Frieren’s Hand-Drawn Credits Take a Stand Against AI in Anime

When it comes to memorable anime credits, most fans have a couple of favourites that stick in their minds—maybe for the art, maybe for the tune. For years, I’d have put Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood’s iconic endings at the top of my list. But now, there’s a new standout: the closing sequence for Frieren’s second season, featuring ‘The Story of Us’ performed by Milet and illustrated by Mimei Auome.

What sets this sequence apart is its entirely hand-drawn approach. Auome used nothing but coloured pencils to bring Frieren’s journey to life, scene by scene. The result is a series of images that are both vibrant and deeply expressive. Auome has even shared these painstaking illustrations on their official Twitter, giving fans a closer look at the detail and effort involved.

Handcrafted Art in a Digital Age

In an era where artificial intelligence is becoming more common in animation, this credits sequence feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s a clear reminder of the warmth and emotion that only a human touch can provide. The visuals don’t just look good—they tell a story, capturing the relationship between Himmel and Frieren with a richness that’s hard to replicate with algorithms.

‘The Story of Us’ doesn’t just cap off the season; it elevates it. The use of traditional materials and techniques stands in stark contrast to the growing trend of AI-generated content, making a quiet but powerful statement about the importance of genuine artistic effort.

AI’s Growing Influence and Industry Pushback

The past year has seen a string of controversies around artificial intelligence in the anime world. Several English dubs created with AI were pulled from streaming platforms after fans voiced their concerns. There was also the short film Twins Hinahima, which was made almost entirely with AI and sparked plenty of debate when it premiered last March.

Things escalated further after the release of OpenAI’s Sora 2 video generation tool, which drew criticism for its use of well-known anime characters. The backlash was strong enough that Akihisa Shiozaki, a member of Japan’s parliament, weighed in on social media. He said,

‘Japan bears a responsibility to take the lead on making rules (related to AI and copyright infringement), precisely because we are a country that has captivated the world with the creative power of anime, games, and music.’

Celebrating Human Creativity

In the midst of all this, Frieren’s hand-drawn ending stands out as a celebration of what makes animation special. It’s a showcase of skill, patience, and imagination—qualities that can’t be automated. For those keen to see what’s next, there are guides out there covering new anime releases and the schedule for Frieren’s second season.