Be Counted With the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund

I became aware of The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund back at my first Comic Convention in Philadelphia. It was a small table setup squeezed between two tables I could care less about but I was drawn to the table and the lone man sitting there with his clipboard and various comics. He explained the cause and gave me a postcard with a link to the organization’s site. I was freaking out after reading the incident that caused the CBLDF to form because I was planning to travel abroad that summer and my airplane reading would include graphic novels and comics. What if I was stopped and searched for my reading material? Who would I turn to for help if I happened to be wrongly accused? So I sent a small donation (I was a poor college kid, I did the best I could) and followed the CBLDF online. Since then their program activity has increased and they are in more need of people’s support.

Comics are threatened more than you could ever imagine and consequences affect readers, artists, retailers, and librarians. Here are some examples of cases the CBLDF has dealt with:

You are unjustly placed under investigation.  Your house is searched and your computer and books are seized because a vindictive ex maliciously told police that comics you own are child pornography.  The mere allegation will ruin your life if charges are brought.  You need expert help.

You are an artist making parody drawings when you receive a threatening letter from a large company alleging that you are stealing their property.  They’re demanding that you forfeit your original art and pay them damages.  You know your rights, but you can’t afford a lawyer.  You need someone to stand up for you.

You are a librarian, and the local news media are running stories that you’re peddling pornography to kids because a parent reviewed and approved a horror comic book her teenager checked out from the adult section of your library, and is now blaming you for her error.  You didn’t do anything wrong but your name is being tarnished.  You need someone to speak up for you.

All the above cases were managed with the help of CBLDF and their members. But they can only help with the continued support of members and donations. So this October, CBLDF is asking for you to Be Counted and become a member. Your support goes to performing important legal work, education, and seminars to protect the comic’s field’s First Amendment rights.

If you sign up as a member before October 31, you’ll get a special thank you gift and access to limited offers from some of the industry’s greatest creative talents.

Check out the page here to see the various levels of memberships and the awesome thank you gifts that come with them. At the New York Comic Con this past weekend I picked up a grab bag that surprised me with an autographed copy of Muppet Sherlock Holmes #1. I was extremely happy with that, so imagine what you’ll get with an actual membership, besides the feeling of doing well for your fellow comic lover.