The rising manga NTR Kaeshi has been officially removed from Shonen Jump+ following allegations that artificial intelligence was used in its artwork production. The series had initially ranked among the top newcomers in February 2026, gaining rapid attention for its polished visuals and strong debut performance.
According to publisher Shueisha, concerns emerged due to the unusually consistent art style throughout the manga. Editors reportedly found the line work and character rendering to be algorithmically uniform, prompting an internal review. The investigation suggested that AI tools were used in the illustration process, particularly to “stabilize” character designs and maintain visual consistency across panels.
While the creator was transparent about incorporating AI assistance, the disclosure ultimately worked against the project. Shueisha clarified that the Jump Rookie program and Shonen Jump+ platform are designed to discover and promote human artistic talent. The publisher emphasized that it values organic artistic nuance, natural imperfections, and the subtle individuality that comes from hand-drawn manga creation.
In a statement addressing the controversy, Shueisha compared using AI-generated visuals in a human talent competition to “bringing a motorcycle into a bicycle race.” The metaphor underscored the company’s position that AI tools provide an unfair advantage in a platform intended to highlight human craftsmanship and creative authenticity.
The decision has sparked wider debate within the manga industry about the role of AI in creative production. As generative tools become more sophisticated, publishers are increasingly required to define clear boundaries regarding acceptable usage. While some argue that AI can support artists in refining workflow efficiency, others believe it risks undermining the originality and human touch that define traditional manga.
For now, Shueisha remains firm in its policy: Shonen Jump+ will continue prioritizing fully human-created works as it searches for the next generation of manga talent.
