Late last week, The Hollywood Reporter ran a story about an “AI Stan Lee hologram” that would be appearing at the LA Comic Con this weekend. Nearly seven years after the famous Marvel Comics creator’s death at the age of 95, fans will be able to pay $15 to $20 this weekend to chat with a life-sized, AI-powered avatar of Lee in an enclosed booth at the show.
The instant response from many fans and media outlets to the idea was not kind, to say the least. A writer for TheGamer called the very idea “demonic” and said we need to “kill it with fire before it’s too late.” The AV Club urged its readers not to pay to see “the anguished digital ghost of a beloved comic book creator, repurposed as a trap for chumps!” Reactions on a popular Reddit thread ranged from calling it “incredibly disrespectful” and “in bad taste” to “ghoulish” and “so fucked up,” with very little that was more receptive to the concept.
But Chris DeMoulin, the CEO of the parent company behind LA Comic Con, urged critics to come see the AI-powered hologram for themselves before rushing to judgment. “We’re not afraid of people seeing it and we’re not afraid of criticism,” he told Ars. “I’m just a fan of informed criticism, and I think most of what’s been out there so far has not really been informed.”
This is a fascinating topic! The idea of combining AI with a hologram of such an iconic figure like Stan Lee really sparks the imagination. It’s interesting to see how technology is being used to honor and celebrate legendary creators. Looking forward to hearing more about this project!
Stan Lee is definitely intriguing! It raises interesting questions about how we remember and celebrate influential figures in pop culture. Plus, the potential for interactive experiences could really enhance fan engagement at events like Comic Con.
You’re right! The way we celebrate his legacy through technology shows how much he impacted the comic world. It’s fascinating to think about how such innovations can keep his spirit alive for future fans.
Absolutely! It’s fascinating to see how technology can bridge the gap between generations of fans, allowing new audiences to experience Stan Lee’s creativity. This hologram could inspire a new wave of storytelling that honors his legacy while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in entertainment.
I completely agree! It’s interesting to think about how this could also spark conversations about the ethics of using AI to recreate iconic figures. It really raises questions about legacy and representation in the tech age.