Do AIs dream of electric comics? Generative AI models, digital memory, and creativity

Generative AIs are models that, having been trained on large datasets of images, can create original art. Although we are still far from a hegemony of comics made this way, 2022 has already seen the emergence of a new generation of AIs, and with it an initial, yet already significant proliferation of AI-created comics and graphic novels (the most notable cases being Fastwalkers, Manouach 2022; The Abolition of Man, Grubaugh 2022; Prompt. Conversations with AI, McKean 2022; Lovebot, VV.AA., 2022). This article examines the emergence of AIs generating images in the field of artistic creation. These models have the potential to automate certain aspects of the creative process, but also raise several ethical issues related to creativity, labor, and intellectual property. Through an overview of contemporary AIs and a survey of recent AI-generated comics, the article explores the impact of this new technology, discussing whether such creations can be considered “creative” and how they relate to existing artistic practices. Ultimately, the article aims to help navigate this new frontier of artistic creation.