"If every weekend were this productive," said Oarr, "we could afford to send a copy of the First Amendment to every knuckle-headed D.A. from Newark to Juneau. In bronze."

Conventions

Sunday April 5th, 1998

A.C.M.E. II

Newark, Delaware -- What is a blue hen? Damned if we know, but just about everything we saw on our drive through Delaware, the First State, had something to do with them. Including, needless to say, Captain Blue Hen Comics, the main sponsor of the Second Annual Alternative Comics Mega-Event.

Captain Blue Hen Comics, Delaware’s preeminent comic store chain, is far and away the CBLDF’s top retail donor for 1997-98. Over the past three years, the Blue Hen stores have added more than $3,000 to the CBLDF’s war chest through direct donations, in-store promotions, and the A.C.M.E. show. Contrary to their namesakes, the Blue Hens are high fliers in the fight against censorship.

They also put on a hell of a show. With their stylish blue and gold bowling shirts, the Blue Hen volunteers were ubiquitous and uniformly helpful. From the moment CBLDF executive director Chris Oarr and Westhampton House CEO Robert “only my P.O. Box is in Easthampton” Boyd arrived, volunteers leapt to help unload their truck. That’s not typical in the “DIY” world of comic conventions.

Neither was the venue. Normally the site of weddings, bar mitzvahs, and bingo, the Aetna Fire Hall provided a spacious and comfortable setting for artists, dealers, and fans alike.

And what artists! Excited whispers preceded Tony “Double Cross” Consiglio’s entrance to the con. He strutted like a don, bestowing mini-comics and Double Cross prayer candles to his people. Alex Robinson (Box Office Poison) carried Tony’s coat with dignity and respect, as Yvonne Mojica cleared a path wither her Bathroom Girls.

At the other end of the aisle stood Zander Cannon, who bestowed his Replacement God on truth seekers throughout the afternoon. To Zander’s right was Brian Bendis, the criminal mastermind behind Jinx. On his left hand perched David Napoliello, whose many Peregrine Entertainment titles circled the con like avenging eagles.

New York’s “Mr. Suave” Nick Bertozzi gave a marketing workshop in moving monster units of his Incredible Drinking Buddies. Boyd, who set up shop across from Nick, watched Nick’s volume with envy. “He said the name—more than once. I’m impressed.” Small press newcomer John Gallagher and his Shy Dog crew stirred excitement over Buzzboy, coming soon to a comic shop near you. And Marc Hempel (Tug & Buster, Sandman) leant class to the proceedings with a restrained elegance that was both sartorial and spiritual. Rock on, Marc!

Truth is, there was far more talent on hand at A.C.M.E. II than even Chris Oarr had a chance to meet. This show has grown by word of mouth into a powerful regional magnet for alternative talent (and fans!)

But let’s not forget the dealers, especially Wein’s World, another great Delaware store and rock-solid CBLDF supporter. Wein’s World is moving its storefront to the Internet, so be sure to check out their new digs at . . .

And how did the Fund fare at A.C.M.E. II? “If every weekend were this productive,” said Oarr, “we could afford to send a copy of the First Amendment to every knuckle-headed D.A. from Newark to Juneau. In bronze."

In just five hours, A.C.M.E. II raised over $1,500 to support freedom of expression in the comics community. Much of this came from a wildly successful auction which included original art, limited edition comics, and assorted memorabilia. Captain Blue Hen and Wein’s World deserve a great deal of the credit: both stores procured dozens of items from various artists and publishers, not to mention giving freely of their own stock. There was something for everyone, from Lady Death action figures to Chris Yambar’s amazing Trunk o’ Mystery. Chris (Mr. Beat Adventures) donated his travel-worn valise, retro-fitted with high-caliber convention ordinance: comics, art supplies, and a bucket-sized coffee mug bearing the Mr. Beat seal of approval.

"I couldn’t believe how much stuff they’d gathered," Oarr told us. I just started with a statue of Grifter from WildC.A.T.S., which was created and donated to the Fund by Clayburn Moore. I didn’t stop until the last ashcan was sold. The A.C.M.E. fans were great. They knew it was for a good cause and had a good time to boot. Who says you can't do well doing good?"

Whither A.C.M.E.? The C.B.L.D.F. understands that the good Cap’n and his Blue Hens are already planning next year’s show. We look forward to being there.

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund was founded in 1986 as a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of First Amendment rights for members of the comics community. Donations and inquiries should be directed to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.

For additional information, call 413-268-7776 or e-mail the CBLDF staff.

271 Madison Avenue, Suite 1400
New York, NY 10016
800-99-CBLDF
info@cbldf.org

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