Paul Pope: More Worried About Killer Robots Than AI Plagiarism in Comics Industry

Paul Pope, a renowned cartoonist celebrated for his intricate and visually stunning comics such as "Batman: Year 100" and "Battling Boy," has been relatively quiet in the past decade. However, recent developments suggest a reemergence. Pope is set to showcase his work in a career-spanning exhibition at the Philippe Labaune Gallery in New York, and an expanded edition of his art book, "PulpHope2: The Art of Paul Pope," is scheduled to release in the fall. Additionally, the first volume of a collection of his self-published science fiction epic, "THB," will also hit shelves soon. In a recent Zoom interview with TechCrunch, Pope discussed the challenges of his creative process, highlighting the lengthy and isolating nature of producing graphic novels. Unlike traditional comics, graphic novels require years of dedication often under strict contracts, limiting the ability to share progress publicly. This has led to a buildup of unpublished work, which Pope sees as both a frustration and a reason to reintroduce himself to the public. The comics industry, and broader creative fields, are grappling with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) tools that can generate content in the style of specific artists, a practice Pope views with mixed feelings. While he has used AI for research, he remains skeptical of its creative applications, particularly its potential to plagiarize and devalue human art. Pope emphasized that AI's capabilities, though impressive, lack the emotional depth and personal history that define human creativity. However, Pope's primary concern lies not with AI plagiarism but with more immediate and severe technological threats, such as killer robots and advanced surveillance systems. These technologies, he believes, are being developed and deployed rapidly without sufficient public oversight or ethical considerations. Pope's dystopian themes, evident in works like "Batman: Year 100," reflect his ongoing engagement with these issues. He sees a tipping point approaching, where society might normalize the presence of automated machinery in everyday life before fully understanding or addressing its implications. Pope's artistic philosophy underscores the importance of the traditional, analog approach. Despite incorporating digital tools like Photoshop for coloring and textures, he prefers the tactile nature of ink and paper. This method, he argues, forces artists to develop a deep mastery of their tools and techniques, fostering a level of skill and innovation that is hard to replicate digitally. He cites mentors like Alex Toth and Steve Ditko, who instilled in him the value of traditional art methods, as significant influences. The reemergence of Pope's work comes at a pivotal time for the industry. Legal battles over AI-generated art are heating up, with multiple class-action lawsuits filed by artists against AI companies. These disputes center around the unauthorized use of artists' styles and the lack of compensation. Pope acknowledges the complexity of regulating AI, especially in regions with different legal standards like Afghanistan, Iran, and China. He believes that while AI can mimic human art, it cannot yet innovate or create new paradigms like Miles Davis in jazz or Picasso in Cubism. Pope remains optimistic about the future of human creativity. He argues that as long as humans retain their sense of ethics, curiosity, and determination, they can preserve their unique contributions. For young artists growing up in a digital age, he stresses the importance of discipline and practice, noting that the ease of digital tools can sometimes undermine the development of fundamental skills. The publication of "THB" and the upcoming "Battling Boy 2" mark significant steps in Pope's strategic return to prominence. Both projects, along with his gallery exhibition, are part of a series of "chess moves" aimed at reconnecting with his audience while navigating the evolving landscape of digital art and AI. Industry insiders praise Pope's resilience and his commitment to traditional art forms, seeing him as a vital torchbearer for analog methods in an increasingly digital world. His nuanced stance on AI reflects a balance between embracing modern tools and protecting the sanctity of human creativity. As a futurist, Pope's work continues to provoke thought and spark discussions on the ethical and societal implications of emerging technologies, making him a relevant and influential figure in contemporary comics and art.