Raider Superheroes in a Nuclear Wasteland: How AI is Transforming the Post-Apocalyptic Genre with Marvel and DC Characters

The post-apocalyptic genre has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years thanks to TV shows and video games like “The Last of Us” and “Fallout”. This resurgence has also influenced fans who use artificial intelligence to create images of devastated worlds on social media.

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.” The series features characters like The Punisher, Flash, and Thor adapting to a world altered by disaster. Iron Man’s armor 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 Midjourney, an AI program that 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 who explores the fusion of art and artificial intelligence through the use of AI and Photoshop. This collaboration has led to the creation of visually striking and thought-provoking images that blend the worlds of superheroes and post-apocalyptic scenarios.