Featured Image Credit: HBO
The ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire saga has a new addition, but sadly, it's not the long-awaited The Winds of Winter.
George RR Martin is known for everything from the Wild Cards anthology series to helping build the world of FromSoftware's Elden Ring, but let's be honest, it was HBO's Game of Thrones that launched his career into the stratosphere.
Taking us to the Seven Kingdoms, HBO spun out the A Song of Ice and Fire series, naming itself after the first book that was released as A Game of Thrones way back in 1996.
As we wait patiently for The Winds of Winter as the sixth entry, Martin is also supposed to deliver A Dream of Spring as the final chapter.
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With it being a whopping 14 years since A Dance With Dragons was released as the fifth book, Martin's team is hoping to keep us distracted from The Winds of Winter's lack of release by tarting up the older stories.
As part of this, a new illustrated version of 2005's A Feast for Crows has been released. Before you dash to pick up a copy of the infamous book that includes major storylines like Cersei Lannister getting her just deserts and Arya Stark training with Faceless Men, the latest release has been embroiled in a storm of controversy.
Remembered as the novel that introduces the iconic Lady Stoneheart to the world of Westeros, A Feast for Crows' illustrated edition has been accused of creating its artwork with artificial intelligence.
Penguin Random House released the 20th anniversary book with artwork from Jeffery R McDonald, although some have spotted peculiar background features that make them think the 'premium collector’s edition' has been made with AI.
Martin's team has clapped back on his Not a Blog site, with a spokesperson reiterating, "No AI was used."
The statement reads: "My 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.
"Recently, there have been accusations floating around that the Penguin Random House’s illustrated edition of A Feast For Crows was produced using AI generative art.”
It states that, to its knowledge, the company isn't aware of any AI programming being used. Adding that McDonald is a digital multimedia artist who relies on digital programming, the team concluded: "He has expressed unequivocally that no AI was used, and we believe him.
"The official word from our office is, of course, that we DO NOT, never have and will not willingly work with AI generative artists in any way shape or form.”
Over on Reddit and X, numerous threads maintain that A Feast for Crows' 20th anniversary has been marred by AI, including examples of some suspicious artwork showcasing Lady Stoneheart, complaints about an excessive use of the color blue, and characters with oddly gaping mouths.
Responding to the accusations, one person said: "Fantasy historically has had awful cover art but at least they got the hands right. Sheesh."
Another added: "Well if this isn't AI then that artist is outrageously mediocre."
A third grumbled: "Just by the overall look, there's a definite AI quality it was evident, but it's worse when you look at the details, seems like the free sh*t we use to quickly illustrate a random NPC in an RPG game."
Still, those behind the book remain adamant that AI wasn't used.
