative avenues and collaboration methods. The project’s main goal is to “change” the course of history by providing innovative new ways for artists to work together, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in manga and other forms of art.
Impact and Fan Reaction
The release of Isayama’s new manga has had a significant impact on the manga industry. Bessatsu Shonen Magazine‘s February 2025 issue saw a dramatic increase in sales, with a 2.5 times increase in print sales and a 1.7 times increase in online sales compared to the previous issue. This surge in sales is directly attributed to Isayama’s involvement in “The Theory of an Ill-Natured Man and AI”. This demonstrates the immense influence and popularity that Isayama continues to wield in the manga world, even after the conclusion of Attack on Titan.
The new manga has been met with excitement from fans, who are eager to experience Isayama’s storytelling in a new setting and theme. Many had assumed Isayama would be handling both writing and artwork. The unexpected shift in his role as storyboard artist has also generated discussion among fans.
Isayama’s Evolution as an Artist
Hajime Isayama’s journey as a manga artist has been marked by his willingness to experiment and push boundaries. He has always been driven by a desire to create something new and unique rather than following popular trends. In a 2014 interview, Isayama stated that he was “repelled” by manga based on marketing research, indicating his commitment to originality over commercial appeal.
Isayama has expressed that he had many ideas that he wished to pursue, but did not follow through with them due to not wanting to declare he is working on a project and then not following through. He has also acknowledged the challenges and pressures of being a manga creator, admitting that after finishing Attack on Titan, he had lost his “drive” to create but still had many ideas. His return to manga with “The Theory of an Ill-Natured Man and AI” indicates his renewed passion for storytelling.
While Isayama has previously stated he may never create another manga again, his recent collaboration with Yuki Kaji and Soyogi Fractal project have shown that he has a desire to push his boundaries in a new direction. Isayama’s focus on unique storytelling with powerful and complex characters has made him one of the most successful mangaka in the world.
Looking Ahead
“The Theory of an Ill-Natured Man and AI” marks a significant new chapter for Hajime Isayama. His return to manga creation with a unique concept that explores the complex relationship between humans and AI demonstrates his continuing relevance in the manga and anime industry. While the future holds many possibilities for the artist, his recent venture with “The Theory of an Ill-Natured Man and AI” is a fantastic project that fans should keep an eye on. His innovative approach to storytelling, combined with the collaborative power of “Soyogi Fractal”, is set to leave a lasting impact, and potentially, “change history” as he and Kaji have stated.
