Fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are raising questions regarding a piece of concept art included in the official artbook for Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The image, titled Big City, Little Spider, shows clear indicators of generative software usage. Sharp-eyed observers noticed significant visual artifacts, including distorted fire escapes and taxis that appear to merge into one another on the street.
This discovery arrives shortly after public scrutiny regarding layoffs within the Marvel Studios visual development team. While the artist behind the piece, Scott McInnes, has a long history of professional work on major film productions, the inclusion of AI-generated visuals in a paid collector product has triggered a strong reaction. Fans view these errors as evidence that synthetic media is becoming a larger part of the studio pipeline.
Marvel Studios has encountered similar feedback in the past. The 2023 series Secret Invasion featured an AI-generated opening sequence that prompted a negative response from the audience. Although some industry leaders, including the Russo Brothers, have publicly described such software as a potential creative tool for future projects, the general consensus among viewers remains wary.
This incident highlights a broader tension within Hollywood. As studios continue to adopt new technical workflows, the industry faces pressure to address the impact on professional artists. Despite the promise of time-saving benefits, the prevalence of visual glitches suggests that the technology is not yet a replacement for human craft. For now, the integration of these tools into high-budget blockbusters like the MCU continues to spark debate over the value of human-made creative work.