The illustrated new version of A Track of Ice and Hearth: A Time for Crows is claimed to have used AI artwork. Now the writer’s consultant has commented on the allegations.In October 2025, we reported that the well-known fantasy writer George R.R. Martin taking authorized motion in opposition to OpenAI. He accuses the corporate of utilizing his works with out authorization to coach its ChatGPT language mannequin. The writer is thus clearly against the unauthorized use of third-party copyrighted works by AI.Now, the writer of one in every of his books is accused of violating copyright legislation itself by the usage of AI. At first look, this appears to contradict what Martin stands for. The writer’s consultant has now printed an official assertion in an try to make clear the matter.That is what occurred: A Track of Ice and Hearth: Time of Crows has been given an illustrated new version within the US model, by which the e-book has been expanded with quite a few photographs. Nevertheless, some followers have observed quite a few inconsistencies that collected by consumer tell32 on Reddit.Extreme use of blue—even for characters the place it makes little to no sense (Cersei, Jaime, Margaery, Tommen, Euron).Lack of banners and coats of arms all through the work. Lions, which one would anticipate to see in giant numbers, are nowhere to be discovered.A Christian cross seems within the picture by which Sam strikes Daeron.The picture of Girl Stoneheart seems suspiciously like fan artwork—solely with a crown that’s considerably much less devoted to the books (Robb’s crown, which is kind of easy). [See X post below]Victarion bizarrely carries two swords in his picture (within the e-book, he has an axe and a protect).So many characters have their mouths large open – this seems significantly unusual within the photographs exhibiting Euron on the kingsmoot and Cersei being arrested by the septas.General, a really generic look all through your complete work. The picture of Euron and that of Cersei sitting on the foot of the Iron Throne (which is strongly paying homage to the collection model) stand out specifically.so simply to let y’all know the brand new affc illustrated version is like virtually positively ai lol and id argue has taken fairly arduous ‘inspiration’ from current fanart(1st piece by zippo514) pic.twitter.com/GuLdFima0U — 2åse (@novembernatten) November 5, 2025Reddit consumer chewiehedwig factors out: If a human had created the pictures, they’d have learn the passages they had been illustrating. That’s inexcusable, no matter what finally comes of [the allegations].Extra photographs from the e-book are proven by Reddit consumer mildlyinfuriating:The illustrated version of A Feast For Crows clearly utilizing AIbyu/whimsicalWillow1121 inmildlyinfuriatingA questionable statementPublishing consultant Raya Golden has spoken out on George R. R. Martin’s official web site and printed a press release:My title is Raya Golden, and I deal with artwork course and licensing growth, working intently with George R. R. Martin as his schedule permits. I’m solely liable for approving any licensed artwork associated to our A Track of Ice and Hearth books.Not too long ago, allegations have been circulating that the Penguin Random Home Illustrated Version of A Time for Crows was developed utilizing AI-generated artwork.To the very best of our information and based on the artist who was commissioned to do the work, no such program was used. Though he’s a multimedia artist and makes use of digital packages, he has made it unequivocally clear that no AI was used, and we imagine him. So…The official assertion from our workplace is, in fact, that we don’t, have by no means, and can by no means knowingly work with AI-generated artists in any kind or in any method.The assertion makes it clear that George R. R. Martin will not be liable for the chosen illustrations and that the duty lay completely with Golden.Moreover, the announcement is questionable as a result of, though the elephant within the room was addressed, the person allegations weren’t. For instance, no rationalization was given as to why a Christian image was utilized in a e-book by which Christianity doesn’t even exist, or why there may be a picture that’s almost definitely based mostly on fan artwork.As well as, feedback had been disabled underneath the put up. General, the assertion appears extra evasive than explanatory. Nevertheless, you will need to notice that the writer can’t be confirmed to have lied. That is nonetheless solely hypothesis. The one factor that’s sure is that the assertion didn’t assist to calm the waters.On Reddit, opinions on the assertion are divided. Whereas the overwhelming majority think about the put up to be a lie, some imagine that solely the artist is mendacity and that Golden truly acted in good religion. Nevertheless, hardly anybody on Reddit defends the declare that the artwork will not be AI.On the similar time, it’s rightly identified that regardless of all of the proof and clues, we are able to solely speculate. And it’s unlikely that the writer’s consultant will touch upon the allegations once more.
Source link
