I actually prefer the original. I know, I'm weird. But I like art more than I like AI. The filters can be good for backgrounds, but I think it often sucks the soul out of the characters.
I'm kind of with Banner on this -- I joined because of your art work, not the AI. At the same time, I can see where it does enhance many parts. I'd just hate to see us lose the advantage of your personal skills...
I know this is weird, but this face seems more shocked from something they've seen, rather than the non-ai face which seemed more shocked from the sound of the lightning bolt
For sure, the AI faces all have the eyes looking at something because that's what's in the training set. But for a 'surprise from behind' expression, you want the eyes staring straight forward not focused on anything. Also the teeth clenched "eee" mouth shape is more startled, where the "o" mouth is more surprised, but it just can't do the more emotive facial expressions.
The biggest production potential I can see right now is using it for backgrounds. It's able to match my colors and lighting pretty well with a lot more detail. And even in top tier anime like studio Ghibli, they're using painted over photographs for backgrounds a lot, so it's not that unusual.
The character renders are just an novelty. I like seeing my characters in different styles that I'd never be able to manage.
None of the AI-enhanced versions get the facial reaction right, but the more detailed AI background is an improvement. An artist obviously isn't going to be inclined to put in the time and effort to make a background look that ornate when the important part of the image in on what's happening with the person in the foreground, so handing that task to AI makes sense.
A human doing things that require actual thought, skill, and attention to detail while delegating busywork to AI is probably the best way to use it.
Of the choices, I'll definitely give the nod to the Hybrid version. The more detailed background definitely enhances the main character's reaction. It IS interesting to see what the AI does with the character, I'll agree, but overall, I still prefer your art style.
