Anime actually is Japan’s largest export. And no, that’s not an opinion, however a reality backed up by statistics. It’s actually no marvel why everybody, from Asia to the corners of South America, is aware of not less than one anime present by coronary heart.

It’s additionally why there are tens of millions of anime fanart on-line. However on the lookout for one that you just like can take hours, if not days. That’s why Niji 6 is a godsend for everybody seeking to create anime artwork for private use. 

However is it actually that a lot completely different from the bottom Midjourney mannequin? Are you able to even inform the distinction? Let’s discuss that.

What are Midjourney and Niji?

Midjourney wants no introduction on this web site. However right here’s one anyway: it’s an AI-powered device that generates photographs based mostly on textual content descriptions you present. It used to solely be out there by means of their Discord bot, however they’re slowly giving entry to their net interface to pick customers.

Niji, which implies “rainbow” in Japanese, is a particular mode inside Midjourney designed for anime and illustrative kinds. This mannequin is the results of a collaboration between Midjourney and Spellbrush to present you extra management over anime aesthetics. In easy phrases, consider Niji as a fine-tuned anime mannequin for Midjourney.

Do They Have Totally different Options?

As of March 2024, Midjourney and Niji have the identical options. Some options had been simply added a bit later to Niji 6 resulting from fine-tuning. So, if you wish to use the Niji 6 mannequin, you received’t lose entry to your favourite options comparable to zooming, panning, upscaling, area variations, fashion reference, and character reference.

Midjourney V6 vs. Niji 6: Output High quality

Fantasy Anime

Immediate: fantasy anime nonetheless, a robust lady sorceror casts a spell on a darkish forest to manage the vegetation, grand scale, darkish fantasy, runes, heian interval, broad shot

Horror Anime

Immediate: horror anime, a instructor strolling down a dimly lit highschool hallway at night time, unusual figures, obscured, impressed by Satoshi Kon

Sports activities Anime

Immediate: sports activities anime, a blue haired man spiking a volleyball

Mecha Anime

Immediate: mecha anime, a modern black mecha with glowing crimson eyes flying within the sky, dawn

Slice of Life Anime

Immediate: slice of life anime, a drained comfort retailer employee, night time, 3am aesthetics

Ideas On Their Output

What stands out to me most is that base Midjourney, not less than for my part, generates higher paintings than Niji 6. The principle situation stems from the truth that the latter is clearly skilled on pre-existing anime works, which is most noticeable on their sports activities anime output. As in the principle character’s uniform appears eerily just like the Karasuno uniforms from Haikyuu.

Base Midjourney creates extra distinctive and imaginative paintings since a piece of their coaching knowledge isn’t anime paintings. This provides them the pliability to assume outdoors the field earlier than turning their paintings into one thing that resembles anime.

I consider that, when creating anime stills, Midjourney is hands-down higher than Niji 6. Nevertheless, Niji 6 is healthier at character creation, particularly with the small print of their output. That’s to not say, nevertheless, that any of them did poorly on this comparability. These are two very succesful fashions at producing anime artwork.

Which Emulates Present Types Higher?

Studio Ghibli

Immediate: a black cat in the midst of the sector, studio ghibli, hayao miyazaki, semi-minimalist

Akira Toriyama

Immediate: a toddler enjoying with an alien, drawn by Akira Toriyama, animated by Toei animation studio, 1985 Japanese anime

Eiichiro Oda

Immediate: nonetheless from the one piece anime, luffy

Makoto Shinkai

Immediate: a girl in a kimono watching a comet strategy her, makoto shinkai

Junji Ito

Immediate: a spiral made from pure black seems within the sky, junji ito, lovecraftian

General Ideas

Niji 6 is a lot better at emulating artists than Midjourney V6. This tracks with what we all know of the previous, because it’s skilled utilizing hundreds, if not tens of millions, of anime photographs. Niji is solely rather more accustomed to the supply materials than base V6.

As a side-note, it does amuse me somewhat that Midjourney’s thought of “alien” is the literal alien from James Cameron’s movie. It does make for a humorous crossover with the Dragon Ball universe.

All Stated and Performed

The underside line is that this: in the event you’re seeking to create unique and imaginative anime paintings, it’s higher to make use of Midjourney as a base. Nevertheless, if you would like one thing that follows pre-existing anime artwork, then use Niji 6.

These fashions are the 2 finest available in the market with regards to anime artwork. It’s actually too near name which is healthier, but when I had been to select, I’d use base Midjourney V6. The pliability it provides is simply too good to move up, particularly since I not often use AI artwork to create fanart anyway.That mentioned, the selection is yours! If you happen to’re seeking to learn extra about Midjourney, we have now an total catalog devoted to it. Have enjoyable!