CBLDF is committed to supporting the comics community. Fill out our form to request assistance or report censorship today!
CBLDF is committed to supporting the comics community. Fill out our form to request assistance or report censorship today!
SDCC: CBLDF Master Sessions & Panels!
Throughout Comic-Con International, July 20-24, you’ll find amazing signed premiums and CBLDF exclusives at Booth 1920. But the action doesn’t stop there — CBLDF has an incredible series of panels throughout the weekend!
From learning at the feet of comics masters, such as Jaime Hernandez, Matt Wagner, David Peterson, and more, to getting the latest information about CBLDF’s Canada Customs Case, to our annual benefit auction, CBLDF offers plenty of opportunities to learn about the Fund and see some of our biggest supporters in action!
Read on to find out more about CBLDF’s Comic-Con International panels!
Bonfire Agency Launches CBLDF’s First Consumer Advertising Campaign
With the recent announcement of CBLDF’s Canada Customs Case, CBLDF gained a valuable new partner in the fight for Free Speech: Bonfire Agency. Bonfire, a firm specializing in pop culture marketing, took on the heady task of helping CBLDF reach out to supporters with the first consumer advertising campaign in CBLDF’s history.
To support CBLDF’s defense of free speech, you can make a donation or become a member. Thanks to Bonfire, you can also run print ads, post a banner on your website, or provide an informative pamphlet to your customers. Download the print ad here. You can also download several sizes of animated or flat banners: 160 x 600 banner (swf or gif), 300 x 250 banner (swf or gif), or 728 x 90 banner (swf or gif). Finally, the pamphlet is available for download here.
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SMILE for the CBLDF with Raina Telgemeier!
Raina Telgemeier is the creator behind Smile, an award-winning autobiographical graphic novel that Publishers Weekly calls, “A charming addition to the body of young adult literature that focuses on the trials and tribulations of the slightly nerdy girl…” Telgemeier also adapted and drew several The Baby-sitters Club graphic novels and co-wrote the bestselling X-Men: Misfits graphic novel.
CBLDF is delighted to add signed copies of Smile and a charming signed print that Telgemeier drew to promote reading to its Rewards Zone!
Judge Hears Arguments in Case Challenging Search of Electronic Devices at Borders
In the past three years, nearly 12,000 people have had their electronic devices searched when crossing international borders into the United States. These searches are being challenged in Abidor v. Napolitano, a case that could have repercussions for anyone carrying electronic devices when crossing international borders into the United States.
The case sheds light on the border search issues that CBLDF has been tracking and about which we issued an advisory last spring. Abidor v. Napolitano pertains specifically to the search and seizure of Pascal Abidor’s laptop when he traveled by train from Canada to New York. Upon learning that Abidor, an American and French citizen and Islamic Studies graduate student, had traveled in the Middle East, US Customs and Border patrol agents pulled Abidor aside and ordered him to log into his laptop. They proceeded to examine the contents of his laptop, which included images of Islamic militants that Abidor was using for research purposes. Abidor was then handcuffed, placed in a jail cell, and interrogated for several hours by Department of Homeland Security agents. Abidor was released that night, but the DHS held onto his laptop for a further 11 days, returning it only after the ACLU inquired after it on Abidor’s behalf.
On September 10, 2010, the ACLU filed a lawsuit on behalf of Abidor, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), and the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA), arguing that DHS’s practice of searching personal electronic devices is unconstitutional, violating both the First and Fourth Amendments. more
Support CBLDF’s defense of free speech and coverage of issues like this by making a donation or becoming a member today!
Babymouse Supports Free Speech with the CBLDF
Babymouse, the star of the eponymous and award-winning graphic novel series, supports Free Speech and has plenty to say about it!
Fans of the extremely popular Babymouse series were treated to something special at this year’s ALA annual conference: the premiere of a CBLDF-exclusive Babymouse print, illustrated by series artist Matthew Holm!
As an extra bonus, on Saturday afternoon during the conference — shortly before being awarded another Newbery Honor — Babymouse author Jennifer L. Holm was on hand at the CBLDF booth to sign the prints and express her support for the Fund in person! Fans of every age stopped by to join the Fund and get a signed print, and the excitement was infectious as Jenni interacted with Babymouse readers.
The Holms created the print to generate interest in Free Speech and the First Amendment among younger readers. The Holms have enjoyed huge success with the award-winning Babymouse graphic novel series, and this signed print is an exciting addition to the many donation premiums available from the CBLDF!
The Babymouse print is now available in our online donation center, and it will be in stock in our booth during Comic-Con International in San Diego. CBLDF will also have copies of Babymouse and Squish, signed by both Matthew and Jenni Holm, at Comic-Con.
CBLDF thanks the Holms for creating this wonderful print and their continued support of Free Expression!
More Artists Join the CBLDF/TFAW Third Annual Auction Event!
CBLDF and TFAW are gearing up for our Third Annual Autograph Card / CBLDF Auction Event at Comic-Con International, and we’re already saving our pennies to bid on some exceptional pieces!
We’ve added more folks to the lineup and the art has started rolling in. Here’s the latest lineup, and don’t miss the gallery that follows!
Artists, we are still looking for donations! Please support Free Speech by donating an original piece of art! If you can help, please contact CBLDF at info@cbldf.org!
Crazy 8 Press Launches with CBLDF Benefit at Shore Leave 33
This weekend, the founders of Crazy 8 Press — Peter David, Michael Jan Friedman, Robert Greenberger, Glenn Hauman, Aaron Rosenberg, and Howard Weinstein — take their superhero act on the road to attend Shore Leave 33 and support the CBLDF in the process!
Shore Leave 33, a fan-run science fiction convention, takes place July 8-10, 2011, at the Marriott’s Hunt Valley Inn in Baltimore, Maryland. David, Friedman, Greenberger, Hauman, Rosenberg, and Weinstein are all on hand to celebrate the launch of Crazy 8 Press throughout the weekend. Their celebration includes the writing of an original story on the convention floor, the sale of which will benefit CBLDF’s First Amendment work! more
Please support the CBLDF’s defense of Free Speech by making a donation or becoming a member today!
Canada Customs Case in the News
With the recent spate of legal victories that CBLDF has celebrated, Brigid Alverson with CBR’s Robot 6 blog took a moment to touch base with CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein about the Canada Customs Case:
It’s been a momentous week for the CBLDF. Last Friday we announced our decision to build a coalition to aid an American traveler facing prison time in Canada and registering as a sex offender for traveling with comics on his laptop. On Monday we received news that the U.S. Supreme Court had struck down a California law that would have made violence a new category of unprotected speech by banning the sale and display of violent video games, and that Justice Scalia cited our amicus brief as part of his majority decision. And just today news arrived that we successfully helped knock out an Alaska law that would have placed severe restrictions on internet speech. more
The Alaska Press Reacts to Recent Invalidation of Senate Bill 222
Sometimes, even the best intentions produce overly-broad laws that cannot be enforced or that violate the First Amendment rights of innocent parties. Last year, Alaska passed Senate Bill 222 with the intent to protect minors, but the language of the law put an unreasonable burden on internet users, including comic book creators and retailers selling at both brick and mortar stores and online.
CBLDF joined the Media Coalition and a variety of plaintiffs from Alaska in challenging the law. Alaska’s KTUU highlighted the Media Coalition’s efforts to refine the language of the law and bring the law into alignment with the First Amendment before its passage. You can read a summary of these efforts here.
Despite the Media Coalition’s efforts, the Alaska Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 222. Last week, U.S. District Court Judge Ralph Beistline struck down multiple provisions of the law, citing violation of the First Amendment.
CBLDF Wishes You a Happy Fourth of July
Happy Fourth of July! As we spend the day celebrating the United States, watching fireworks, and enjoying barbeques, let’s also remember the fight for our freedoms, a fight that required the founding of a brand new nation. Not least of those freedoms: The freedom to say what’s on our minds!
Let’s also remember the people around the world who don’t have the same right the Free Speech, including some of our own citizens when they travel abroad.
Please celebrate the holiday by supporting CBLDF’s defense of Free Speech with a donation today!
The Good Fighters: TFAW’s Andrew McIntire and Elisabeth Forsythe
To help fund its fight for Free Speech, CBLDF relies on many people, including the retailers who keep us in comic books and graphic novels. Retailers support us by becoming members, leaving a collection can on the counter, and putting on events in their stores to benefit CBLDF.
In the case of Things From Another World’s Senior Director of Retail Operations Andrew McIntire and Marketing Manager Elisabeth Forsythe, helping CBLDF has become a bit of an obsession. Three years ago, they launched an annual campaign to collect original art donations for CBLDF’s auction at Comic-Con International, helping the Fund raise thousands of dollars in the process. Each summer, they dedicate themselves to soliciting and gathering donations from comics creators around the world, making sure CBLDF has an amazing array of original art up for bid. From this art, they make a series of autograph cards that both promote the auction and CBLDF.
McIntire and Forsythe are both diehard comics fans, with a knowledge and love for the medium that few can stand up to. They’re off to a good start with this year’s auction, as you can see here, and we took a moment to talk to them about CBLDF and their perspective on Free Speech as retailers in this edition of The Good Fighters.
Please support the CBLDF’s defense of Free Speech by making a donation or becoming a member today!
CBLDF Applauds Ruling Invalidating Alaska Censorship Law!
The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund welcomes today’s decision to bar enforcement of an Alaska criminal statute that the Federal District Court held threatened to reduce all speech on the Internet “to only what is fit for children.” The court permanently barred enforcement of that statute because it violates First Amendment rights of free speech.
The CBLDF participated as a plaintiff in a lawsuit brought by Alaska booksellers, librarians, a photographer, and other First Amendment and media organizations through the Media Coalition. Chief U.S. District Judge Ralph Beistline held that Senate Bill 222, which could have made anyone who operates a website criminally liable for posting material deemed “harmful to minors,” would have chilled free expression. “There are no reasonable technological means that enable a speaker on the Internet to ascertain the actual age of persons who access their communications,” the Court held. “Individuals who fear the possibility of a minor receiving speech intended for an adult may refrain from exercising their right to free speech at all – an unacceptable result.” [more…]
Please support the CBLDF’s defense of free speech issues like this by making a donation today!
CBLDF Looks to Canada Customs Case
Last week, CBLDF announced that we are forming a coalition to defend a new case involving an American citizen facing charges in Canada that could result in a minimum sentence of one year in prison and registering as a sex offender.
In 2010, an American citizen, computer programmer, and comic book enthusiast in his mid-20s was flying from his home in the United States to Canada to visit a friend. Upon arrival at Canadian Customs, a customs officer conducted a search of the American and his personal belongings, including his laptop, iPad, and iPhone. The customs officer discovered manga on the laptop and deemed it child pornography. Consequently, the American has been charged with both the possession of child pornography as well as its importation into Canada. As a result, if convicted at trial, the American faces a minimum of one year in prison.
Since the announcement, more information about the case emerged in the ensuing media coverage. more
CBLDF needs your help! Please make a monetary contribution here. Find out more on the case here. If you or someone you know is traveling internationally, please read our Advisory on traveling with comics before getting on the plane.
Supreme Court Protects First Amendment Rights for Entertainment & New Media in Brown v. EMA Decision
“California’s effort to regulate violent video games is the latest episode in a long series of failed attempts to censor violent entertainment for minors.”
—Justice Antonin Scalia in the majority opinion on Brown v. EMA
CBLDF is delighted to be celebrating the resounding victory in Brown v. EMA that came with yesterday’s 7-2 Supreme Court decision, a victory that dismantles the same pseudoscience that fueled the attacks on comic books in the 1950s.
Brown v. EMA (formerly Schwarzenegger v. EMA) pertains to a California law that restricted the sale of violent video games to anyone under age 18, citing that violence is harmful to minors. Previous decisions in the case ruled the law unconstitutional under the First Amendment. California appealed these decisions to the Supreme Court.
CBLDF filed an amicus brief on the case, arguing that the law was unconstitutional and a response akin to the moral panic that fomented around comic books during the 1950s. Justice Scalia’s majority opinion both referenced the CBLDF amicus brief and called to mind past concerns over comic books:
Many in the late 1940s and early 1950s blamed comic books for fostering a “preoccupation with violence and horror” among the young, leading to a rising juvenile crime rate….But efforts to convince Congress to restrict comic books failed.
Please support the CBLDF’s defense of free speech issues like this by making a donation today!