After a decade-long hiatus from major comic projects, Paul Pope is making a triumphant return with a career-spanning exhibition at the Philippe Labaune Gallery in New York and an expanded edition of his art book, "PulpHope2: The Art of Paul Pope." This renaissance is part of Pope's strategic "chess moves" to reintroduce himself to the world of comics and science fiction.

Pope's return coincides with a tumultuous time in the comics industry, as publishers and writers are locked in legal battles with AI companies over copyright infringement. Yet, Pope remains cautiously optimistic about the potential of AI in the creative process. "I use AI for research, but I'm not ruling out taking advantage of it," he says. Despite his preference for traditional brushes and ink, Pope acknowledges that the future of comics is increasingly digital.

Pope's working style has remained largely analog throughout his career, incorporating digital tools like Photoshop for coloring and textures. However, he has steered away from digital work due to developing carpal tunnel syndrome. "I use Photoshop every day, but most of what I do is the comics purism of ink on paper," he says.

Pope's loyalty to traditional analog art is evident in his dedication to preserving the legacy of artists like Alex Toth, Steve Ditko, and Moebius. "I feel like I want to be a torchbearer for that," he says. Despite the inevitability of digital comics, Pope believes there is still a place for analog work in the industry.

As AI continues to reshape the creative landscape, Pope remains skeptical but open-minded about its potential applications. "AI is a tool," he says. "I use it more like a consultant." While AI raises important questions about authorship and copyright protection, Pope is more concerned about the broader implications of AI development, such as killer robots and surveillance.

Pope's forthcoming collection of "THB" comics this fall marks another strategic move in his rebranding efforts. With "Battling Boy 2" also on the horizon, Pope is reinvigorated by the prospect of new projects and the opportunity to reestablish his presence in the comics world.

In an industry grappling with the challenges of AI and digitalization, Paul Pope's return serves as a testament to the enduring power of human creativity and the importance of preserving traditional art forms. As Pope embarks on this new chapter, his commitment to analog art and his cautious embrace of AI reflect the complex relationship between technology and creativity in the 21st century.