i don't know what to say other than this, I've been a fan of him for quite some time, even before catastrophe crow. I don't think he would be the type to use AI. He's more focused on quality over quantity. this is the same guy who spent 13 years over making a game. But then I could be really wrong and you would be right. I cant say much since I haven't seen this older image you mentioned. if you have it, can you reply with the older image.
edit: found the older image. everything else seems fine, except the background. the background of the image looks like AI. gonna have to agree with you. glad he changed it into something else.