artSaturday, July 18, 2026

A24 apologizes for Backrooms copyright strikes

A24 stepped in it this week, hitting Backrooms-inspired fan art with copyright strikes and then quickly apologizing. The studio acknowledged the collaborative nature of the Backrooms universe. Elsewhere, artists continue to navigate AI, and 'Aliens' turns 40 with a look back at its practical effects.

Sources

Copyright and Controversy

A24's misstep with the Backrooms community shows how delicate the line is between protecting IP and alienating the fans who build your brand.

#01www.avclub.comJul 18

A24 very sorry it hit Backrooms-inspired art with a copyright strike

A24 issued a rare apology after issuing copyright strikes against Backrooms-inspired fan art. The studio acknowledged that the Backrooms universe is a collaborative online phenomenon, not something it owns outright.

by William Hughes3 min readRead original

#02www.creativebloq.comJul 18

From racist Bugs Bunny to Masha and the Bear, these are the 8 most controversial cartoons in history

A roundup of eight controversial cartoons from Bugs Bunny to Masha and the Bear explores why animation keeps sparking censorship debates. It's a useful primer on how cartoons become cultural flashpoints.

by Joe Foley15 min readRead original

Art, Tech, and Nostalgia

From practical effects in 'Aliens' to AI tools in the studio, artists are figuring out where the line is between tool and replacement.

#03www.space.comJul 18

'We knew we had a lot to live up to': As 'Aliens' turns 40, we chat to the legendary VFX masters who…

Four outlets are covering the 40th anniversary of 'Aliens' with an interview with the VFX team behind the Alien Queen. The piece focuses on the practical, hands-on craft that made the creature iconic.

#04observer.comJul 18

How Artists Are Using A.I. and Where They Are Drawing the Line

Two outlets are running versions of this piece on how artists are using AI as a tool for administration and research, not creation. It's a pragmatic take that sidesteps the hype and the panic.

#05bleedingcool.comJul 18

Jae Lee's Absolute Batman #23 Cover Art Sells For $10,000 In Minutes

Jae Lee's original cover art for Absolute Batman #23 sold for $10,000 in minutes, a sign of how hot the comic's variant cover market has become.

Also today14

'The Odyssey' Story Told Through Artwork: Visualizing Homer for Nolandeadline.com
This article explores Christopher Nolan's upcoming adaptation of Homer's 'The Odyssey' through the lens of illustrated artwork. It discusses how the epic poem's themes of heroism, mythical creatures, and the hero's journey are being visualized for the film, offering a glimpse int
The Guide #252: Christopher Nolan forces all rivals to flee as he dominates the battle of the blockbusterswww.theguardian.com
This newsletter article examines Christopher Nolan's dominance as a blockbuster filmmaker, arguing that his upcoming adaptation of Homer's *The Odyssey* has caused competitors to clear the release schedule around it. The piece explores whether Nolan is the last true "superstar di
Ted Maksymowicz and His Orchestra – Polish Dance Melodies album artfontsinuse.com
A photo of the album art for "Ted Maksymowicz and His Orchestra – Polish Dance Melodies" from 1959, photographed by Bart Solenthaler and uploaded to Flickr. The album features Polish dance music styles including kujawiak, polonaise, polka, and oberek. Ted Maksymowicz (c.1916–1973
Advice from a Stunt Double | Los Angeles Review of Bookslareviewofbooks.org
A short story from the Los Angeles Review of Books following a stunt double who explores Brooklyn's industrial backyard. The narrative captures a chase scene where the protagonist runs through industrial landscapes with rhythmic, almost programmed footfalls, using the setting as
Hidden Springs #3 Preview: Senior Citizens vs. Baby Kaijubleedingcool.com
A preview of Hidden Springs #3 from Dark Horse Comics, where elderly heroes race a baby kaiju to the ocean while military forces close in. The article is presented in a satirical, AI-narrated format typical of Bleeding Cool's LOLtron previews, blending comic book promotion with h
Print! Pattern! Color! These Street Style Looks Answer the Age-Old Question: Can Clashing Be Tasteful?www.vogue.com
A Vogue street style article exploring how fashion week attendees are embracing "tasteful clashing" — mixing bold prints, patterns, and colors in visually striking yet harmonious outfits. The piece contrasts this playful trend with the minimalist aesthetic that dominated 1990s fa
1977's Animated 'The Hobbit' Is a Hero's Journey Worth Taking Againwww.indiewire.com
This article uses the upcoming release of Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' as a springboard to revisit and recommend Rankin/Bass's 1977 animated adaptation of 'The Hobbit.' It positions the film as a cult classic worth rediscovering, analyzing its artistic merits, its place in a
25 Minimal Motivational Posters with Powerful Life Lessonsgraphicdesignjunction.com
A collection of 25 minimalist motivational posters that use simple cartoon characters paired with powerful shadow imagery to convey life lessons. Each poster visually contrasts a character with their shadow representing hidden strength, future potential, or true self. The posters