Simply put, Bleakheaven Comics does not use nor does it allow any Artificial Intelligence to be used for creating any of our creative, legal, or social content. Nor will we ever allow anything of this nature.

As AI gets more and more advanced, we finally feel the need to directly address it. Although AI has become quite a bit more convincing over the past few years, it has only become less compelling. At Bleakheaven, human connection is what drives us and our stories. Why would we want to completely bypass the whole point of what we do? At its base, art is about communication. It is a way to share complex emotions and thoughts in incredibly simple and unique ways. How can something that has no complex emotions nor inner dialogue communicate anything of worth?

AI is a tool that may be useful someday. I don't necessarily believe that it's a completely lost cause. However, the way it has been used and continues to be used by other companies is an affront to art and life itself. Can anyone seriously stand in awe at something a computer spits out on a whim? I have poured my life and soul into my work, and I know the artists and writers I work with have as well. A computer and those who use computers to “create” a work, do not understand what art is. The computer cannot and honestly will never be able to comprehend art. I sincerely hope those using AI to create “art” can come to understand the depths of beauty that can be found within.

AI has also demonstrated that it is not competent in any other arena either. When asked for information on any topic, it will make things up wholesale- creating quotes and statistics out of thin air. Then it will cannibalize those false facts citing them and making these lies more credible. It is also creating more work for humans as we have to correct anything and everything it “helps” with. All that being said, I don't believe it has no uses, I just don't think we've found any good ones yet aside from maybe as a tool to help with marketing. (Not replacing marketers or any social media posts).

Until it settles into its niche wherever it be, I will be clear on Bleakheaven's position on AI. We will not accept any work done by AI. The only exception I can see is if we used it as some kind of joke, which we have for Scott Goodman. If any artist or writer attempts to submit AI work as their own, they will not be paid and will be blacklisted. This also applies to hybrid work. i.e. an artist using their own work for the subject but AI for the background. If any artist or writer would like to use an AI tool to help create work, I would caution against it. I believe using AI in any capacity can and will dull creativity. However, special permissions may be granted depending on the nature of the creative process, what the AI tool may be and do, and any other specifics.

We also do NOT consent to any of our work or intellectual property being used for AI training or anything else involving AI. Although I’m sure most AI’s have consumed what we produced, it is an obvious and blatant theft.

With our printing services, we will not support nor condone the use of AI, however, we will not police it. If our clients want to print something with AI, we won't stop it. As with everything we print for other companies or individuals, it is not a reflection of our beliefs and values. That being said, if any AI is used on a project that we are providing art, writing, editing, or any other support for, we will not continue the project, and any connections to Bleakheaven will be severed.

We pride ourselves on the work we do at Bleakheaven, and are committed to creating quality art, stories, and products. We will not cheapen anything we do with inhuman Artificial Intelligence.

-Stanley Bostwick