- DC Comics Co-Publisher and Chief Creative Officer confirmed that DC will never use AI to work on thier comics.
- He says that any algorithm cannot replicate the effort and heart actual people put into creating them.
- However, with Marvel's history of using AI in their on screen projects, it's difficult to say if they share the same thought process or are open to AI in comic books.
When you read a comic book, the stories, characters, and art featured on every single page connect with you and transport you into a different world altogether. A major element that contributes to this is the human connection we get to see in the comics, but in today’s age and day, this connection is slowly fading with the introduction of Artificial Intelligence. Marvel and DC, the two largest comic book producers in the world, have distinctly different approaches to incorporating AI into their content creation, whether in comics or screen projects. This philosophical divide could set the tone for their future.
What Is DC’s Stand on Using Artificial Intelligence?
Recently, Jim Lee, Co-Publisher and Chief Creative Officer at DC Comics, appeared at the New York Comic Con 2025 Retailer Day. There, he addressed the use of Artificial Intelligence in projects, especially comic books, and confirmed that DC Comics will never use Artificial Intelligence while working on a project. According to him, DC has always been grounded in humanity and true effort that cannot be replicated by any algorithm. In his statement, Lee said-
“What we do, and why we do it, is grounded in humanity… no algorithm can replicate… true effort, inspiration, and perspiration”
Looking at this statement, it is certain that DC Comics has been, and will continue to be, created exclusively by hand and will refrain from using AI. However, if we look over to the other side, things seem to be a bit different. Marvel has a rather neutral stance when it comes to using AI.
Is Marvel on the Same Page as DC Regarding AI?
While DC has clearly confirmed that the use of Artificial Intelligence is a big no-no for them, Marvel, even though not made an official statement, has often shown through their actions that they are rather comfortable using AI. First off, back in 2023, when Marvel released Secret Invasion, they received a massive backlash for using AI in its opening credits.
You would think that this was the end of it, but no, Marvel did it once again with the posters of Fantastic Four: First Steps in 2025 and and even though it was crystal clear that the posters were AI, Marvel denied the claims.
As of now, there are no reports of Marvel using Artificial Intelligence in their comic books, but considering they are comfortable using it in their on-screen projects, they could possibly do it in their comic books as well. Since we don’t have an official comment on this topic, it’s difficult to say anything with absolute certainty but again, as the saying goes, actions speak louder than words.
This difference of approach towards using AI in the creative process could very well turn out to be a course-defining moment for either of the entertainment powerhouses.
Aparna Ukil
