Renowned comic artist Zhu Deyong has ignited a fresh debate on artificial intelligence’s limits in creative industries, asserting that human storytelling will always remain irreplaceable due to its intrinsic connection to lived experiences and emotional depth. In a recent interview for Beyond ACG, the creator behind iconic works like Uptown Singles argued that AI-generated content lacks the "human soul" essential to meaningful art.
The Human Element in Creation
Zhu drew parallels between historical artists’ physical struggles and their creative output, noting how Van Gogh’s severed ear and Monet’s cataracts shaped their unique perspectives. "These weren’t flaws but portals to human truth," he said. "AI can mimic styles, but it can’t replicate the pain, joy, or sensory experiences that birth authentic expression."
A Cultural Red Line
The artist warned that outsourcing creativity to machines would lead to cultural collapse: "If we accept AI stories as equal to human ones, we surrender what makes us civilizations. Our shared myths, humor, and social critiques all stem from imperfect, embodied lives."
Legacy of Relatable Art
With works spanning three decades, Zhu’s comics about urban relationships and societal pressures have become cultural touchstones across Chinese-speaking communities. His stance reflects growing global discussions about preserving human-centric values in technological advancement.
Production credits: Executive producer Zhang Jingwen, Producer Yang Sha, Director Chen Hongyu, Videographer Wang Hongjie.
