I designed this alternative cover for Isaac Asimov's I, Robot — the classic collection of science-fiction stories, written between 1940 and 1950, that explores the ethical entanglements of humans and machines and famously introduced the Three Laws of Robotics.
With recent advances in AI, machine learning and robotics, the idea of sentient, even 'feeling' machines seems more plausible than ever. Debates about personhood are already extending beyond primates to elephants, dolphins and killer whales — and one day a similar shift may reach self-aware machines. My illustration is a commentary on Asimov's work through that lens: the personhood of androids, and our ethical responsibilities as their creators.
The android hangs suspended in fluid, inside a womb-like container. Curled in its foetal position, it carries the vulnerability of becoming alive — a machine at its most human moment.
Below you'll find alternative colour versions and the original pencil sketch from the process of bringing this illustration to life:
My exploration of alternative framing of the cover.
The initial sketch of the final version.
Themes like these are exactly what my short sci-fi comics explore — join free on Patreon to read them first, or get in touch about commissions.
