OpenAI 4o image generation is better than Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, Flux
ChatGPT has released one of the most insane features till date i.e. free image generation using GPT-4o and the internet is going wild over it.
https://medium.com/media/e93f3620f3895276b2fd10587fbf97f7/href
GPT 4o image generation looks to be the all-in-one tool that we’ve been looking for image generation. It can do everything you can imagine
Generate any image in any style be it “South Park” or “Ghibli”.
Add text (almost correctly). This is something most LLMs struggles as lot
Turn input image into any style. It can even edit images.
Maintains character consistency. So, multiple images can generated without altering the character
Hence can be used to generate original memes, YouTube thumbnails, comics, etc.
One specific trend on the internet right now is the Studio Ghibli styled images generated by users using ChatGPT.
What is Studio Ghibli?
Studio Ghibli is a world-renowned Japanese animation studio, famous for creating visually stunning, imaginative, and emotionally resonant animated films. Founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, Ghibli is celebrated for its hand-drawn animation style and its ability to tell deeply human stories, often with a focus on nature, environmentalism, and the complexities of life.
Spirited Away (2001), which won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature is by Ghibli Studio
Studio Ghibli films are known for their richly detailed worlds, strong character development, and beautiful animation. The studio has become a symbol of high-quality animation and storytelling, with fans worldwide. Its films often mix fantasy with real-world issues, making them appealing to both children and adults.
Why ChatGPT Studio Ghibli images are all over the internet?
Since release, all of a sudden, the internet is filled with images generated in Ghibli style. No one is spared, be it Sam Altman or Donald Trump or the famous memes.
The sudden rise of Ghibli Studio-style AI art compared to Disney or Marvel trends comes down to a few key reasons: art style, ownership rules, nostalgia, and how AI works. Let’s break it down:
1. Ghibli’s Art Style is Easier for AI to Copy
Ghibli’s movies (like Spirited Away or My Neighbor Totoro) have a unique, hand-drawn look that’s simple but detailed. This makes it easier for AI to mimic:
- Clear Patterns: Features like swirling smoke, bright forests, and charming characters are easy to describe in prompts (e.g., “a Ghibli-style village with soft colors”).
- Consistent Themes: Ghibli films often use similar visual ideas (e.g., magical creatures, countryside settings), giving AI a clear template to follow.
- Emotional Feelings: Ghibli mixes childlike wonder with gentle sadness, which AI can translate into calming, dreamy scenes. Disney and Marvel, by contrast, focus on action or humor that’s harder to replicate in one style.
2. Ownership Rules Are Less Strict
- Disney/Marvel’s Strict Rules: These studios closely guard their characters and styles. Fans risk legal trouble if they create art that looks too similar.
- Ghibli’s Openness: While Studio Ghibli owns its movies, fans often see tributes as harmless love letters to the studio. Older films like My Neighbor Totoro are also becoming free to use in some places, encouraging creativity.
3. Nostalgia and Timeless Stories
- Ghibli’s Ageless Themes: Movies about nature, peace, and growing up feel relevant to all ages and cultures. Disney/Marvel stories often tie to current trends, which can feel outdated faster.
- Retro Charm: Ghibli’s hand-drawn look feels warm and human compared to today’s hyper-polished computer animation. AI mimics this nostalgic “imperfection” well.
4. Technical Challenges for AI
- Complex 3D Styles: Disney and Marvel use advanced computer graphics (e.g., detailed superhero suits or water effects). AI struggles to copy these exactly.
- Simple Prompts Work Better: Users can type basic phrases like “Ghibli-style magical forest” and get a decent result. For Marvel, prompts need technical details (e.g., “Iron Man suit in bright colors”), which casual users might not know.
5. Fan Communities and Collaboration
- Tight-Knit Fanbase: Ghibli fans are passionate but less divided than Marvel or Disney fans. They enjoy working together on AI projects.
- No Official Tools: Disney and Marvel haven’t made AI tools for fans, while Ghibli’s lack of strict rules lets people experiment freely.
And obviously the random behaviour of social media and how it works is a major contributor for Studio Ghibli images from ChatGPT trending everywhere
Conclusion: Why ChatGPT Studio Ghibli trending
Studio Ghibli’s AI art craze isn’t a fluke — it’s the perfect storm of nostalgia, simplicity, and freedom. Its hand-drawn art (think swirling smoke, cozy villages) is easy for AI to copy, unlike Marvel’s flashy 3D styles. With looser rules, fans remix old scenes into memes, comics, and YouTube thumbnails without fear. While Disney polices its empire, Ghibli invites everyone to play, blending timeless stories with today’s tech. Keep creating — every Ghibli-inspired image keeps Miyazaki’s magic alive.
Hope you try your avatar in studio ghibli as well. It’s actually good !
Why ChatGPT Studio Ghibli Trending? Why not Disney or Marvel? was originally published in Data Science in your pocket on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.
