Gila-Gila magazine founder apologizes for AI usage, says “it should never have happened”

Founder and publisher of Gila-Gila, Malaysia’s best-selling comic magazine, Jaafar Taib, has apologized for its latest cover artwork generated by AI. The 71-year-old cartoonist took to Facebook yesterday to admit that he had made a huge mistake which should never have occurred.

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In its most recent publication, Gila-Gila put up an AI-generated cover that angered artists and numerous cartoonists who have been contributing to the magazine for years. Taib said he felt a pang of deep regret and that the incident occurred because he had very little idea of what AI was and how it was connected with the art world. 

Taib admits ignorance and apologizes to loyal Gila-Gila artists

The magazine owner admitted to having used AI-generated art heedlessly to follow technological trends – and had overlooked the value and importance of original human-created works at the time.

He said that the use of AI-generated art was not aimed at discrediting the talents and efforts of Gila-Gila’s artists and cartoonists. After realizing the damage his decision had done, the 71-year-old promised to right this wrong. 

He added that this case had opened his eyes regarding appreciation and protection for the creative effort of local artists. Taib went on to consider deeper meanings behind AI in the world of art, stating that AI-created art is such a revolutionary force that challenges traditional ideas about creativity. 

“I admit I am still ignorant about the impact of AI on the art industry. But I am concerned.”

– Jaafar Taib.

He expressed his fear for the future of art amidst technological advancement; adding that while digital art still holds the human touch, AI-generated art was only going to upset this very delicate balance. “To all the artists and cartoonists who have been dedicated to Gila-Gila over the years, I sincerely apologize for any negligence and mistakes on my part.,” Taib added.

Gila-Gila reiterates commitment to promoting original artwork

An offended pack of Gila-Gila comic enthusiasts expressed their frustration about the development, asking why AI content had been brought into the magazine that was a showcase of human creativity at its best .

Iqram Akmal, a fan, said on Facebook that it’s an insult to the magazine as AI isn’t helping in making the magazine any better. Taib’s son, Fayyadh Jaffar, on the other hand, took to X to support his father’s position amid all the controversy.

Fayyadh said his father is unable to manage all operations of the magazine due to his age and health, clarifying that the magazine workers are managing most of the day-to-day tasks. He added that his dad made up for the company’s mistake and explained how they have prevented such a mistake from happening again.

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Gila-Gila is known as Malaysia’s bestselling comic magazine for over a half-century since its first edition hit newsstands on 1 April 1971. The magazine stood out from so many with its wit, satire and humor about Malaysian life, according to the Malay Mail. 

Taib’s apologies come with strong promises to fix things. He reiterated the magazine’s commitment to promoting original artworks from Malaysian talents. While Gila-Gila will always be Gila-Gila itself, the magazine will be going back to the basics, which is, highlighting bright ideas of Malaysian artists and making it fun, said Taib.