Inukami Illustrator to Sue Publisher Over Unauthorized Use of Artwork
The Inukami illustrator plans to sue the publisher behind a new digital edition of the series after alleging that an image very similar to her artwork was used without authorization.
Artist Kanna Wakatsuki, who was responsible for the illustrations and character designs for the Inukami! light novel series, claims that publisher WiZH used artwork similar to hers on the cover of a digital compilation.
According to the illustrator, the image contains features that were already present in her original designs, such as the character’s long green hair and pendant.
Wakatsuki also claims that she was not consulted before the image was used and that her credit as the original character designer was removed from the new edition.
The artist plans to file a lawsuit with the Tokyo District Court and is seeking 3.3 million yen in damages, approximately US$22,000.
Original artwork by the illustrator:
Original artwork by the illustrator:
Rerelease:
Original artwork by the illustrator:
Rerelease:
Publisher Suspends Inukami! Releases!
The controversy had already affected WiZH’s plans. In June, the publisher announced that the first volume of the digital compilation, released in May, would be halted following allegations of copyright infringement.
The second volume, which had been scheduled for release in June, was also postponed.
Despite these measures, WiZH stated that it did not acknowledge having committed copyright infringement and that the decisions were taken as provisional measures while its lawyers worked to resolve the situation.
The publisher also stated that it plans to release more information about the case at a later date.
What Happened to the Inukami! Series?
Inukami! was created by writer Mamisu Arizawa and was originally published from 2003 to 2007, with a total of 14 volumes.
The series received a 26-episode anime adaptation in 2006, followed by a movie released in 2007. It also received a manga adaptation.
Now, more than 20 years after the light novels began publication, the dispute over the use of the illustrations could affect plans for new editions of Inukami!.