Mike Deodato Jr. Shoots Down Accusations Of AI Usage In ‘Ultimate Oz’ Kickstarter: “I Am Not Using AI”

AWA’s $100,000 plus grossing Kickstarter for Ultimate Oz has been accused of AI usage online… But not so, says artist Mike Deodato, Jr.

“I am not using AI,” Deodato Jr. told Comic Book Club over email. “I guess people will always talk s**t even with videos of me drawing the very book from scratch. Anyways, if even my good friend and hyper talented Dan Panosian was accused of using AI ( he never did ) then I guess I am in good company.”

The book in question is a reimagining of Oz by writers Cullen Bunn and Larry King, and artist Mike Deodato Jr., along with a foreword by Elton John, titled Ultimate OZ Universe: The Lost Lands Collector’s Edition. With the book finally getting sent out to fans this week after the successful Kickstarter campaign, some have taken to the internet on sites like BlueSky and Reddit to post bits from the book, questioning whether AI was used. Panels called out include several different looks for characters like the Tin Man, and multiple different takes on the Oz skyline.

There’s also a promo image involving Elton John that readers have been picking apart, both for an extremely realistic drawing of John’s face, as well as some potential inconsistencies involving hands in the piece of art.

Kickstarter policy does not ban projects using AI, but usage of the technology must be disclosed by projects. The consequences of lack of disclosure, if there is unreported AI usage, would be suspension of the project.

Just to editorialize for a bit at the end here, one of the most insidious aspects of AI even beyond the blatant plagiarism and damage to the environment is how it’s made us doubt every piece of our reality, from videos on TikTok to art in comic books, and everything in between. It’s a diabolical side effect of the janky tech that has been barreled past by those who have created it as they continue to bulldoze industries in service of their own monetary gain. Anyway. It stinks!

Ultimate Oz Universe: The Lost Lands is in bookstores now, and will be rolling out to Kickstarter supporters throughout the next few weeks.

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