News

September 9, 1999

Neil Gaiman's Guardian Angel Tour Hits Washington, Boston

Acclaimed comics and fantasy author Neil Gaiman continues his GUARDIAN ANGEL TOUR this month with readings in the Washington, D.C. and Boston areas. Gaiman will read at the Bethesda Theatre Cafe in Bethesda, MD on September 21, and at the Brattle Theatre at Harvard Square in Cambridge, MA on September 23. The Brattle will also host the U.S. theatrical premiere of Gaiman's BBC series "NEVERWHERE." All proceeds from Gaiman's Guardian Angel Tour and the "Neverwhere" screening will benefit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, a non-profit organization protecting the First Amendment rights of the comics community. Tickets can be ordered on-line at http://www.cbldf.org, by calling the Fund toll-free at 1-800-99-CBLDF, or direct from participating comic shops (see below).

Gaiman first attracted critical acclaim for his graphic novels and long-running comic series "Sandman." A masterful storyteller, Gaiman has written two best-selling novels, numerous short stories, and has seen his unique vision translated for film, television, and the stage. He is the recipient of the prestigious World Fantasy Award and is noted in "The Dictionary of Literary Biography" as "one of the top ten post-modern writers" in America.

At the Guardian Angel events, Gaiman will be giving dramatic readings from his shorter fiction, including stories from his collections "Angels & Visitations" and "Smoke & Mirrors." He will also be debuting new, unpublished works. Each reading will be preceded by a private cocktail reception with the author for Premium Ticket holders and CBLDF Members, and followed by a question and answer session with the audience.

The 1999 Guardian Angel Tour begins on Tuesday, September 21 in downtown Bethesda, MD, just over a mile from the nation's capital. Gaiman will be reading at the BETHESDA THEATRE CAFE (7719 Wisconsin Avenue), a fully renovated art-deco theater from the 1950s with nightclub seating. Gaiman will host a casual reception for Premium Ticket holders and CBLDF Members beginning at 6:00 p.m. The reading itself gets underway at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the reading are available for $20 and $30, while Premium Tickets including the reception cost $40 and $50. In each case, the more expensive tickets are for tables closer to the stage. A seating chart is available on-line at http://www.cbldf.org/pr/gat99/tickets.html.

On Thursday, September 23, Gaiman will read at the BRATTLE THEATRE at 40 Brattle Street in Cambridge, MA. One of the best art houses in the Boston area, the Brattle is located on historic Harvard Square next to HMV Records. The Guardian Angel events begin at 3:00 p.m. with a screening of Gaiman's acclaimed fantasy television series "NEVERWHERE." Produced by the BBC, the series received limited television airplay in the United States and is frequently bootlegged by fans. The 1999 Guardian Angel Tour marks "Neverwhere"'s theatrical premiere. Gaiman will introduce the series, and answer questions following the screening. Tickets for "Neverwhere" at 3 p.m. are $10, and available from the CBLDF and participating retailers.

The reading itself will be preceded by a private cocktail reception with Gaiman for Premium Ticket Holders and CBLDF Members. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m.; seating for the reading begins at 7:30 p.m. Balcony tickets cost $20, mezzanine tickets $30, and Premium tickets including the reception are $50. A seating chart for the Brattle is available at http://www.cbldf.org/pr/gat99/tickets.html.

The Guardian Angel Tours are part of Gaiman's continuing commitment to raise money and awareness for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. To date, Guardian Angel events have raised more than $60,000 to support the legal defense of comics-related First Amendment cases in court. Gaiman was awarded the 1997 Defender of Liberty Award for his efforts to promote free speech in comics. He has also been the driving force behind a number of other projects designed to benefit the CBLDF, including "Gods & Tulips," a collection of his speeches and essays, and a 1999 GUARDIAN ANGEL TOUR SHIRT featuring tour dates and artwork by Michael Wm. Kaluta (available at both tour stops).

Tickets to all events are available from the CBLDF at http://www.cbldf.org/pr/gat99/tickets.html. or 1-800-99-CBLDF, or from the following participating comic retailers:

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to the preservation of First Amendment rights for creators and retailers in the comics community. Donations can always be sent directly to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund at P.O. Box 693, Northampton, MA 01061.

For additional information, call (413) 586-6967 or e-mail cbldf@compuserve.com.