What if, one day, AI takes over human creativity? For renowned comic artist Zhu Deyong, the question strikes at the heart of human civilization. In this episode of Beyond ACG, Zhu argues that AI will never be able to replace creative labor as it's missing the human soul behind creation. If it were to, he warns, it would signal the collapse of human culture and, by extension, civilization.

The artist draws examples from Van Gogh's ear to Claude Monet's cataracts, saying that these instances, which capture human emotion and sensory experiences, can't be reflected in AI-generated creations. These are what define us as human.

Zhu is one of the most influential comic artists in the Chinese-speaking world. His works, including "Uptown Singles" and "Battle Domestica," have resonated with generations of readers for their humor and deep insights into modern life.

Executive producer: Zhang Jingwen

Producer: Yang Sha

Director: Chen Hongyu

Videographer: Wang Hongjie