What Do You Do When AI Comes for Your Art? Graphic Novelist Choz Belen’s Answer: Create Louder

by Jennifer Redondo 

When we last spoke to Choz Belen, the visionary behind the award-winning series: Mumu, he was already deep into the creative process of building an original universe. Releasing three graphic novels—Mumu: Monsters of the Motherland (2021), Mumu: Lost in Anito (2022), and Mumu: Prisoners of Taotao (2023) — each one expanding on his haunting yet heartfelt mythology rooted in Filipino folklore.

But 2024 was different. The past year brought unexpected highs and crushing lows, most of them tied to one of the most disruptive forces in modern creativity: Artificial Intelligence (AI). As AI swept through industries with lightning speed and ruthless efficiency, creatives like Choz found themselves navigating a new frontier — one where talent, passion, and originality were being weighed against automation, speed, and cost-saving algorithms. AI wasn’t just a buzzword; it was changing the game, but it was also taking a bit of his game. Many creatives are finding themselves at this crossroad.

We sat down with Choz again to hear how this era of uncertainty sparked something new — something bold, personal, and completely unexpected: the birth of 3NJ.

1. Reintroduce yourself to Kollective Hustle’s readers — Who is Choz Belen?

Choz Belen: I’m a creative in many forms — artist, storyteller, designer, and music maker. I’m the founder of Mumu and now Mumu Kids, a more light-hearted, kid-friendly spin on my original horror series. Most recently, I launched 3NJ, my latest creative venture blending family, music, and AI.

I always envisioned Mumu as a TV series, something like Stranger Things. The comics were just a stepping stone. So in 2024, I spent most of the year pitching the show, taking meetings, and learning how the industry works. It was a crash course in patience and disappointment. There was a lot of interest — but not enough to fully complete the dream. Still, I kept pushing.

2. What happened with the Mumu Show? 

Choz Belen: Eventually, a producer reached out and introduced me to the head of TV at a production company. We would go on to spend over six months developing the TV show pitch together. It was one of the most creatively fulfilling times of my life. They were responsive, excited, and kept reassuring me that I owned my IP. But, once we wrapped the pitch for fall 2024, I never heard back. The paperwork that was promised never arrived.

With no contract and no communication — I realized I had handed over my life’s work without protection. I was devastated. It was like my soul had been shoveled out of me and left on the curb.

And let me just add I would NEVER say ANYTHING disparaging about Erica Yulo formerly from Paramount Studios and Andrew Zoppa at the Michael Grandage Company ;)

3. How did that affect your work life? 

Choz Belen: On top of all that, my day job was slipping away from me as well. As a self-employed artist, I managed a few reliable clients I had accumulated over the years, but toward the end of 2024, the well I had grown to rely on had dried up — many of us in creative industries were getting replaced by AI tools. The day we had been joking about (the robot takeover) was finally here! For the first time in years, I made updates to both my website and my resume. I started applying for jobs, but nothing stuck. It was a dark, heavy time. I had lost creative control and my livelihood in the same season.

That’s when I made a decision: I wouldn’t depend on anyone else to make my dreams come true. And if AI was taking over, then I needed to learn it. I needed to take back control.

4. What pulled you out of that darkness?

Choz Belen: Honestly? Family.

At the end of 2024, at my lowest, I flew to the Philippines to see my cousins — Mav and Christopher. I needed to escape the isolation. I really didn’t want to "trauma dump” and with them — I could talk freely. I was being held, heard, and loved. That time saved me.

We drank. We drunk. We listened to music, reminisced, and talked about everything — from our shared childhood to our dreams. Out of those conversations and healing sessions, 3NJ was born.

5. What Is 3NJ?

Choz Belen: While surrounded by bottles of Ginebra and listening to 4 Non Blondes we came up with 3NJ. Since New Jersey is where the three of us met and grew up together — me, and my cousins, Mav and Christopher. After showing them Mumu Kids, we started making music using AI — just three kids playing again, except now with adult stories, technology, and a lot of heart.

We researched how to distribute music, got licenses, and launched as musical artists. It happened organically. My former nemesis, AI, was now helping us create something real. Our first album, Tiyaga (Perseverance), dropped in January 2025. It’s 9 tracks, ALL in Tagalog.

We’ve since released Dreams (March 2025) and Blissful, a two-part album that comes out this month. The process of making these albums — songwriting, visuals, vocals — all used AI tools. But the soul behind them? That’s all us.

6. What role does AI play in your work now?

Choz Belen: AI is just a tool. It’s not the villain — fear is. Yes, it’s taken jobs. It’s even taken mine. But instead of resisting, I chose to adapt. Now I see AI like I see a calculator, like TV, like video games — it’s a medium, not a monster.

Artists will still draw, paint, and sculpt. AI just expands what’s possible. And if you're worried AI is replacing your favorite creatives, then support the ones you love — follow them, buy their work, share their art. That’s how we build a true meritocracy.

7.  What’s next? 

Choz Belen: We’re going to keep building 3NJ. Our sound is growing. Our visuals are evolving. And while I haven’t let go of the Mumu dream, it may take a new shape — and that’s okay.

What I’ve learned is this: You don’t get through the darkness alone. Life gets better when you open yourself to love and trust in your community. When you create with people who truly see you, that’s when the magic happens.

8. Where can people find you? 

Linktree: Choz Belen, 3NJ

Instagram: @ThreeeNJ,  @Mumu.comic and @mumu_kids_official 

YouTube: @ThreeeNJ, @mumucomic and @mumu_kids  

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Written By Jennifer Redondo

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