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CBLDF Raffles Rebel Leader

Northampton, MA -- Han Solo. Smuggler. Rogue. Rebel. And now, thanks to the miracle of carbonite freezing, the perfect complement to any Star Wars fan's collection. And thanks to The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and The Comix Revolution, fans will have a chance to win a full-size replica of this amazing movie prop at this year's Wizard World Chicago '98 Convention on July 17-19, 1998.

Cast in fiberglass from the original molds in the Lucasfilm Archives, this hand-made, full-scale replica of Han Solo frozen in carbonite measures 84" high by 35 1/4" wide by 14 3/4" deep and weighs nearly 70
lbs. Hand-painted in black, bronze, and silver metallics, it faithfully reproduces every detail from the film The Empire Strikes Back, from the simulated electronic control panels on the sides, right down to the grimace on Han's face. This replica is officially approved by Lucasfilm Ltd. and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

Han will be the Grand Prize in an all-con auction at Wizard World benefiting the CBLDF, a non-profit organization protecting the first amendment rights of the comics community. Tickets cost just one dollar and will be available throughout the convention at the CBLDF booth. There will be hundreds of other prizes as well, from original artwork to signed collectibles to T-shirts. But only one lucky winner will take Han home.

The Grand Drawing takes place at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 19. The prize will be presented by a mysterious masked man who's had some previous experience transporting this precious cargo: none other than Jeremy Bullock, the actor behind the helmet and gun of the villainous mercenary Boba Fett.

Han Solo in Carbonite was generously donated to the Fund by Jim Mortensen of The Comix Revolution in Mount Prospect, Illinois. "Comics are often perceived as children's books by mainstream readers," commented Mortensen. "But many of the best comic stories deal with more mature themes. It's important for retailers to support the group responsible for defending the right to sell the classics of tomorrow. The CBLDF does that hard work, protecting comicdom from the attacks of the narrow minded. The Comix Revolution hopes that this donation will bring in funds and tighten the connection between the CBLDF and retailers everywhere."

"When Jim first called to offer us Han in Carbonite, I thought he was talking about a paperweight," admitted CBLDF executive director Chris Oarr. "When I realized it was a life-size replica of the one used in the movies, I couldn't believe his generosity. It's a great gesture on his part, and I commend his commitment to our cause."

Wizard World is the largest comic convention in American's heartland, and features its own galaxy of big-name guests, including Mike Allred, Alan
Davis, Joe Kelly, Adam Kubert, Erik Larsen, Jim Lee, Rob Liefeld, Joseph Linsner, David Mack, Joe Madureira, Whilce Portacio, Brian Pulido, Joe Quesada, John Romita Jr., Alex Ross, Marc Silvestri, Mark Waid, and special Guest of Honor, Todd McFarlane. And that's not nearly all the guests. The big show takes place at the Rosemont Convention Center from July 17 through July 19. For more information, call 800-690-1669, or visit the con on-line at http://www.wizardworld.com.

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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