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

If it feels such as you have been simply studying about Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin in a information story involving AI, that’s appropriate: Martin is one of some big-name authors at the moment collaborating in a lawsuit against OpenAI over copyright issues. The writers don’t need massive language fashions studying from their works, they usually 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 type of AI story: fears from followers that a snazzy new A Feast for Crows edition, that includes 24 unique shade illustrations by artist Jeffrey R. McDonald, might embrace AI-crafted work. A Feast for Crows was first launched in 2000; this re-creation hit cabinets November 4 and prices $50, so its fast enchantment to readers could be extra restricted to collectors and superfans. Nevertheless, individuals 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 take 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 a minimum of 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 path and licensing growth right here at Fevre River working intently with GRRM as his schedule will enable. However I alone am chargeable for approving all of the licensed artwork that accompanies our SOI&F guide pushed supplies.

Not too long ago 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 offered 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 imagine him.

SO…

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