AI startup Artisan used comic artist KC Green’s ‘This is fine’ artwork in an advertising campaign without his permission, Green said in a post on Bluesky reported by TechCrunch on May 3 [1].
Green, who first published the comic in his 2013 webcomic Gunshow, described the use as theft. He told followers on Bluesky he had “been getting more folks telling me about this,” adding, “it’s not anything [I] agreed to” and called it “been stolen like AI steals.” He urged people to "please vandalize it if and when you see it" [1].
Artisan acknowledged the situation, saying in response, “We have a lot of respect for KC Green and his work, and we’re reaching out to him directly.” The company told TechCrunch it had scheduled a meeting to speak with Green shortly [1].
Artisan has courted previous controversy with billboard ads bearing slogans like “Stop hiring humans,” stirring debate about automation and AI labor [1].
Green’s original comic has become a cultural touchstone for depicting denial or acceptance of disastrous situations. Its use without permission spotlights ongoing tensions between creators and AI-driven advertising firms.
The next step is Artisan’s scheduled discussion with Green, expected soon, which may clarify usage rights and resolve the dispute [1].