There are few discussions that have brought the comics community together as firmly in recent years as the threat of generative AI “art”. In the same vein as some of our recent group efforts, like our series on the impact of Brexit on comics or our invitation to creators to talk about the non-fulfillment of the Tales of the Quarantine Kickstarter, we’re looking to again create a social record at BF of an issue that affects us all.
We have three main discussion points that we would like contributors to consider which are listed below. Please feel free to also add in any relevant thoughts that do not fit into these categories. These articles are open to comics creators, publishers, commentators, retailers and other comics-adjacent folk. We suspect there will be a lot more interest in contributing to this series than usual so we may need to edit or take just key points from contributions. You can write as little as a paragraph and ignore any sections you don’t feel apply to you.
One important note: We’re not here to create “balance” on this issue. We’ve made it very clear where we stand at Broken Frontier on generative AI. This is about creating a record for posterity of the thoughts of those in our community experiencing, or concerned about, the negative impact of the theft machine on their livelihoods, practice and the future of the form/industry in general. This isn’t a space for those already using it, or acting as apologists for it.
Please e-mail your responses to our Andy Oliver at: andyoliver@brokenfrontier.com We’re setting an initial deadline of June 16th for this but there may well be room for flexibility as this will develop into a series that we foresee running in instalments over a few weeks. When submitting please also indicate how you would like to be credited (e.g. [name], artist of [name of projects] or [name], writer at [website name]. etc.)
Finally, thank you for your time on this. At Broken Frontier we work hard to create a platform that is not just a comics commentary site but also a community hub. We can’t do that without you, and we really appreciate your help with projects like this!
Talking point 1
AI art is already encroaching on our comics spaces. There have been allegations of its use on well known mainstream properties; popular digital platforms host AI comics regardless; AI art comics-making apps are prevalent; arts institutions that should know better have offered generative AI comics-making courses; and established professionals have experimented/published using it. What are your greatest fears for the future of comics if its influence goes unchecked?
Talking point 2
Are there any specific examples you can point to where generative AI art has already personally had a negative impact on your practice, career or livelihood?
Talking point 3
What would you say to those advocating for the use of generative AI in the medium? And what are your wider concerns about its use in socio-political, educational or environmental terms?
We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
