Is this AI?
Yes. Aside from the awkward posing, it has the hallmark sepia tone of ChatGPT’s image generator, as well as the distinctive lettering style. The linework and shading coherence is actually better than usual but that’s another way you can often identify an AI comic.

The challenge is you can do this now. I’m not sure I’d be able to tell with this one. There is an uncanniness to it but can’t put my finger on it.

no focal point, no leading composition. just an assemblage of stuff that’s adjacent to “sage wisdom.”

why a sunset? that’s has meaning. owls are symbolic, but why here? it’s a weird combination of technical aptitude with zero point of view.

Why is the owl not looking at him?
shirt button spacing
Indistinguishable, but still calling it slop? Would that not make all art qualify as slop? lol
No, it means that some art, (human or AI) is slop. It’s possible for real people to make soulless art. I know because when I draw, that’s what usually comes out.
Not to mention that’s a big owl