A groundbreaking adaptation of the classic Japanese racing manga F—known in Chinese markets as Wo Yao Chong Xian—will premiere as an AI-generated short drama on August 4, marking the first time the beloved series has been transformed using artificial intelligence. The project, officially licensed by the original Japanese rights holders, is directed by Hong Kong Film Award nominee Leung Chung-man and will stream exclusively on the platform Ztor. across Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.
A New Era for Classic Manga
Originally created by Japanese manga artist Rokuro Da, F has captivated readers for decades with its high-octane racing drama and intense rivalries. The AI short drama adapts content from the first four collected volumes of the series, reimagining the story through realistic AI-generated visuals while preserving the core themes of ambition, speed, and competition.
The adaptation arrives amid rapid advances in generative AI technology, which have sparked both creative experimentation and heated debate over intellectual property and originality. The production team emphasized that securing formal authorization from the Japanese copyright holders was their top priority, ensuring the project respects both the original creators and the emerging legal landscape around AI-generated content.
“AI can be a great creative assistant, but it must never become an excuse to replace original value,” the production team said in a statement. “Through this collaboration, we want to show that technology and intellectual property do not have to be opposed—classic works can gain new life under a framework that is legal, reasonable, and respectful of originality.”
Balancing Innovation and Copyright Concerns
The use of AI in adaptations has drawn scrutiny across the entertainment industry, with concerns about unauthorized mimicry and the erosion of human artistry. The F project positions itself as a test case for how licensed AI adaptations can work ethically. Director Leung Chung-man—nominated for Best Visual Effects at the Hong Kong Film Awards—sees AI as a practical solution to a long-standing creative challenge.
“Many works are limited by budget; it’s difficult to truly recreate the most thrilling scenes from the original manga,” Leung said. “AI opens up more possibilities and allows me to bring this classic back to audiences in a feasible way. I see it not just as a shift in production method, but as an opportunity to reinterpret the story.”
Voice Cast Brings Local Flavor
To connect with Cantonese-speaking audiences, the production enlisted two popular Hong Kong internet radio hosts to voice the lead characters. Blank in Blank’s Ah Muk voices protagonist Akagi Guma, delivering an explosive performance that captures the character’s rebellious, never-give-up spirit. Hitchcock provides the voice of Guma’s archrival “Seiichi,” with their on-track confrontations forming the series’ dramatic backbone.
Broader Impact and Next Steps
The series is expected to test audience appetite for AI-generated storytelling that is both commercially released and rights-cleared. If successful, it could encourage more rights holders to explore similar adaptations, while also setting precedents for compensation and attribution in AI-driven projects. For now, the team behind F hopes the short drama will not only entertain but also demonstrate that innovation and respect for original creators can coexist.
The eight-episode AI short drama begins streaming August 4 on Ztor.
