Jim Lee Vows DC Comics Will Always Use Human Creators, No AI Allowed

At New York Comic Con’s Retailer Day, DC Comics’ co-publisher and artist Jim Lee made a strong statement about the company’s stance on artificial intelligence. Speaking to retailers and fans, Lee confirmed that DC will not use AI-generated art or writing.

“DC Comics will not support AI generated storytelling or artwork. Not now, not ever as long as I am in charge,” Lee said. He explained that the heart of comics comes from human creativity.

“It’s that fragile, beautiful connection between imagination and emotion that fuels our media, the stuff that makes our universe come alive. It’s the imperfect mind, the creative risk, the hand-drawn gesture that no algorithm can replicate. And when I draw, I make mistakes, a lot of them. But that’s the point. The smudge, the rough line, the hesitation. That’s me in the work. That’s my journey. That’s what makes it come alive.”

Lee stressed that readers can feel the authenticity in human-made comics. “People have an instinctive reaction to what feels authentic. We recoil from what feels fake. That’s why human creativity matters. AI doesn’t dream. It doesn’t feel. It doesn’t make art. It aggregates it. Our job as creators, as storytellers, and as publishers is to make people feel something real. That’s why we create, and that’s why we’re still here,” he said.

While Lee once considered the idea of using AI to replicate his art style for his estate, that project is currently on hold. DC has faced issues with some artists using AI in published work, but the main concern for the company is ownership.

If a piece is AI-generated, DC would not be able to fully own it, which could make it part of the public domain. This is particularly important as iconic characters like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman will gradually enter the public domain in the coming years.

Lee emphasized that it’s the storytelling and world-building that make DC’s characters special, not just the ability to draw or write them. “Anyone can draw a cape. Anyone can write a hero. That’s been around as long as comics have been. But Superman only feels right when he’s in the DC universe. Our universe, our mythos. That’s what endures. That’s what will carry us into the next century,” he said.

He also praised the comic book retailers, calling them the backbone of the industry. “Digital brings discovery, but you bring belonging. You turn casual readers into lifelong fans. And when fans walk into a shop, they’re not just buying comics. They’re walking into a piece of culture, a place that feels like home… That’s something no algorithm, no app, no platform can replicate,” Lee said.

In his speech, Lee painted an optimistic future for DC, emphasizing that human creativity and passion will continue to guide the company through challenges, from AI to changing markets.

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