- DC Comics withdraws variant covers by artist Daxiong amid suspicions of AI involvement.
- Allegations arose after Rich Johnston’s report on online accusations against Daxiong.
- Renowned colorist Jose Villarubia’s assessment heightened concerns over AI detection.
- Daxiong denies AI use, citing his extensive traditional art background.
- DC swiftly replaces Daxiong’s covers with new artwork from seasoned comic book artists.
- Daxiong awaits DC’s authorization to disclose details of the painting process for transparency.
Main AI News:
In a surprising move, DC Comics has decided to halt the distribution of three variant covers created by artist Daxiong (Jingxiong Guo) amidst growing concerns over their authenticity. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that Daxiong may have utilized generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the creation of variant covers for forthcoming issues of Wonder Woman, Power Girl, and Shazam. Rich Johnston of Bleeding Cool first reported on the controversy, detailing how online communities raised suspicions about the origin of the artwork.
DC’s decision to pull the variant covers comes in response to mounting scrutiny from both fans and industry professionals. The company issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to original artwork, stating, “DC Comics has longstanding policies in place that all artwork must be the artist’s original work. We are looking into the specifics of this situation.” This move follows similar allegations surrounding recent Batman illustrations.
Renowned colorist Jose Villarubia further fueled speculation by revealing that Daxiong’s artwork scored remarkably high on a prominent AI detection tool. Villarubia’s commentary, shared on social media, provided additional context to support the suspicion of AI involvement in the creation process.
Despite the accusations, Daxiong vehemently denies employing AI assistance, dismissing the controversy as a “witch hunt.” In an interview with YouTuber 2quadrinhos, Daxiong emphasized his extensive experience as a traditional artist and refuted claims of AI involvement. However, skeptics point to the absence of process videos and layered files as evidence contradicting Daxiong’s claims.
DC swiftly replaced Daxiong’s variant covers with new artwork from seasoned comic book artists. Dave Johnson, Cully Hamner, and Dan Panosian, each boasting over three decades of industry experience, were tapped to create alternative covers for the affected issues.
As the debate continues to unfold, Daxiong remains adamant in his denial of utilizing generative AI technology. On social media, he awaits DC’s authorization to disclose correspondence regarding the painting process, signaling his commitment to transparency and collaboration with the publisher.
Source: www.cbr.com
Conclusion:
DC Comics’ decision to remove variant covers suspected of AI involvement reflects a commitment to preserving the integrity of original artwork. This move underscores the importance of transparency and authenticity in the comic book industry, reaffirming consumer trust and market stability. The swift replacement of Daxiong’s covers with artwork from established artists mitigates potential reputational risks, ensuring continued engagement from fans and collectors.
