Supporters of human-created art and literature can take a breather as DC Comics is committing to only human-created work. Across numerous forms of media, AI is taking a foothold as the technology becomes more refined at a rapid pace. But one half of the Big Two is standing by human creators in a bold rebuke of artificial intelligence.
DC Comics President and comic book icon Jim Lee gave the keynote speech at New York Comic Con’s Retailer Day. Lee spoke passionately about DC Comics and how the next several years, the publisher was committed to honoring the decades of its impressive history. And as Lee discussed the future, he pivoted to discuss the increasing presence of AI.
Jim Lee admitted that while adapting for the times was important, he made it quite clear that as long as he was running things at DC Comics, it would not support AI-generated writing or artwork. Lee spoke of the importance of authenticity when it comes to connecting with readers and how DC values making its audience feel something real.
DC Comics Says ‘No’ to Using AI For Writing Or Art
DC Turns Away as Other Entertainment Industries Start to Embrace
If the 2020s are notable for anything, it’s the incredibly fast growth artificial intelligence has achieved in such a short amount of time. Generative AI programs can do anything nowadays, from generating images, scripts, music, and, frighteningly enough, realistic videos. Fears about AI have also grown as industries are starting to even replace humans with AI for various jobs.
The reality is, AI isn’t going anywhere. Movies and shows are using them to some degree. And given how easy it is to use an AI program to generate a script or art, there’s a very real fear that it could put artists, writers, colorists, and letterers out of work. But Lee is refusing to let that happen at DC.
Other Comic Industries Should Follow DC’s Example
This Could be a Big Moment for All Publishers
AI technology is only going to get more advanced in the coming years. But no matter how advanced it gets, AI cannot create, only generate, generally using the hard work of humans without the creator’s consent. What DC Comics is doing right now is important, and other publishers should make similar commitments to living storytellers and artists.
Lee is 100% right. Readers do value authenticity, and they want assurances that the stories they’re engaging with come from the imaginations of people like them. DC Comics making this line in the sand is a great thing and, hopefully, other publishers will similarly turn away from AI and focus on things created by living, breathing people.