Media Release -- Are you a member of Comic Book Legal Defense Fund? Have you contributed as little as $25 this year to helping us perform our important work defending the comics medium in court? If you haven't paid your tax-deductible member dues this year, we're asking you to be counted and join the Fund today.
Right now the CBLDF needs to raise $100,000 by October 31 to pay for our urgent legal and education work. Please help us by becoming a member of the CBLDF, or renewing your membership today. Members are listed here with our thanks for supporting the CBLDF's important work.
The best creators in the industry are joining us in this membership effort. When you join at levels of $250 or greater, we have opportunities for you to have lunch with legends like Neil Gaiman, Gail Simone, Brian Azzarello, and Dave Gibbons. We're also offering chances to receive professional development reviews from decision making pros like Dan DiDio, Scott Allie, and Bob Schreck. Scroll down for a full listing of these once in a lifetime opportunities.
Here's how your contribution will be used:
Legal Action
This September, the CBLDF must contribute the first installment of the $150,000 in legal fees needed to defend Brandon X, an American citizen facing a minimum sentence of one year in Canadian prison and registration as a sex offender because Canada Customs alleges that Japanese horror and fantasy comics on Brandon's laptop are child pornography. His case is important because it raises important precedent questions about the artistic merit of comics and the rights of readers and artists traveling with comics on their electronic devices. The CBLDF needs your help to pay the lawyers defending this case because we seek to establish a precedent that protects comics in Canada and influences courts in the United States.
Beyond Brandon's case, the CBLDF needs your help to ensure we are able to continue our other important program services. Your membership dollars will pay for our membership in Media Coalition, which helps us track and fight unconstitutional legislation. You will also ensure we have the resources we need to pay our monthly retainer for routine First Amendment legal work.
Education
The CBLDF continues to assist librarians and retailers when comics and graphic novels are challenged. Often this happens on a case-by-case basis, during which CBLDF staff gather defense materials for each individual incident. We currently seek funds to develop more substantial preventive tools, including joining an important anti-censorship coalition that protects the right to read.
Be Counted Professional Supporters & Membership Incentives
Scott Allie
Professional Development Review: Scott Allie — Dark Horse editor Scott Allie will offer a Professional Development Review for members joining at $500 or greater. This is an incredible opportunity to receive some one-on-one guidance with one of comics' top decision makers while supporting the CBLDF.
Lunch With Legends: Mike Mignola & Scott Allie — Donors who make a membership contribution of $1,000 or greater will have the opportunity to go to lunch with Mike Mignola and Scott Allie on Sunday, October 16, during New York Comic-Con! Get the inside word on the happenings in the Hellboy universe, and spend an afternoon with true innovators of horror comics!
Brian Azzarello
Lunch With Legends: Brian Azzarello — Donors who contribute a membership of $250 or more will join Brian Azzarello, the award-winning creator of 100 Bullets and Spaceman and the architect of the new Wonder Woman launch, for lunch during NYCC!
Professional Development Review: Brian Azzarello — Veteran comics writer Brian Azzarello will provide a Professional Development Review to one donor during NYCC and one donor online. This opportunity is available for donors who join for a membership level of $250 or greater. This is an incredible opportunity to have one of the masters of the art form give you hard earned advice to help your craft.
Dan DiDio
Lunch With Legends: Dan DiDio & Friends – For donors who contribute at a membership level of $1,000 or more, DC's co-publisher and the writer of OMAC will join you for lunch during NYCC. DiDio will bring pals to lunch, including Keith Giffen. This is a great opportunity to get the inside buzz on the new 52 and have an unforgettable time talking comics while supporting a great cause.
Professional Development Review: Dan DiDio – DC Comics co-publisher Dan DiDio will offer a Professional Development Review during NYCC with one member joining CBLDF for a donation of $1,000 or greater. This is an incredible opportunity to receive some one-on-one guidance to improve your comics from one of comics' top decision makers while supporting the CBLDF.
Neil Gaiman
Lunch With Legends: Tea With Neil Gaiman in NYC – One member joining CBLDF with a $5,000 contribution or greater will have the opportunity to go to tea with Neil Gaiman and one guest of their choice in New York City! This once in a lifetime opportunity to visit with the masterful author of American Gods, Sandman, and Coraline is a terrific way to support the important work of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. CBLDF will contact the donor to arrange a time for this event that coincides with one of Neil's visits to this city.
Lunch With Legends: Tea With Neil Gaiman in Los Angeles — One member joining CBLDF with a $5,000 contribution or greater will have the opportunity to go to tea with Neil Gaiman and one guest of their choice in Los Angeles! This once in a lifetime opportunity to visit with the masterful author of American Gods, Sandman, and Coraline is a terrific way to support the important work of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. CBLDF will contact the donor to arrange a time for this event that coincides with one of Neil's visits to this city.
Lunch With Legends: One-on-one Tea At An Upcoming Neil Appearance — One member joining CBLDF with a $5,000 contribution or greater will have the opportunity to go to tea with Neil Gaiman and one guest of their choice at an upcoming Neil Gaiman appearance! This once in a lifetime opportunity to visit with the masterful author of American Gods, Sandman, and Coraline is a terrific way to support the important work of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. CBLDF will contact the donor to arrange a time for this event that coincides Neil's event schedule.
Personalized Sketched Postcard by Neil Gaiman — Neil Gaiman has graciously agreed to send a personalized sketched postcard as a thank you to contributors who join the CBLDF at levels of $1,000 or greater. (5 available)
Dave Gibbons
Lunch With Legends: Dave Gibbons in London – One member joining CBLDF with a $1,000 contribution or greater will have the opportunity to go to lunch with Dave Gibbons and one guest of their choice in London. This once in a lifetime opportunity to visit with the co-creator of Watchmen, and the author of incredible comics like The Originals is a terrific way to support the important work of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. CBLDF will contact the donor to arrange a time for this event that coincides with Dave's schedule.
Professional Development Review: Dave Gibbons – Legendary storyteller Dave Gibbons will provide a Professional Development Review via Skype to donors who join for a membership level of $500 or greater. This is an incredible opportunity to have one of the masters of the art form give you hard earned advice that will help your craft.
Paul Levitz
Professional Development Review: Paul Levitz — Veteran writer, editor and publisher Paul Levitz will provide a Professional Development Review during NYCC or via email for donors who join the CBLDF for a contribution of $250 or greater. This is an incredible opportunity to receive some one-on-one guidance on how to make your scripts stronger by one of the industry's most knowledgeable experts.
Mike Mignola
Lunch With Legends: Mike Mignola & Scott Allie — Donors who make a membership contribution of $1,000 or greater will have the opportunity to go to lunch with Mike Mignola and Scott Allie on Sunday, October 16, during New York Comic-Con! Get the inside word on the happenings in the Hellboy universe, and spend an afternoon with true innovators of horror comics!
Terry Moore
Professional Development Review: Terry Moore – For one donor contributing a membership of $500 or greater, pioneering artist and self-publisher Terry Moore will provide one professional development review on Sunday, October 16, during NYCC. This is an incredible opportunity to receive expert advice from one of the industry's most revered artists and support the CBLDF!
Greg Rucka
Professional Development Review: Greg Rucka – Veteran comics and thriller writer Greg Rucka will provide members who join CBLDF for a level of $250 or greater with a Professional Development Review for writers during NYCC or over Skype. This review is for a standard 22-page comic script or a 22-page excerpt of a longer work, with appropriate explanations as to how it fits into the larger project. This is a great opportunity to learn more about your craft and get tips from one of the modern masters of comics writing.
Bob Schreck
Professional Development Review: Bob Schreck — Legendary editor Bob Schreck will offer a Professional Development Review in NYC or via email for a member joining at $500 or greater. This is an incredible opportunity to receive some one-on-one guidance with one of comics' top decision makers while supporting the CBLDF.
Gail Simone
Professional Development Review: Gail Simone – Veteran writer Gail Simone will provide a Professional Development Review for writers via email to members who join CBLDF for a level of $500 or greater. This review is for scripts without licensed characters. This is a great opportunity to learn more about your craft and get tips from one of the modern masters of comics writing.
Jeff Smith
Lunch With Legends: Jeff Smith — Donors who join CBLDF for $500 or more can have the opportunity to go to lunch with Jeff Smith, the innovative creator of Bone and RASL! This is a terrific opportunity to meet one of the all time great graphic novelists and support the CBLDF!
Ben Templesmith
Professional Development Review: Ben Templesmith — Iconoclastic cartoonist Ben Templesmith will provide a Professional Development Review for artists in NYC or over email to members who join CBLDF for a level of $250 or greater. This is a great opportunity to learn more about your craft and get tips from one of comics' contemporary greats!
Lager With Legends: Ben Templesmith & Friends at NYCC – Get a chance to get drinks with Ben Templesmith and friends during NYCC! Members who contribute $250 or greater will have an opportunity to go out for a drinks with Ben and friends during one of the evenings of NYCC!
Frank Quitely
Professional Development Review: Frank Quitely – Legendary creator Frank Quitely will provide a Professional Development Review via email to donors who join for a membership level of $500 or greater. This is an incredible opportunity to have one of the masters of the art form give you hard earned advice to help your craft.
Lunch With Legends: Frank Quitely in the UK – Enjoy a unique opportunity to have a one-on-one lunch with Frank Quitely, one of the most singular masters of modern comic art when you join CBLDF at $500 or more to the CBLDF! CBLDF will contact the donor to arrange a time for this event that coincides with Frank's schedule.
Personalized Sketched Postcard by Frank Quitely – Frank Quitely has graciously agreed to send a personalized sketched postcard as a thank you to contributors who join the CBLDF at levels of $1,000 or greater.
