Articles

May 07, 2008 -- Dunbier talks Liberty Comics at CBR
Scott Dunbier,Special Projects Manager for IDW Publishing, talked to Comic Book Resources about Liberty Comics, a 32-page anthology comic that will benefit the CBLDF.

April 20, 2008 -- Gordon Lee Case Dismissed
At Friday evening’s “CBLDF Presents An Evening with Neil Gaiman,” the guest of honor began the evening with a surprise announcement: the Gordon Lee case has been dismissed.

November 29, 2007 -- Rome News-Tribune Condemns Gordon Lee Prosecution
"Any jury anywhere else in the state would probably laugh this one out of court," says Georgia's Rome News-Tribune of the Gordon Lee case in a scathing editorial condemning the case's continued prosecution. A must-read for everybody following this important case.

November 09, 2007 -- "You Don't Plea Bargain The First Amendment"
Newsarama talked to Charles Brownstein for extra details about what happened from his perspective -- sitting right in the court room. Read the full interview here.

November 08, 2007 -- "Everyone Is Sickened By What Gordon Is Facing"
In the wake of the mistrial and decision by the prosecution to refile charges against comic retailer Gordon Lee, ICV2 caught up with Charles Brownstein, Executive Director of the CBLDF, to find out more about the latest developments . Read the full story.

October 31, 2007 -- Gordon Lee: The Road To Trial
After nearly three years, as many arraignments, and at least two sets of facts all arising from the same incident, amounting to an $80,000 price tag, the case of Georgia v. Gordon Lee is scheduled to finally see trial this November. Busted! examines one of the strangest and most necessary defenses the CBLDF has undertaken.

October 30, 2007 -- CBLDF: Ready for War or Peace at Publishers Weekly
Calvin Reid at Publishers Weekly recently spoke to Charles Brownstein about supporting free expression in bookstores and comics shops, and the Gordon Lee case in particular.

October 22, 2007 -- The Comics Reporter Sunday Interview: Charles Brownstein
Tom Spurgeon at ComicsReporter.com talks to the CBLDF Executive Director about several different issues, including the board, the Gordon Lee case, and the Fund's move to New York a couple of years back.

September 20, 2007 -- Unpacking the OPUS Controversy
On August 26 and September 2, Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Berkeley Breathed featured jokes in his Sunday-only Opus comic strip instigated by a character adopting radical Muslim behavior and dress. It briefly became a major story in the journalistic world because a portion of the strip’s clients, including the Post (Washington, D.C.), declined to run those installments.
Tom Spurgeon spoke to Syndicate Editor Amy Lago of The Washington Post Writer’s Group about their view of the newspapers’ decision’s not to run the two strips and the general tightrope that cartoonists and their attending business must walk between serving their clients and fulfilling the mandates of free expression.

August 14, 2007 -- NPR covers Comic Book Store Owner on Trial for Nude Images
The Gordon Lee case was covered on National Public Radio's Morning Edition. You can listen to the story here.

July 03, 2007 -- CBLDF's Brownstein: Defending First Amendment Rights
Executive Director Charles Brownstein talks to Silver Bullet Comics about the case of Georgia v. Gordon Lee finally going to trial and more. Read it.

February 01, 2007 -- Smell the Neil Gaiman Collection
Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab is selling perfume oil blends inspired by the work of Neil Gaiman, called, of course, The Neil Gaiman Collection. The profits benefit the CBLDF.

October 10, 2006 -- CBLDF Sends Letter To Marshall, Missouri
The CBLDF has joined the National Coalition Against Censorship in a support letter to the Board of Trustees at the Marshall Public Library in Marshall, Missouri regarding removal of graphic novels Fun Home and Blankets.

August 20, 2006 -- Save the Date: Dave Sim CBLDF Benefit at Night Flight Comics
On Saturday, October 28th at 7:00 PM, a private reception fund raiser featuring Dave Sim & Gerhard will benefit the CBLDF at Night Flight Comics! Full Story

May 31, 2006 -- CBLDF Launches Corporate Membership Fund
The CBLDF has launched a corporate membership program to fund a much expanded scope of services and legal challenges.

April 29, 2006 -- Dark Horse Apparal from adidas to Benefit CBLDF
Dark Horse Comics, in collaboration with adidas, will debut limited edition shoes and track jackets featuring Dark Horse marks and properties in May, with all Dark Horse profits to be donated to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.

January 02, 2006 -- Full Text of Decision on Gordon Lee Motions
On December 29, Judge Larry Salmon issued a decision on motions delivered in defense of Gordon Lee. The full text follows.

August 29, 2005 -- CBLDF Profile in Mainstream Papers
A profile on the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (written by Bill Weir of The Hartford Courant) has hit the news wires and has appeared in the Orlando Sentinel.

August 24, 2005 -- Comics Reporter on Gordon Lee Case
Tom Spurgeon, The Comics Reporter himself, lays out the facts of the Gordon Lee case, coming to trial September 12, 2005, a case so important he says, "In September, all comics industry eyes should focus on Northwest Georgia." Read the full story.

August 24, 2005 -- The Unsinkable Denis Kitchen
This article on the life of Comic Book Legal Defense Fund founder Denis Kitchen includes fantastic artwork and a nice history of the Fund as well. Read it!

August 10, 2005 -- WizardWorld Chicago: The CBLDF Auction
A walk-on movie role, a corpse in Powers, comics and collectibles galore brought in $16,000 for the CBLDF. Read about it at Newsarama.com.

July 19, 2005 -- CBLDF Auction at ComicCon Raises $30,000
Dozens of comic creators and fans joined forces for a benefit auction to fill the coffers of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund in preparation for a high profile case later this summer. Read the full story at The Pulse.

July 11, 2005 -- Original Eisner, Jim Lee, Sandman Art, & More In CBLDF Comic-Con Auction
Original art by Will Eisner, Jim Lee, Dave Sim, Dave Gibbons, Craig Thompson, J. Scott Campbell; an original Alan Moore Swamp Thing script; a portfolio of top-notch Sandman art; artifacts from MirrorMask; and rare editions, such as the uncirculated Graphitti Designs signed hardcover edition of Watchmen are just a few of the highlights of the CBLDF benefit auction, happening this weekend at Comic-Con International: San Diego. The auction will be held at the San Diego Convention Center in Room 8 at 7:00 PM, Saturday night. Click Here for the full list!

July 11, 2005 -- Henson's MirrorMask Contributes One-Of-A-Kind Collectibles to CBLDF Auction
The Jim Henson Company has contributed a variety of cool MirrorMask collectibles to the CBLDF's Gala Comic-Con auction. These items bring Dave McKean and Neil Gaiman's vision to three-dimensional life, and best of all, benefit the Fund's important casework! Here's the list!

July 11, 2005 -- Wildstorm Artists Contribute Iron Chef Gelatometti Art to CBLDF Auction
Gelatometti, the blog of Wildstorm Studios, have regular art challenges called Iron Chef Gelatometti, where Wildstorm artists face off with guests to make the best piece of art in one hour. Jim Lee, Ale Garza, Carlos D'anda, Mark Brooks, J. Scott Campbell, and more have taken the challenge, and the results will benefit the CBLDF at the Comic-Con Auction. Come to the Fund's auction Saturday night in Room 8 for your chance to bid on these great pieces!

July 11, 2005 -- Graphitti Designs Contributes Ultra-Rare Watchmen Signed Hardcover to CBLDF San Diego Auction
Graphitti Designs, purveyors of fine licensed products for nearly 20 years is supporting the Fund at Comic-Con by contributing one of the holy grails of fandom to the Fund's benefit auction: the signed, uncirculated deluxe hardcover edition of Watchmen. Full Story

June 07, 2005 -- Brownstein On The New York Move
CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein sat down with Newsarama to discuss the details of the Fund's move to New York. View Story

June 06, 2005 -- STAPLE! Donates $1,000 to CBLDF
STAPLE! The Independent Media Expo, Texas’ first independent and small-press comics, zines and arts convention, recently donated $1,000 to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.

May 13, 2005 -- Comics Press Reports South Carolina Victory
The CBLDF's victory against South Carolina's Internet censorship law has been the lead story on many comics news sites today. CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein is interviewed by Tom Spurgeon on The Pulse and Matt Brady at Newsarama to flesh out the story.

February 04, 2005 -- US Customs Blinks
We've won a victory against US Customs in the case concerning the seizure of parody comics in Charleston, South Carolina.

January 26, 2005 -- Kids Arrested at Florida School for Violent Cartoons
Anyone out there who ever drew a picture in the back of class may be surprised to learn that two elementary school children, ages 9 and 10, were led from their school in handcuffs on Monday after being arrested for committing second-degree felonies by drawing a stick figure cartoon that featured the pair committing violence on another 10 year old.

January 04, 2005 -- Will Eisner, 1917-2005
UPDATED We at the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund are saddened to learn of the loss of Will Eisner. A pioneer of this field, Eisner was a generous force that provided the industry with strength, insight, wisdom, and vision. He always staunchly supported the Fund’s work, and will be deeply missed. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Ann and son, John. More...

December 16, 2004 -- More on the Customs Seizure
Newsarama reports that the Charleston City Paper checked out the recent seizure of comics by Customs, and raised some interesting points.

December 10, 2004 -- ICv2 On Limited Edition Neil Rats
ICv2 is reporting that artist and sculptor Lisa Snellings-Clark has created two new limited edition figures for her "rat" series, a Neil Gaiman Rat and an Edgar Allen Poe Rat. The hand-cast, numbered, limited editions of 500 (for each figure) are available for $40 wholesale from Davis Marketing Services. Consumers may also get them by visiting www.lisasnellings.com For the full story visit ICv2

November 17, 2004 -- Big Green From Fiddler's Green
The Comics Reporter spells out the amazing facts: (CBLDF board member) Neil Gaiman and crew raised $45,000 for the Fund at last weekend's Fiddler's Green.

November 04, 2004 -- Brownstein on the Election Results
CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstien answered questions for the ComicsReporter.com about the possibilities four more years of the Bush Administration could have on the Fund and comics in general both in the near future and beyond.

October 05, 2004 -- Green Brain Donates $700 to Fund at SPX
Katie and Dan Merritt of Green Brain Comics in Dearborn, MI presented the CBLDF with a check for $700 -- all raised by selling Marvel variant cover comics!

September 30, 2004 -- Greg Rucka on Q&C Auction
Newsarama has an interview with Greg Rucka talking about his Queen & Country character auction benefitting the Fund. Check it out here!

September 14, 2004 -- Geppi's Remarks on Joining the CBLDF Board
Last night CBLDF President Chris Staros announced that Steve Geppi has joined the Fund's Board of Directors. We captured Staros' and Geppi's comments on the Fund, free speech, and how comics have grown to become a powerful force in today's culture.

September 13, 2004 -- Paul Levitz Remarks on Joining the Fund Board
Following the announcement of his election to the CBLDF Board of Directors, Paul Levitz presented an anecdote about a personal experience with censorship and how it influenced his membership in the organization. Full Story

September 13, 2004 -- Mignola Added to SPX Guest List
As a guest of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, comics artist Mike Mignola joins an impressive list of cartoonists including Jeff Smith, Eric Powell, James Kochalka, Ted Rall, Peter Kuper and hundreds more at the 2004 Small Press Expo.

September 05, 2004 -- SPX Anthology Contributors Announced
SPX and the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund are proud to announce the contributors to this year’s SPX Anthology.

September 01, 2004 -- Even More Fund Update - Bigger & Better
An open letter from John Gallagher, the man behind the CBLDF benefit book Even More Fund Comics, says things have gone from disaster to better than before, thanks to the response from comics community.

August 30, 2004 -- Even More Fund Contributors: Read This!
A major computer crash at Sky-Dog has Gallagher asking Even More Fund contributors to help save the CBLDF Benefit Book.

August 18, 2004 -- Comic Book Diner 2: Gilbert & Sutton
Comic Book Diner, an occasional journal in the creation of the Even More Fund Comics Benefit Anthology for the CBLDF makes it's second appearance at Newsarama with Michael T. Gilbert (Mr. Monster, Disney Adventures) and Ronn Sutton (Elvira, 5 Alarm Charlie) discussing their contributions for EMF.

August 03, 2004 -- Comic Book Diner Talks to Busiek & Hawthorne
Comic Book Diner, an occasional journal in the creation of the Even More Fund Comics Benefit Anthology for the CBLDF makes it's first stop at Newsarama, talking with creators Kurt Busiek and Mike Hawthorne about their contributions.

July 29, 2004 -- SDCC CBLDF PANEL
A report on "CBLDF: Fighting Censorship at the Front Lines," a panel hosted by Charles Brownstein, director of the CBLDF, with Chris Staros, who runs Top Shelf Comics, is reported on at The Pulse.

July 26, 2004 -- Peter David: Ink Wearin' Man
CBLDF board member Peter David and Richard & Wendy Pini's tattoo for CBLDF adventure ended Sunday evening in San Diego, and Newsarama has got the pictures.

July 25, 2004 -- Jim Lee Named Defender of Liberty
At Friday night's Eisner Awards ceremony at the 2004 San Diego Comic-Con, Jim Lee got a prestigious nod from the CBLDF, being named the Defender of LIberty. Read about it at Newsarama.

July 25, 2004 -- Disfigured for the CBLDF
What have you done for the Fund lately? If you're Peter David, the answer is get a tattoo. It's a weird, final story from the 2004 San Diego Comic-Con, courtesy of Newsarama.

July 20, 2004 -- A Letter from the Director
The CBLDF is winning the fights that matter to your free speech. We need your support now to keep up this good and important work. Recent weeks have seen a flurry of free speech victories in battles the Fund’s been fighting. Read on as Charles Brownstein brings you to speed on the Fund's current victories and how you can help keep the fight going strong.

July 20, 2004 -- Washington Kills Violent Video Game Law
On July 16, Federal District Judge Robert Lasnik of the Western District of Washington delivered a First Amendment victory. On summary judgment, he held that Washington's law banning video games depicting violence against uniformed law enforcement officials was unconstitutional on free speech grounds. The Video Software Dealers Association led the fight against the case, with CBLDF, ABFFE, AAP, Feminists for Free Expression, Freedom to Read Foundation, International Periodical Distributors Association, National Association of Recording Merchandisers, PMA, and RIAA coming on as amici. Full Story

July 02, 2004 -- Brownstein Interviewed on COPA's Defeat
Newsarama.com's Matt Brady has interviewed CBLDF Director Charles Brownstein on the Supreme Court decision on COPA and what that decision means for comics and Free Speech. Full Story on Newsarama

July 02, 2004 -- Congress to Vote on Freedom to Read Amendment
The U.S. House of Representatives will vote next week on an amendment that cuts off Justice Department funding for searches of bookstore and library records under Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act. Congressman Bernie Sanders (I-VT) will offer a Freedom to Read Amendment to the Commerce, Justice, State Appropriations Bill of 2005. The Campaign for Reader Privacy is asking for your help in getting that amendment through. Full Story

July 02, 2004 -- Support of First Amendment Freedoms Back to Pre-9/11 Levels
Americans’ support for their First Amendment freedoms — deeply shaken by the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 — continues to rebound and is back at pre-9/11 levels, according to the annual State of the First Amendment survey. Full Story

June 01, 2004 -- Spidey Covers Even More Fund Comics
A little under one year after the first, and John Gallagher is busy putting together Even More Fund Comics, an anthology to benefit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.

January 05, 2004 -- Baker's Dozen on "The Good Fight"
Bill Baker at World Famous Comics interviews Fund Director Charles Brownstein on what he does, what a typical day is like, and if we can ever expect to see the CBLDF retire.

November 17, 2003 -- The Plans for Wizard World Texas
Newsarama.com reports on the plans the Fund has in store for the Wizard World Texas show, including sketches, the lunch with Joe Quesada, and...karaoke.

November 04, 2003 -- Strength in Numbers--CBLDF Joins the Media Coalition
Articles and other small mentions are popping up around the Internet covering the CBLDF's membership in the Media Coalition as well as the joining the fight against the Patriot Act.

September 19, 2003 -- Neil Gaiman Talks Sandman, CBLDF on NPR
New York Times best-selling author --and CBLDF supporter and board member -- Neil Gaiman spoke live on NPR's Talk of the Nation on September 18th -- and mentioned the CBLDF at length.

August 05, 2003 -- Castillo and Brownstein Interviewed at ICv2
ICv2.com has new Q&A pieces with Jesus Castillo and Fund Director Charles Brownstein examining their reactions to the news of the Supreme Court's refusal of the case. Follow the above links to read the interviews.

August 05, 2003 -- Newsarama on Castillo Case
Newsarama's coverage of the Supreme Court's refusal of the Castillo case has a new interview with Charles Brownstein about the case. Read it here

July 30, 2003 -- Chuck Rozanski Accepts 2003 Defender of Liberty Award
Read the full text of Chuck Rozanski's Defender of Liberty acceptance speech from the Eisner Awards at Comic-Con. Full Story

July 17, 2003 -- Mile High Contributes to San Diego Auction
Tales of Suspense #40, Fantastic Four # 61, and Hellblazer #1 are just a few of the gems Mile High has contributed to this Saturday's CBLDF auction in San Diego. Read on to see the full list!

July 10, 2003 -- Win Dinner With Frank Miller, Neil Gaiman, or Will Eisner on eBay
Visit eBay now for your chance to win dinner at Comic-Con San Diego with Will Eisner, Neil Gaiman, or Frank Miller. Bid Now!

July 03, 2003 -- Tierney's Open Letter on Arkansas Act 858
Michael Tierney of The Comic Book Store in Little Rock, Arkansas has written an open letter to the Arkansas House of Representatives that raises important points about the dangers of Act 858 of Arkansas House Bill 1525 -- an Act currently being litigated by the CBLDF and co-plaintiffs. ICv2 has the story.

June 07, 2003 -- More Fund Comics to raise CBLDF funds
Marc Nathan told CBG that he hoped the book that would be introduced at his Baltimore Comic-Con Sept. 20, More Fund Comics, would raise more than $50,000 for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. His goal is to set a record for a single CBLDF fundraiser. Full Story: Comics Buyer's Guide/Collect.com

May 28, 2003 -- Inside the Pages of More Fund Comics
In September, dozens of creators will come together for More Fund Comics, the brainchild of John Gallagher, Frank Cho and Marc Nathan. Envisioned in a way as a more mainstream SPX Anthology, More Fund will benefit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and premiere at the Baltimore Comic-Con. Newsarama spoke with Gallagher for an inside peek. Full Story: Newsarama.

May 21, 2003 -- Washington State Bans Video Games Showing Violence Against Police
Shops in one US state could be fined if they sell or rent videos games depicting violence against police officers to children under 17. The law, which has come into force in the western state of Washington, is believed to be the first of its kind in the country. Full Story: BBC News

May 21, 2003 -- SF Gate on Winter v. DC Comics
SF Gate.com offers an analysis of the Winter v. DC Comics case: "Now before the California Supreme Court -- a decision is due any day -- the case is an epic legal battle between the Winter brothers' right to control their public images and the comic's First Amendment protections." Full Story: SF GATE

May 12, 2003 -- First They Take Vice City, Then They Take Berlin:
Video Game Legislation Offers Hard Lessons For Comic Books
The fight to ban access to adult video games has grown. Supporters and opponents of such legislation have been engaged in a battle of briefs that ultimately aim to see the matter taken to the U.S. Supreme Court. Meanwhile, lawmakers have introduced new bills to ban the sale, display, and rental of violent video games to minors. The high court is a long road away, but how the video game industry walks that treacherous path will be instructive to the comics business and the entertainment field at large.

April 03, 2003 -- Texas Librarian to Receive 2003 PEN/Newman’s Own First Amendment Award
PEN American Center today named Jerilynn Adams Williams, a Texas librarian who successfully turned back an attempt to remove books from circulation at Montgomery County public libraries, as the recipient of this year’s prestigious PEN/Newman’s Own First Amendment Award. Full Story

March 26, 2003 -- Newsarama On 'Jonah Hex' Case
Matt Brady delves deep into the issues that make the Winter Bros. case an important matter for Free Speech in entertainment on Newsarama

March 07, 2003 -- Federal Appeals Court Upholds Ban on Internet Censorship Law
The American Civil Liberties Union today welcomed a federal appeals court ruling that COPA, a law meant to safeguard children against Internet pornography would block lawful and valuable speech for adults. The so-called Child Online Protection Act, also known as "COPA," made it a federal crime to use the World Wide Web to communicate "for commercial purposes" material considered "harmful to minors," with penalties of up to $150,000 for each day of violation and up to six months in prison. FULL STORY: ACLU.ORG

March 06, 2003 -- Smile! You’re on Slanted Camera!
Whoever said any publicity is good publicity has probably never been the target of a media sting. Comics are getting more media play than ever, which has its upsides and downsides. The good news is there’s a buzz that comics are cool, which seems to be boosting the business. The bad news is, well, bad news. Sometimes the camera can cast an evil eye that sees the field in a negative light. Busted! examined attack journalism tactics and offers some tips about how to safeguard your store against sordid spin. Full Story

March 06, 2003 -- Victoria's Secret Loses High Court Trademark Fight
The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday made it harder, though not impossible, for companies to defend famous trademarks against dilution by other companies. By a surprising unanimous vote, the high court ruled in favor of an Elizabethtown, Ky., adult store named Victor's Little Secret in its trademark battle against the giant lingerie retailer Victoria's Secret. Victoria's Secret had claimed the store's fanciful name was likely to "blur and erode the distinctiveness" of its own trademark, widely recognized from catalogs and stores. Full story by Tony Mauro: Law.com

March 06, 2003 -- Supremes Hear Arguments on Library Internet Filters
The U.S. Supreme Court may have finally been presented with a federal law restricting the Internet that passes First Amendment muster, in its view. Full Story by Tony Mauro: Law.com

February 14, 2003 -- Sangiacomo on Texas Justice
This week, Mike Sangiacomo looks at the Jesus Castillo case again, with one question in mind - how could a man be arrested for selling a explicit comic book (created for adults) to an adult? As it turns out, the Castillo case wasn't the first time something like this has happened in Dallas, and it probably won't be the last...Full Story: Newsarama

January 20, 2003 -- Lovitz Explains Eldred Case
Intellectual Property attorney Michael Lovitz explains last week's Supreme Court decision on extending copyright in layman's terms for the comics business. Read his well-considered piece on Newsarama

January 17, 2003 -- Hate Mail: Comic Strip Controversies On View in San Francisco
Do controversial issues belong on the comics page? Is there a place for the "loyal opposition" in the 'funnies'? What happens when comic strip creators challenge conventional principles and push the envelope on social and political issues? Should the comics page be restricted to light hearted family fare? The Cartoon Art Museum's Hate Mail exhibition will examine those questions and more through presentation of the "offending" strips themselves and the positive and negative reader response that resulted from the publication of these comics. Full Story

January 15, 2003 -- Supreme Court Upholds Copyright Law Extension
WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld lengthier copyrights protecting the profits of songs, books and cartoon characters -- a huge victory for Disney and other companies. The 7-2 ruling, while not unexpected, was a blow to Internet publishers and others who wanted to make old books available online and use the likenesses of a Mickey Mouse cartoon and other old creations without paying high royalties. Full Story by Gina Holland: Newsday.com

December 17, 2002 -- Jesus Castillo Speaks!
Busted! recently caught up with Jesus Castillo to discuss his experience in the Texas court system and how the fight for justice on his obscenity charge has affected his life. Full Story: Newsarama

December 06, 2002 -- Comics Readers Interviews SPX 2002 Authors
Comicsreaders.com is interviewing every artist who contributed to this year's SPX book. Gain insight to the artists who made this year's SPX the best anthology the best one yet! Read the interviews at Comicsreaders.com

Thanks to Chris Pitzer

December 06, 2002 -- Bush Signs on Dot-Kids Line
On December 5, President Bush signed legislation that will make a kid-friendly Internet space a reality. Within a year “kids.us” is expected to launch as a new Internet domain reserved only for kid-safe content and overseen by the federal government. Full Story

December 05, 2002 -- Protection Money: Chuck Rozanski on Why He Contributes to the Fund
Mile High Comics' owner Chuck Rozanski contributes this thought provoking piece about why he is supporting the Fund with his donation for the Jim Lee signing and this week's auction of Thor #156. It's must reading for Fund supporters. Click here for full story.

November 19, 2002 -- Mile High Comics.com Offers Five Seats At Jim Lee Dinner
Jim Lee Auction winner Chuck Rozanski of Mile High Comics' is offering up all five seats at the after-signing dinner to comics fans and Fund supporters. Visit Mile High Comics.com to find out how you can win!

November 19, 2002 -- Sangiacomo Sounds Off on Castillo Conviction
Syndicated reporter Mike Sangiacomo's latest installment of Journey Into Comics examines the Jesus Castillo case with a fiery commentary every comics fan should read. Check it out with subsequent discussion on Newsarama

November 19, 2002 -- Rozanski Speaks Out About the Fund
Comicon.com's Pulse interviewed Mile High Comics' Chuck Rozanski shortly after he placed the winning bid in last week's Jim Lee In-Store Benefit Signing. Read what he has to say here!

November 13, 2002 -- Supremes Hear Oral Arguments in "Victor's" v. "Victoria's" Trademark Dilution Case
Yesterday the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of Moseley dba Victor's Little Secret v. V Secret Catalogue, Inc.. The case will determine whether actual financial harm must be shown to prove a claim of trademark dilution.

Law.com's Tony Mauro has filed the most thorough analysis of the arguments. The AP's Jonathan Salant submitted strong reportage from the day's proceedings, while NPR's Nina Totenberg filed this audio report from the Court.

The decision from this case will affect the outcome of many trademark dilution cases, particularly those involving the line between speech protected by the First Amendment and the rights of trademark holders to control the perception of their marks. While awaiting a decision on the appeal of the Preliminary Injunction against Stu Helm in his fight with Kraft, the Fund is monitoring the high court's actions in the Moseley case closely.

November 07, 2002 -- Children's Internet Protection Act Nears High Court Review
Law.com reports: The latest in a series of cases testing congressional efforts to restrict Internet access in the name of protecting children is likely to land on the U.S. Supreme Court's agenda soon.

United States v. American Library Association, No. 02-361, is set for discussion by the Court at its private conference on Friday. The Court will also meet in conference on Nov. 15 to decide whether or not to grant pending petitions.

The Children's Internet Protection Act of 1999 (CIPA) includes a fast-track appeals process that makes high court review a certainty, with oral arguments likely in the spring and a ruling by July.

The law requires all public and school libraries to use Internet filtering software as a condition for receiving federal funds for computers and Internet access. The filtering, required for all library computers whether paid for by federal funds or not, is supposed to prevent access to child pornography and "visual depictions" that are obscene or "harmful to minors."

Full Story by Tony Mauro: Law.com

November 06, 2002 -- ABFFE Seeks Data on PATRIOT Act Subpoenas
The American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression (ABFFE) has filed a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)in an attempt to learn how many subpoenas have been issued to bookstores, libraries and newspapers under the U.S.A. PATRIOT Act. The Justice Department has refused to make this information public despite a request by the House Judiciary Committee. "The PATRIOT Act gives the Justice Department the power to investigate the reading habits of American citizens," ABFFE President Chris Finan said. "We want to make sure this power isn’t abused." Full Story: abffe.org
Thanks to Jeff Rutherford

November 05, 2002 -- Jim Lee Speaks Out
Newsarama reports: Bidding opens today on one Jim Lee, artist and Editorial Director of Wildstorm – condition: as is.

As previously reported, Lee is taking part in an auction to benefit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, wherein he will fly himself, at his own expense to the store making the winning bid, which is, in reality, a donation to the CBLDF. Newsarama caught up with Lee to ask just why he’s willing to sell himself for the Fund.

“Recognizing the fact the CBLDF is indispensable and vital to the health and growth of our business and art form, I've supported the fund through cash contributions and donated artwork off and on over the last six or eight years,” Lee said. “I've always looked up to what creators like Frank Miller, Neil Gaiman, and George Perez have done for the cause and thought this would be a good time for me to step up and play a more active role in helping raise funds.”

Full Story: Newsarama

November 05, 2002 -- Comics Press Covers Castillo
Newsarama and Comicon's Pulse both feature new interviews and discussions about the Fund's pending Supreme Court appeal in the case of Texas v. Castillo. Read Newsarama's coverage here. and Pulse's coverage here. Also check out Peter David's comments about the case here.

October 31, 2002 -- Comics2Film Interviews CBLDF
New CBLDF Board Member Milton Griepp was recently interviewed by Rhonda Hearon of comics2film.com. Read their exchange here!.

September 19, 2002 -- The Thurgood Marshalls of Comic Books
Superman leaps tall buildings in a single bound. Wonder Woman's bracelets repel bullets. And Spider-Man's web catches thieves just like flies. But who comes to the rescue when comic book characters get in trouble with the law? American Lawyer look at the CBLDF.

August 16, 2002 -- CBLDF Appeals Retailer Conviction
The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's lawyers are filing an appeal in the highest criminal court in Texas in the obsenity conviction of Jesus Castillo, manager of a Dallas comic book store. Castillo has recieved six months jail time, a year probation, and a $4000 fine. Read the full story at ICV2.com.

August 02, 2002 -- WiredNews Talks to the Fund
In an article entitled "When Comics and Law Collide," WiredNews talks to CBLDF executive director Charles Brownstein about the Stu Helm case, Dwyer vs. Starbucks, and much more, from the Comic-Con International in San Diego.

May 29, 2002 -- CBLDF Defends "King VelVeeda" against Kraft Foods!
Earlier this year Chicago cartoonist Stu Helm got slapped with some offensive orders from the Kraft Foods Corporation. The stink is over Helm's nickname 'King VelVeeda,' a pseudonym he's been signing comics work under for more than 12 years.

April 11, 2002 -- Note from the Director, April 11
New CBLDF executive director Charles Brownstein give the scoop on what's been going on and what's coming up for the Fund this summer during the convention season.

February 18, 2002 -- New CBLDF Director Speaks
Incoming CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein was interviewed by Rick Veitch for Comicon.com's SPLASH page.

February 01, 2002 -- “Do Kids Need Government Censors?”
Rhoda Rabkin contributed a detailed analysis of the questions raised by Senator Joseph Lieberman’s Media Marketing Accountability Act (MMAA) to the February edition of Policy Review.

September 07, 2001 -- Comic Books Grow Up
The Bethesda, Maryland EXPO 2001 didn't take place because of the 9/11 tradgedy, but get a taste of what it could have been from this article from the Washington Post which manages to look at our industry with some depth.

August 31, 2001 -- DC Comics Stands Up for Its First Amendment Rights!
The Associated Press reports on a ruling filed Aug. 29, that dismissed Charles Atlas Ltd.'s lawsuit against DC Comics over a parody of the old Atlas bodybuilding ads.

April 11, 2001 -- Spotlight on Legal Counsel: Burton Joseph
Take a moment to met Burton Joseph--the comic industry's first line of defense when creator or retailer First Amendment rights are under attack.

February 28, 2001 -- Banned Books: CHE
In 1967, Ernesto Che Guevara was executed by a Bolivian soldier after his capture during a failed guerilla uprising. Che was attempting to duplicate the success he had helped achieved in Cuba. Only a few years later, an illustrated biography of the revolutionary was banned.

August 10, 2000 -- Who Paid $6,101 for Neil's Jacket?
During the recent CBLDF Auction Extravaganza on eBay, Neil Gaiman's leather jacket started with a one dollar bid and ended up over six grand. Who would pay so much for a used jacket? The ShanMonster page has an interview with the woman in question.

July 11, 2000 -- ACLU Sees Political Opportunism, Not Science, In Report Linking Pop Culture and Youth Violence
"Violence is caused by the media." It's the argument you'll be hearing all throughout the election-- and likely beyond. But our colleagues at the American Civil Liberties Union say the report by the Federal Trade Commission is nothing but politics, with non-scientific research "based on inconclusive and refutable data." From ACLU.org.

August 11, 1998 -- A Short History of Censorship in Comics
The highlights of the 50's to the 90's in comic book censorship, leading to the beginning of the CBLDF.

April 28, 1998 -- You're Offending Somebody!
Chris Oarr's guest editorial for Comics Retailer points out that not thinking censorship can happen to you is a major danger.

ELFQUEST: Busted in West Virginia
A 36-year-old West Virginia social worker was awakened at 12:30 a.m. on July 13, 1999 by a pounding on his door. Outside, police officers were waiting to take him into custody. The charge: selling a copy of Elfquest to a minor.

Spotlight on Legal Counsel: Burton Joseph
Take a moment to met Burton Joseph--the comic industry's first line of defense when creator or retailer First Amendment rights are under attack.

December, 1998-- International Censorship Alert: Italian Comics Publisher Topolin Edizioni Raided by Police
Comics fans and civil libertarians everywhere will be shocked by this latest example of what can happen when state power is brought to bear on artistic expression. After a brutal raid, the Italian publisher Topolin Edizioni faces several counts of obscenity and "incitement to pedophelia" for critically-acclaimed comics by Alvarez Rabo and Miguel Angel Martin, both of whom have been recognized across Europe as cartoonists of the first rank. Underscoring the absurdity of the situation, an Italian court already ruled in 1996 that one of the books seized by police is not obscene! For a full summary, see the English abstract of Topolin's webpage.

History of Comics Censorship
Comics begain with the Yellow Kid. Superheroes began with Superman. And comics censorship all begain with a fellow named Wertham...

Comic Books and Juvenile Deliquency: Interim Senate Report of 1955
Now available online, courtesy of Jamie Coville, is the infamous judiciary "investigation of the mass media of comminication... so-called comic books" that lead to the formation of the Comic's Code Authority guidelines. You'll find reference to this and many more in our online reference bibliography.