Exclusive Joseph Michael Linsner Dawn Print Benefits CBLDF at Dragon*Con

Joseph Michael Linsner, the acclaimed creator of Dawn, has created a new print to be unveiled at Dragon*Con supporting the CBLDF's defense of Gordon Lee. "Inflammatory Pages" is a stunning new Dawn image that will be available at Dragon*Con in a strictly limited edition of 250 signed copies, with all profits benefiting the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.

Linsner says, "Just like the Avengers or the Justice League of America, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has always been there to save and protect those without the resources to defend themselves. I believe in worthy causes, and I believe in the comic book industry. I plan on being in this field for a good many years to come. I want to see it thrive & prosper. We all have to do our part to see that happen."

This print benefits the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund on the eve of the hearing on the motions in the Gordon Lee case. Lee is facing up to three years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines for accidentally distributing a Free Comic Book Day book to a minor that included a story depicting the first meeting between Braque and Picasso. The comic, which was factually accurate, includes a short sequence of Picasso painting in the nude. Lee was arrested and has been charged with "Distributing Material Depicting Nudity/Sexual Conduct" a felony charge that prohibits any citizen of Georgia from disseminating unsolicited any material with mere nudity. The Fund is challenging the constitutionality of this law, which, as applied to this case, would prohibit a retailer from letting a customer take home a sample copy of comics such as Watchmen or Sandman: A Game of You, both of which include minor nudity. Lee is also charged with the misdemeanor offense of "Distributing Harmful to Minors Materials," which applies the Miller obscenity test to minors, a charge he is innocent of . A public apology should have sufficed. The state, instead, is looking to lock Lee away. The Fund has initiated an aggressive defense of Lee 's rights, including a constitutional challenge to the state's blatantly unconstitutional nudity law. The case to date has cost in excess of $30,000 for pretrial motions. The hearing on those motions will occur on September 8 and the trial is scheduled to occur four days later. A day in court will cost a minimum of $5,000, and the trial is anticipated to run a minimum of one court week.

Eva Hopkins, Linsner's colorist and office goddess of Linsner.com spearheaded this special effort. Hopkins says, "Fighting this particular case is important to all lovers of art. The fact is, the art I work on (both my own and Joe's) and the art I love to peruse has lots of elements in it that seriously push the envelope. In Gwinnett County, GA, I can't hand another adult copies of my own work unless it's in plain brown wrapper. Something's really rotten about that. I am proud to have this opportunity to support the CBLDF."

CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein says, "This case is a threat to all lovers of art and comics in the state of Georgia, and the Fund needs the support of readers and professionals alike to nip this threat in the bud. We're grateful to Joe, Eva Hopkins, and the Linsner.com crew for making this benefit print, and to the Dragon*Con community for supporting our endeavors at this very important time."

Dragon*Con starts on September 2 and runs until September 5 in Atlanta, GA. This print will be available from the Luna Muse Studios table, and from the CBLDF. For more information on Dragon*Con, please visit www.DragonCon.org. For more information on Dawn and Joseph Michael Linsner visit www.linsner.com. For more information on the CBLDF and their defense of Gordon Lee, please visit www.cbldf.org.