Category: Features

The Good Fighters: Terry Moore

Terry Moore doesn’t mind the spotlight, but he seems much more comfortable being the one doing the watching. If you’ve seen him at a convention, he’s sincere and gracious to the people who come up for autographs or sketches or a hug to thank him for the way his work has affected them. But in the quiet moments behind the table, when it’s just Terry and a sketchbook, you’ll occasionally spot him looking at the crowd when a mischievous gleam enters his eye and his pencil starts gliding along the page. In those moments, he looks vaguely like a schoolboy in the middle of doing something naughty. Maybe that’s why he’s such a strident advocate for the CBLDF.

Terry is the the Eisner and Harvey Award-winning mastermind behind the hit independent series Strangers in Paradise, which concluded its 107-issue run in 2007, and Echo, his soon-to-conclude sci-fi superhero series about two women who share the same body. His work is informed by his keen observational nature, which manifests with work marked by an emphasis on realistic characters, both in appearance and in how they respond to obstacles.

Terry believes in giving back and likes to go that extra mile, frequently going out of his way for his fans. In doing so, he always makes time for free speech and CBLDF. He’s a perennial fixture on CBLDF panels, charming his way through sketch jams, auctions, and more. At conventions, you’ll often find Terry and his partner Robyn proudly reaching out to their fans to help the Fund.

Recently, Terry took a moment to reflect on why the CBLDF is important to him in the latest installment of The Good Fighters.

Betsy Gomez Joins CBLDF As Web Editor!

Hello, everyone! I just wanted to take a moment to introduce myself. My name is Betsy Gomez, and I’m the new web editor for the CBLDF! I’ve been a volunteer for the CBDLF since 1998, working for the Fund at conventions and fundraising events around the country. If you’ve visited the CBLDF booth at a convention, odds are good that we’ve crossed paths!

What’s kept me volunteering for the Fund for nearly 13 years? First: a strong sense of volunteerism. Second: the absolute belief that we all have the right to read, make, and sell art, whether it be comic books, best-selling novels, or a verse for your local poetry slam. The First Amendment guarantees our right to Free Speech, and that right needs to be defended. The CBLDF is the vanguard for the comic book community, and I want to be on the front lines. I’m no lawyer, so I do what I can: I volunteer.

Molly Crabapple gets Sketchy about CBLDF

Comic Book Resources talked to celebrated illustrator Molly Crabapple, founder of the cabaret and live drawing phenomenon Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School, at a recent themed Dr. Sketchy’s event in New York. The theme? Warren Ellis and Darick Robertson’s Transmetropolitan. The fundraiser celebrated the upcoming Transmetropolitan art book, whose release will benefit CBLDF and Hero Initiative. Crabapple talks about the impetus behind the event:

“The CBLDF and the Hero Initiative came to us and asked if we’d be interested in doing a co-promotion with them,” she told CBR News at the event. “Warren is a friend of mine and I’m a huge admirer of ‘Transmet.'”

You can read the full article here.

The Good Fighters: Pam Noles

If you’ve been lucky enough to go to Comic-Con International in San Diego, you’ve seen Pam Noles. As a prominent volunteer in their Guest Relations Team, Pam is often zooming across the exhibit floor with a walkie-talkie in one hand, her guest’s schedule in the other, and a bag overburdened with Things Her Guest Requires slung over her shoulder.

As a volunteer, Pam is indefatigable and single minded in her drive to fulfill her mission. It’s made her an incredible asset to us at CBLDF, who she volunteers for when she isn’t whisking the likes of Neil Gaiman or Bruce Campbell to safety at Comic-Con. Actually, if you’ve been unlucky enough to get to a Neil Gaiman signing at the CBLDF booth after we’ve capped the line, but you were able to get a signature, she’s probably the one who made that happen.

Pam aids the CBLDF when we do fundraising in California, and has always been a valuable resource for the organization behind the scenes. We’re grateful to have found her standing still long enough for a quick chat about her drive to volunteer, and her work for rights organizations like ACLU and the Fund in this first installment of The Good Fighters, CBLDF’s volunteer profile series.

Green Lantern Member Card Leads 2011 CBLDF Member Incentives!

The CBLDF is proud to unveil our 2011 Member incentives! Leading off with a Green Lantern member card by Ivan Reis and Oclair Albert, produced by Graphitti Designs, this year’s member program is the best ever. Read on to learn about our exclusive button set, tote bag, personalized member cards, original art, and other fine art items that we’re offering to thank you for supporting the CBLDF’s First Amendment legal work!

RIP Jeff Alexander

The CBLDF is sad to report the passing of Jeff Alexander, past organizer of SPX, the Small Press Expo in Bethesda, MD. Jeff was an energetic advocate for comics, a cartoonist, and an avid supporter of the CBLDF. He will be missed. The SPX website offers a tribute to Jeff, and fellow SPX organizer Greg McElhatton offers his heartfelt remembrances on his blog.

Paul Pope Launches New CBLDF Benefit Print

Paul Pope has created an all new fine art print with master art printers Axelle Fine Arts to benefit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund! See Pope at work on the print, and learn about his passion for CBLDF in this exclusive video by Shahriar Shadab. Then go behind the scenes courtesy of our friends at io9!

This print, The Liberty Tree, was personally overseen by Pope, is archivally printed, and strictly limited to 50 copies, all signed and numbered by artist. Get a print of your very own by joining the CBLDF at the $500 level or $1,000 level, which will also include a separate sketch by the artist! All proceeds benefit the CBLDF’s 2011 program work.

CHEW’s John Layman Kicks Off CBLDF Lecture Series

On Saturday, December 18th, the writer, and former Wildstorm Editor, John Layman (CHEW, GAMBIT) became the first Guest Lecturer to visit the CBLDF offices in Manhattan. Twenty lucky fans were able to spend Saturday afternoon learning from someone who is simultaneously a respected veteran and an overnight success…