Renowned comic book artist and writer Paul Pope has long been celebrated for his stunning work in the industry. From his iconic “Batman: Year 100” series to the captivating “Battling Boy,” Pope has captivated audiences with his unique storytelling and breathtaking artistry.
However, after more than a decade since his last major project, Pope recently revealed in a Zoom interview with TechCrunch that the intervening years have not been without their frustrations. Holding up a stack of unseen drawings, Pope expressed his frustration at not being able to share his work with the public.
The good news is that the drought is coming to an end. A career-spanning exhibition of Pope’s work has just opened at the Philippe Labaune Gallery in New York, coinciding with the release of an expanded edition of his art book, now titled “PulpHope2: The Art of Paul Pope.” Additionally, the first volume of Pope’s self-published science fiction epic “THB” is set to be released in the fall.
Describing his upcoming projects as “a number of chess moves” aimed at reintroducing and rebranding himself, Pope is reemerging at a pivotal time for the comics industry and creativity as a whole. With publishers and writers engaging in legal battles with AI companies and generative AI tools gaining popularity by replicating established artists, Pope acknowledges the looming possibility of comic book artists being replaced by AI.
Despite his preference for traditional tools like brushes and ink, Pope remains open to the idea of incorporating AI into his work, particularly for research purposes. He emphasizes that his concern lies more with societal issues like surveillance and drones than with AI-generated art based on his work.
In an interview edited for length and clarity, Pope discusses the genesis of his upcoming gallery show and the second volume of his art book, highlighting the collaborative process that led to their creation. Reflecting on the arc of his career, Pope admits to being a combination of past-oriented and future-oriented, with a keen focus on curating his best work for public consumption.
While Pope’s working style has largely remained analog throughout his career, he has dabbled in digital tools like Photoshop for coloring and textures. Despite developing carpal tunnel syndrome in 2010, Pope continues to predominantly rely on traditional methods of inking on paper, citing it as a purist approach to creating comics.
When asked if he views ink on paper as objectively superior to digital tools, Pope humbly states that any tool that serves the artist’s vision is valid. As he prepares to reintroduce his work to the world through various projects, Pope’s dedication to his craft and willingness to adapt to new technologies showcase his enduring passion for storytelling through comics. Renowned artist Paul Pope is a firm believer in the power of traditional analog art, drawing inspiration from legendary artists like Moebius, Alex Toth, and Steve Ditko. In a world where many artists are embracing digital tools, Pope remains dedicated to preserving the art of hand-drawn illustrations.
Pope acknowledges the inevitability of digital art in today’s society but emphasizes the value of analog work. He believes that the process of creating art by hand is a challenging yet rewarding experience that allows artists to develop a unique style and mastery over their tools.
When discussing the rise of digital art with younger artists, Pope encourages them to explore analog techniques and embrace the learning curve that comes with it. He believes that the discipline required to master traditional art forms is essential for artists to truly express their vision.
While Pope occasionally utilizes AI for research purposes, he remains skeptical of its role in the creative process. He views AI as a tool rather than a replacement for human creativity, citing concerns about authorship and copyright protection in the digital age.
In a conversation with fellow artist Frank Miller, Pope delves into the ethical implications of AI-generated art and the potential dangers of rapid technological advancement. He emphasizes the importance of public discourse on issues such as killer robots, surveillance, and the ethical use of AI.
Despite his reservations about AI, Pope remains optimistic about the future of art and technology. He sees potential for AI to be used for peaceful purposes, much like the “Atoms for Peace” movement in the 20th century. As a futurist, Pope believes that thoughtful consideration of the implications of technology is essential to safeguarding the future of creativity and humanity.
Everyone strives to be the first to achieve something groundbreaking, and undoubtedly, there is a potential for substantial financial gain in doing so. This pursuit of innovation and profit is a driving force in the world today, pushing individuals to push the boundaries of what is possible.
The concept of using AI to replicate artwork raises ethical questions regarding compensating artists for their work. When utilizing AI to create imagery inspired by established artists like Paul Pope, it begs the question of whether the original artist should be financially compensated for their influence.
Delving into the realm of AI and unlicensed art usage, comparisons to the music industry’s struggle with torrenting in the 90s arise. While AI can add unique elements to existing work, the issue of compensating artists for their contributions remains a contentious subject.
Regarding the potential for AI to replace human creativity in various fields, the looming threat of automation and robot servitude looms large. From robot-operated coffee shops to the speculation of AI-driven Marvel comics, the fear of job displacement and artistic devaluation is a valid concern.
However, amidst these technological advancements, the essence of human ingenuity and creativity remains unparalleled. While AI can replicate human artistry, it cannot truly emulate the depth of human emotion and innovation that defines artistic expression.
As the world hurtles towards a future dominated by AI and automation, the importance of preserving human values such as ethics, curiosity, and determination becomes increasingly vital. Striking a balance between technological progress and human integrity is essential to safeguarding the essence of humanity.
Despite the looming shadow of AI advancement, artists like Paul Pope remain steadfast in their belief in human innovation and creativity. The upcoming release of his “THB” comics collection signifies a continued dedication to artistic expression and storytelling, showcasing the resilience of human creativity in the face of technological evolution.
It’s funny, because for a long time, we had it scheduled — “Battling Boy 2” has to come out before “THB” comes out. But there was some restructuring with [my publisher’s] parent company, Macmillan, and my new art director came on in 2023 and he said, “You know what, let’s just move this around. We’re going to start putting ‘THB’ out. It’s already there.” And I was so relieved because, again, “Battling Boy” is 500-plus pages, and I’d work on it, then I’d stop working to do commercial work. I work on it. I stop. I work on the movie. It’s like I’m driving this high performance car, but it doesn’t have enough gas in it, so I have to keep stopping and putting gasoline [in it]. So it’s been reinvigorating [to have a new book coming out], because it kick-started everything.
