A recent exhaustive survey of challenges and bans of materials in Massachusetts public libraries has uncovered a few cases involving comics and graphic novels — as well as a major shortcoming in the state’s public records law, which allows libraries…
Category: Features
Using Graphic Novels in Education: Boxers & Saints
Welcome to Using Graphic Novels in Education, an ongoing feature from CBLDF that is designed to allay confusion around the content of banned books and to help parents and teachers raise readers. In this column, we examine books that have…
Second Issue of Sex Criminals Under Review at Apple
The second issue of Matt Fraction’s acclaimed Image Comics title Sex Criminals is being held for questioning by Apple. Although the book is available elsewhere digitally and has been performing admirably in sales, it isn’t available through the iOS version…
The Secret History of Comics Censorship
Researcher Carol Tilley revealed to the world that much of Fredric Wertham’s data supporting the “dangers” of comics were largely fabricated. Her evidence? Wertham’s own notes and papers. Recently, Tilley joined CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein and Abrams Comicarts editorial…
Popular Cartoon Runs Afoul of Chinese Censors
Accusations of animated violence have led to censorship of one of China’s most popular children’s cartoons off air. The cartoon, Pleasant Goat and the Big Bad Wolf — sometimes billed as China’s version of Mickey Mouse, complete with some licencing…
Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab’s New Perfume Benefits CBLDF
Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab has once again joined forces with Neil Gaiman and Neverwhere to produce an exclusive scent that benefits CBLDF’s important First Amendment work! BPAL’s All Hallow’s Apple perfume celebrates All Hallow’s Read, Gaiman’s annual initiative to encourage…
Removal of Self-Published Content by Online Retailers Results in Petition
In response to an alarming number of retail giants removing self-published material deemed “inappropriate” from their websites, a group of authors have come together to form a petition in support of the creators. While each privately owned company is entitled…
Tucson School District Lifts Ban on Mexican American Studies Books
Nearly two years ago, the Tucson school district dissolved the acclaimed Mexican American Studies program. In doing so, they removed seven books by Latino and Native writers from the curriculum. Last night, the TUSD school board voted 3-2 to allow…
Print Shops Refuse to Print Anti-War Comic Book in the UK
Across the Atlantic Ocean in the United Kingdom, Darren Cullen is currently fighting for his freedom of speech while he struggles to get his new comic book, (Don’t) Join the Army to the printers. The comic is a satirical depiction…
Alamogordo Teachers, Librarian Speak Out On Neverwhere
With Neil Gaiman’s Neverwhere currently suspended from classroom use at Alamogordo (New Mexico) High School, English teachers and the school’s librarian are speaking out to make it clear that the book has not been removed from the library and that…