From comic book heroes to post-apocalyptic wastelands: The rise of AI-generated superhero art in a devastated world

Post-apocalyptic fiction has seen a resurgence in popularity recently, thanks to series like “The Last of Us” and “Fallout” introducing innovative storylines. This trend has also influenced fans who create images using artificial intelligence, filling their social media feeds with depictions of devastated worlds.

One such creator is Instagram user @midjourneyhero, who combines his love for Marvel and DC Comics superheroes with the post-apocalyptic genre in a series titled “Raider Superheroes After a Nuclear Catastrophe.” This series features characters like The Punisher, Flash, and Thor adapting to a world altered by disaster. Iron Man’s armor, in particular, is depicted as suitable for a post-apocalyptic setting, drawing inspiration from the Brotherhood of Steel in the “Fallout” video game series.

The images were created using the artificial intelligence program Midjourney, which can generate images based on written descriptions. Characters like Captain America and Spider-Man received special attention from Midjourneyhero, each getting their own series of origin story images. For example, a description for Captain America reads: “In the aftermath of a nuclear apocalypse, Captain America’s ideals endure in a society torn by chaos. Equipped in a patched-up version of his iconic suit and repurposed military gear, Captain America emerges as a symbol of hope in a shattered world.”

Some of the images were created by @esheffects, an artist exploring the fusion of art and artificial intelligence through the use of AI and Photoshop. This collaboration has led to visually striking and thought-provoking images that blend the worlds of superheroes and post-apocalyptic scenarios.