In a time marked by the pervasive influence of artificial intelligence (AI) across diverse sectors, French and Indian authors Laurent Daudet and Appupen have unveiled a groundbreaking graphic novel titled *Dream Machine – AI and the Real World*. Crafted in part using generative AI chatbot ChatGPT, the narrative unfolds in the realm of AI, introducing readers to the protagonist Super Hugo, a character with aspirations of immortality and the ability to soar through the skies, catering to aficionados of superhero lore.

The storyline revolves around Hugo, the founder of an AI startup, as he grapples with ethical dilemmas upon being courted by a massive digital conglomerate. Contrary to portraying AI as flawless, the textually rich graphic novel delves into dystopian themes, serving as an educational tool to elucidate the nuances of this transformative technology. Daudet and Appupen's collaborative venture germinated during a fortuitous encounter at a comics festival in Angouleme, Paris, culminating in a narrative that mirrors real-life events and concerns surrounding AI's proliferation.

Embedded within the novel are echoes of real-world occurrences, ranging from the initial fervor surrounding AI's advent to apprehensions regarding its militaristic applications and potential threats to democratic processes. The characters themselves are reflections of the authors, with Hugo embodying Daudet and Appupen serving as the graphic designer. Through a blend of relatable storytelling and technical exposition, the novel endeavors to demystify AI for readers, debunking myths and elucidating the computational underpinnings behind seemingly magical phenomena like ChatGPT.

In an exclusive online interview with indianexpress.com, Daudet emphasized the novel's aim to impart clarity on AI-based technologies, while Appupen underscored the narrative's grounding in real-life scenarios to foster reader engagement and reflection on the implications of AI's trajectory. Addressing AI's impact on the arts, Appupen remarked on the challenges posed by AI-generated content and its implications for copyright, viewing AI as a facilitative tool capable of accelerating creative processes while raising pertinent questions about authenticity and ownership within the artistic realm.