Frieren’s Pencil-Drawn Credits Defy Anime’s AI Takeover

Ask anyone to recall a memorable anime closing, and you’ll likely hear a few familiar names—perhaps for their distinctive visuals, perhaps for a tune that lingers. For years, I’d have championed the end themes from Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. Now, though, there’s a new entry that’s impossible to ignore: the second series of Frieren, with its closing piece ‘The Story of Us’, performed by Milet and brought to life through Mimei Auome’s coloured pencil artistry.

Auome’s approach is refreshingly analogue. Eschewing digital shortcuts, every frame is rendered by hand, each stroke of pencil adding depth and warmth. The result is a sequence that feels both intimate and grand, charting Frieren’s path with a vibrancy that’s hard to replicate. Auome has even shared the painstaking process on their official Twitter, offering a glimpse behind the curtain at the sheer effort involved.

Handcrafted Art in a Digital Age

In an era where artificial intelligence is making ever bolder inroads into animation, this hand-drawn sequence stands out as a quiet act of rebellion. It’s not just a stylistic choice; it’s a statement. The tactile quality of the pencil work, the subtle imperfections, the way colours blend and bleed—these are things no algorithm can quite capture. Watching Frieren’s journey unfold in this way, you’re reminded of the irreplaceable value of human touch in art.

What’s more, the ending doesn’t simply serve as a visual treat. It weaves a brief but poignant narrative, focusing on the relationship between Himmel and Frieren. The colours are lush, the emotions unmistakable, and the story told in just a few minutes lingers long after the credits roll.

Industry Backlash Against AI

The timing of this artistic flourish is no accident. Last year, the anime world saw its fair share of AI-related rows. English dubs generated by artificial intelligence were pulled from Prime Video following a wave of complaints from fans. Meanwhile, the short film Twins Hinahima, created almost entirely with AI, made its debut in March, sparking further debate.

Matters escalated when OpenAI released its Sora 2 video tool, which drew criticism for its use of well-known anime characters. The backlash was swift, prompting Japanese MP Akihisa Shiozaki to weigh in.

‘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.’

The sentiment resonated widely, highlighting the tension between technological progress and creative integrity.

Why Human Creativity Still Matters

Against this backdrop, Frieren’s closing sequence feels especially significant. It’s a reminder that, for all the advances in automation, there’s something about human-made art that can’t be faked. The pencil lines, the careful shading, the emotional resonance—these are the hallmarks of genuine craft. In a landscape increasingly shaped by algorithms, Mimei Auome’s work is a proper breath of fresh air.

For those keeping an eye on what’s next, there’s plenty more to come from the world of anime. But for now, Frieren’s hand-drawn ending stands as a testament to the enduring power of creativity that’s resolutely, unmistakably human.