Writer Defends ‘Sport of Thrones’ Illustrated Version After AI Backlash

If it feels such as you had been simply studying about Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin in a information story involving AI, that’s right: Martin is one of some big-name authors at the moment participating in a lawsuit against OpenAI over copyright issues. The writers don’t need giant language fashions studying from their works, and so they additionally don’t need them to have free rein to craft rip-offs so near the supply materials that they could confuse readers.

So it’s been notably shocking to see Martin’s title connected to a distinct form of AI story: fears from followers that a snazzy new A Feast for Crows edition, that includes 24 authentic shade illustrations by artist Jeffrey R. McDonald, could embody AI-crafted work. A Feast for Crows was first launched in 2000; this re-creation hit cabinets November 4 and prices $50, so its rapid attraction to readers could be extra restricted to collectors and superfans. Nevertheless, folks have began noticing some oddities within the paintings.

TheGamer identified such tells as “a crucifix on the wall—depicting a faith which doesn’t exist in ASOIAF. There have been additionally the classics, like mismatched limbs and odd-looking faces, in addition to many inaccuracies with the characters.” The positioning additionally famous, “The artwork items present little understanding of ASOIAF itself, with few characters sporting the sigils and [colors] of their home, like Cersei being proven in blue, or Tywin carrying a crown throughout his funeral, regardless of by no means being king.”

It shared some social media posts from a reader who’d seemingly gotten an early have a look at the A Feast for Crows illustrated version:

lol. lmao, even pic.twitter.com/YYwEO911nb

— 2åse (@novembernatten) November 5, 2025

The viral outcry reached the ears of Martin himself, or at the very least a spokesperson, who shared a guest post on Martin’s “Not a Blog” responding to the scenario:

“My title is Raya Golden and I handle the artwork route and licensing growth right here at Fevre River working carefully with GRRM as his schedule will enable. However I alone am answerable for approving all of the licensed artwork that accompanies our SOI&F guide pushed supplies.

Just lately there have been accusations floating round that the Penguin Random Home’s illustrated version of A Feast For Crows was produced utilizing AI generative artwork.

To our data and as introduced by the artist who accomplished the work in query there was NO such programing used. Whereas he’s a digital multimedia artist and depends on digital programing to finish his work, he has expressed unequivocally that no AI was used, and we consider him.

SO…

The official phrase from our workplace is, after all, that we DO NOT, by no means have and won’t willingly work with A.I generative artists in any approach form or kind.