{"id":373238,"date":"2025-11-12T05:47:13","date_gmt":"2025-11-12T05:47:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/373238\/"},"modified":"2025-11-12T05:47:13","modified_gmt":"2025-11-12T05:47:13","slug":"publisher-defends-game-of-thrones-illustrated-edition-after-ai-backlash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/373238\/","title":{"rendered":"Publisher Defends ‘Game of Thrones’ Illustrated Edition After AI Backlash"},"content":{"rendered":"

If it feels like you were just reading about Game of Thrones creator<\/a> George R.R. Martin<\/a> in a news story involving AI, that is correct: Martin is one of a few big-name authors currently taking part in a lawsuit against OpenAI<\/a> over copyright concerns. The writers don\u2019t want large language models learning from their works, and they also don\u2019t want them to have free rein to craft rip-offs so close to the source material that they might confuse readers.<\/p>\n

So it\u2019s been particularly surprising to see Martin\u2019s name attached to a different sort of AI story: fears from fans that a snazzy new A Feast for Crows edition<\/a>, featuring 24 original color illustrations by artist Jeffrey R. McDonald, may include AI-crafted work. A Feast for Crows was first released in 2000; this new edition hit shelves November 4 and costs $50, so its immediate appeal to readers might be more limited to collectors and superfans. However, people have started noticing some oddities in the artwork.<\/p>\n

TheGamer<\/a> pointed out such tells as \u201ca crucifix on the wall\u2014depicting a religion which does not exist in ASOIAF. There were also the classics, like mismatched limbs and odd-looking faces, as well as many inaccuracies with the characters.\u201d The site also noted, \u201cThe\u00a0art pieces show little understanding of ASOIAF itself, with few characters sporting the sigils and [colors] of their house, like Cersei being shown in blue, or Tywin wearing a crown during his funeral, despite never being king.\u201d<\/p>\n

It shared some social media posts from a reader who\u2019d seemingly gotten an early look at the A Feast for Crows illustrated edition:<\/p>\n

\n

lol. lmao, even pic.twitter.com\/YYwEO911nb<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 2\u00e5se (@novembernatten) November 5, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The viral outcry reached the ears of Martin himself, or at least a spokesperson, who shared a guest post on Martin\u2019s \u201cNot a Blog\u201d<\/a> responding to the situation:<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is Raya Golden and I manage the art direction and licensing development here at Fevre River working closely with GRRM as his schedule will allow. But I alone am responsible for approving all the licensed art that accompanies our SOI&F book driven materials.<\/p>\n

Recently there have been accusations floating around that the Penguin Random House\u2019s illustrated edition of A Feast For Crows was produced using AI generative art.<\/p>\n

To our knowledge and as presented by the artist who completed the work in question there was NO such programing used. While he is a digital multimedia artist and relies on digital programing to complete his work, he has expressed unequivocally that no AI was used, and we believe him.<\/p>\n

SO\u2026<\/p>\n

The official word from our office is, of course, that we DO NOT, never have and will not willingly work with A.I generative artists in any way shape or form.<\/p>\n

THIS MESSAGE HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE MINIONS OF FEVRE RIVER.\u201d<\/p>\n

io9 reached out to Random House for comment and was told, \u201cRandom House is aware of the allegations, and we have spoken with the artist, who has assured us that AI was not used on this project. We believe the artist.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel<\/a>, Star Wars<\/a>, and Star Trek<\/a> releases, what\u2019s next for the DC Universe on film and TV<\/a>, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n