Report Censorship

CBLDF is committed to supporting the comics community. Fill out our form to request assistance or report censorship today!

Report Censorship

CBLDF is committed to supporting the comics community. Fill out our form to request assistance or report censorship today!

Susie Cagle Talks to Comics Alliance About Her Arrest

Last week, cartoonist Susie Cagle was arrested during the latest round of violence that has marred the Occupy Oakland protests. Laura Hudson with Comics Alliance interviewed Cagle about the arrest.

Cagle describes the moment the police came to arrest her, along with several other demonstrators:

I found this doorway, and there were tons of people crammed in there — maybe 20 or 30. Many of them had the bright green National Lawyers Guild legal observer hats, and I thought, that is a good place to be. So I ran in there and we all put our hands up thinking this should be all right. We’re away from the action, clearly peaceful, and I have my press badge around my neck. The police come up to the doorway and are basically about to beat us, and we have to scream, “No, no, please please.” About 20 seconds later, they said, “Everyone get on the ground, you’re under arrest.”

Read the rest of Cagle’s interview here.

REMINDER: Registration For Webinar on Comics & Manga Censorship Closes Today!

Throughout November, the American Library Association presents “Intellectual Freedom Across the Globe,” a series of online learning opportunities focused on intellectual freedom issues. CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein will be participating on November 9, during a webinar on comics and manga censorship around the globe, and you can join in! Registration for the November 9 session closes today, don’t miss out!

Keep reading for more details in the official press release…

Cartoonist Arrested During Occupy Oakland Protests

Despite wearing a press pass and being recognized by one of her arresting officers, cartoonist and journalist Susie Cagle was arrested last week, during the latest round of violence that has marred the Occupy Oakland protests. Cagle wrote about her experience on her blog:

I was detained for 15 hours and ultimately charged with the same misdemeanor as other demonstrators and NLG legal observers: PC 409, failure to leave the scene of a riot. Our arraignment dates are a month from now, and we were explicitly warned against returning to the plaza in the meantime. As I told ABC7, I feel like the OPD does, I think: confused.

Keep reading…

Celebrate Neil Gaiman’s Birthday with a CBLDF Fundraiser!

Perennial Fund supporter Neil Gaiman celebrates his birthday on November 10, and the ladies with the Fangirls: Comics Club and A Comic Shop are ready to party! You can join them at The Geek Easy inside A Comic Shop (114 S. Semoran Blvd, Winter Park, FL) on November 10 from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. for comics, music, games and more. Neil will be calling in so everyone can sing Happy Birthday to him! To celebrate, the organizers are also holding a raffle to raise funds for CBLDF.

For more details, visit the Facebook event page here.

Come See The CBLDF At MIX!

This weekend, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is headed to MIX, the Minneapolis Indie Xpo! We’ll have a booth open both days, where we’re thanking donors with a terrific array of signed books from authors including Charles Burns, Dan Clowes, Michael Kupperman, Jeff Lemire, Craig Thompson, Jim Woodring, and more! The Fund’s Charles Brownstein will also present Censorship Then & Now, the Fund’s history of censorship in comics on Sunday at 2:30. A party benefiting CBLDF happens on Friday night.

Dedicated to promoting small press and art comics, MIX is free to the public and showcases an incredible roster of art comics royalty including Zander Cannon, Kris Dresen, Mike Dawson, Sara Glidden, Sam Hiti, Dustin Harbin, Kevin Huisenga, Robert Kirby, Jon Lewis, Corinne Mucha, MariNaomi, Tom Neely, Anders Nilson, John Porcellino, Jim Rugg, Zak Sally, and Julia Wertz. CBLDF joins exhibitors including Ad House, Koyama, La Mano, MCAD, Sparkplug, Secret Acres, Top Shelf, and Uncivilized Books.

Charles Brownstein says, “I’m very excited to be going to MIX. Sarah Morean and her team have done a lot of hard work to make a showcase for great cartoonists, and to ensure that the CBLDF is able to raise money for our important work. The community in Minneapolis has always been extremely generous to the Fund, especially the folks at MIX, MCAD and MCBA, so it’ll be great to go out and thank them personally for all they do to help the Fund!”

CBLDF Congratulates General Counsel Robert Corn-Revere On Winning CBS Super Bowl Wardrobe Malfunction Case!

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund congratulates Robert Corn-Revere, who represents the organization as General Counsel, on his victory in CBS v. FCC in the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

The federal agency fined CBS Corporation television stations $550,000 for airing the “wardrobe malfunction” that exposed singer Janet Jackson’s breast during the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show. The Third Circuit had previously thrown out the fine, but the Supreme Court remanded the case for reconsideration following their ruling on the fleeting material policy in Fox v. FCC. The Third Circuit re-affirmed its decision in a 2-1 split. Robert Corn-Revere argued the case for CBS.

Beguiling Raises Funds for Canadian Side of Customs Case

If you’re in Toronto, you can join The Beguiling and Steamwhistle Brewery for TORONTO DRAWS TINTIN, an exhibit featuring the work of dozens of Canadian creators. The opening party is tonight, from 7:00 – 11:00 pm at the Steamwhistle Gallery (255 Bremner Blvd) in Toronto. Several of the contributing artists will be in attendance, and the original pieces will be auctioned to benefit Canada’s Comic Legends Legal Defense Fund, one of CBLDF’s partners in the Canada Customs Case. For more info and a preview of the artwork, visit www.torontodrawstintin.com.

Be a “Redshirt” with IDW’s Star Trek Comics Contest, Benefitting CBLDF

CBLDF stands ready to defend retailers against censorship. Are you ready to do the same? Test your mettle with IDW Publishing’s “Be a Redshirt” contest, benefitting CBLDF!

More details in the official press release from IDW:

Are you a comics fan who loves your local comics store? Are you willing to “die” to protect your retailer? Prove it, with the Star Trek “Be A Redshirt” contest! Starting today, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF), IDW Publishing and CBS Consumer Products are giving Star Trek fans a chance to “Be a Redshirt” on the cover of an upcoming Star Trek comic.

Originating in the classic Star Trek episodes and expanding to pop culture at large, a “redshirt” is a character that dies soon after being introduced. With the “Be a Redshirt” contest, the winning fan will have the honor of “dying” while heroically saving their retailer. The grand prizewinner will be featured as a “redshirt” on an upcoming cover of IDW’s new STAR TREK ongoing series, placing themselves between their local retailer and a phaser blast. The “Be a Redshirt” contest is open to any comics reader who thinks their local retailer is the best in the business.

“As redshirts are famous for always catching the phaser in Star Trek episodes, and as comic fans can be so loyal in defending their local retailer, it’s the perfect contest,” said Dirk Wood, IDW’s Director of Retailer Marketing, “And partnering with the CBLDF is perfect, because no one knows more about defending retailers than they do.” Keep reading…

The CBLDF Thanks You For Being Counted!

Thanks to our generous community of supporters, CBLDF raised over $82,000 for our important work to protect comics and the First Amendment during our Be Counted fundraising campaign. We’re grateful to the many donors, professionals, organizations, and volunteers who made this possible. These contributions will help the CBLDF perform our important legal work.

CBLDF’s Executive Director wrote this personal message to thank all of the people who made a difference in this important campaign.

CBLDF Be Counted Membership Drive Closes at Midnight Tonight!

Last month, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund asked the comics community to Be Counted as members of the organization, and set a fundraising goal of $100,000 by October 31 to support their important legal and education work. Today, the Fund has raised over $77,000 of that goal, thanks to the generosity of those who heard the call to Be Counted, and the professional community supporting the campaign. Today, the CBLDF is asking anyone who hasn’t joined or renewed their membership the organization yet to sign up to protect free speech, and to take advantage of some of the unique rewards they’re offering to thank supporters during the drive!

All members signing up to Be Counted by 12 Midnight pacific time on October 31 will be able to receive signed thank yous, including the 2011 CBLDF Member Card featuring Green Lantern, and signed by Geoff Johns, with other rewards for members signing up at higher levels including signed prints from Neil Gaiman, Garth Ennis, and original art from Matt Wagner, Jeffrey Brown, Cliff Chiang, and more. If you’re not sure if you’re a member, you can see the current year member list here.

The Fund also has opportunities left for Lunch With Legends, including one last Neil Gaiman tea date, and lunches with Dave Gibbons, Frank Miller, Frank Quitely, and more. For aspiring pros, we also have professional development reviews withKaren Berger, Tom Brevoort, Dan DiDio, Gail Simone, Jennifer L. Holm & more!

If you’re not able to make a lunch date, the Fund also has some exclusive thank you drawings from Neil Gaiman, Frank Quitely, Chris Burnham, and Matthew Holm for members signing up during this drive.

The CBLDF exists because of the grassroots support of the comics community. If you value free expression, we’re asking you, right now, to please Be Counted as a member of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund to help us perform our important work.

Mid-Ohio Comic Con Delivers Much Needed Support for CBLDF

Last weekend, Laughing Ogre Comics founder Gib Bickel and volunteers Patrick Watson and Brett Montgomery took it upon themselves to represent CBLDF at Wizard World Mid-Ohio Comic Con. Together, they manned a table to raise funds and increase awareness of CBLDF and it’s important First Amendment work, all the more important in light of our current Canada Customs Case. CBLDF would like to thank Gib, Patrick, and Brett for all of their hard work! Further thanks go to the staff of Laughing Ogre Comics and Wizard World for helping to make this possible!

CBLDF urgently needs to raise $100,000 for our important First Amendment work by the end of October! Be Counted and support CBLDF’s First Amendment legal work by bidding on original artwork, making a donation, or becoming a member of the CBLDF!

Geoff Johns, Neil Gaiman & Garth Ennis Rewards For Everyone Signing Up To Be Counted!


Since launching our Be Counted membership drive, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has raised over $61,500 of our goal to raise $100,000 for our important work by October 31. We’ve gotten this far because of the generous support of comics readers, creators, and business professionals, all of whom donated their money and time to support the CBLDF’s vital mission. With days left to go, we’re asking you to help us reach our goal by making a membership contribution today.

This week, we’re thanking everyone who can support the CBLDF by offering signed incentives for supporters who can join at our $25, $50, and $100 levels, in addition to the terrific opportunities for original art and Lunch With Legends for our higher level donors. From today until midnight on October 31, we’re proud to offer the following thank yous for those who sign up to Be Counted as CBLDF members:

$25 MEMBER— Members who join CBLDF at our $25 level will receive their 2011 Member Card, featuring Green Lantern and signed by Geoff Johns! This offer is good while supplies last.

$50 SUPPORTER — Members who join CBLDF at our $50 level will receive a CBLDF exclusive print of The Boys signed by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson! This offer is good while supplies last.

$100 ADVOCATE — Members who join CBLDF at our $100 level will receive a CBLDF exclusive print of In Reilig Oran, signed by Neil Gaiman and Tony Harris, as well as the signed The Boys print and the signed Green Lantern Member Card! This offer is good while supplies last.

These offers also apply to folks who can join the CBLDF at higher levels, which include rewards like Lunch With Legends such as Neil Gaiman, Frank Miller, and Dave Gibbons, or professional development reviews with Scott Allie, Karen Berger, Tom Brevoort, Dan DiDio, Gail Simone, Jennifer L. Holm & more!

Retailers — Be Counted In Diamond’s CBLDF Member Drive!

In this month’s Diamond Previews, Retailers and Comic Shop Owners will find the most important item they will order this year — their CBLDF Retailer Membership! Retail Members are a vital component to the ongoing work of the CBLDF, and this Thursday is the deadline to sign up your store on the Previews order form and support the Fund en masse!

With the help of the retail community, over the past year the CBLDF has supported the rights of comic stores by fighting unconstitutional laws that would have affected the sale and display of comics in Utah, Massachusetts, Alaska, and California. The CBLDF’s efforts were even cited by the U.S. Supreme Court in Brown v. EMA, where the CBLDF’s brief outlining our industry’s struggle with censorship in the 1950s and beyond was included as part of the court’s decision to strike down a California law that would have given states the right to regulate violence. The CBLDF continues to keep watch and fight against laws that affect the Direct Market’s ability to do business.

Retailers that join this month will receive a number of incentive items, including variant covers of Action Comics #1, Ultimate Spider-man #160, and Liberty Annual 2011, signed by Frank Quitely, and an assortment of CBLDF branded items, such as signage, window clings, and a print set including “Conan” signed by Darick Robertson, “In Reilig Oran” signed by Neil Gaiman and Tony Harris, “Echo” signed by Terry Moore, and “The Boys” signed by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson. These items and more are available as a “Thank You” to our retail members.

Right now the CBLDF needs help to defend a case that could affect the rights of individuals and stores everywhere. Right now a comics reader is facing a year in prison and registering as a sex offender because a Canada Customs agent unjustly accused of him of possessing child pornography because of horror and fantasy manga on his laptop. This case is important because it raises important precedent questions about the artistic merit of comics, and the right to sell adult comics to adult readers.

For twenty-five years, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has protected the rights of stores, and the rights of their customers. If you are a retailer, please help the CBLDF continue to stand up for the rights of our industry. Sign up for Retailer Membership on this month’s order form, and help us protect the First Amendment rights you depend on to do business!

CSUN Student Newspaper Gets to the Heart of the Canada Customs Case

In an editorial for California State University, Northridge’s Daily Sundial, opinion writer Braulio Campos gets to the heart of the Canada Customs Case: that drawings do not constitute child pornography. Campos spoke with fellow students about the case, and asked for their take on the case, finding support for Brandon X:

“I don’t think he should have been arrested if it was just drawings,” said 23-year-old Psychology Major Manisha Perera.

You can read the full article here.

CBLDF urgently needs to raise $100,000 for our important First Amendment work by the end of October! Be Counted and support CBLDF’s First Amendment legal work by bidding on original artwork, making a donation, or becoming a member of the CBLDF!

Review Round Up: CBLDF LIBERTY ANNUAL 2011

Since it’s release the week of New York Comic Con, CBLDF Liberty Annual 2011 has been universally praised by reviewers, and they have plenty to say about the latest issue of CBLDF’s annual anthology!

Chris Arrant with CBR’s Robot 6 blog would gladly pick up a copy of CBLDF Liberty Annual 2011 before eating, and Robot 6’s Graeme McMillan would also include the book in his buy pile.

Keep reading for more reviews…

CBLDF urgently needs to raise $100,000 for our important First Amendment work by the end of October! Be Counted and support CBLDF’s First Amendment legal work by bidding on original artwork, making a donation, or becoming a member of the CBLDF!