12/5: Member Appreciation Holiday Party in NYC!

It's that time of year where the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund says thank you to our friends and members! You can join at the door for entrance for $25. We hope you can join us on Friday, December 5 for our Member Appreciation Holiday Party at the Village Pourhouse in NYC on 64 3rd Ave at 11th Street.

This party is free for all current year CBLDF members. Because of your support, we marched to victory in defense of Rome, GA retailer Gordon Lee, and we are currently able to come to the aid of manga collector Christopher Handley in Iowa, who faces federal charges for possession of comics the government alleges to be obscene.

Nov 8: Sandman Live, Hosted by Neil Gaiman!

New York Times best-selling author Neil Gaiman and the CBLDF unite for an evening of THE SANDMAN storytelling!

Veteran voice actor Tom Wayland and others, will read from some of the most politically charged excerpts of THE SANDMAN written by New York Times best-selling author Neil Gaiman, in honor of the 20th Anniversary of THE SANDMAN.

Presented by the CBLDF and Vertigo, Neil Gaiman will be on hand to host this dramatic reading which will be held at the Helen Mills Theater in New York City on Saturday, November 8 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available for a $50 donation to the CBLDF. Only 100 tickets are available to this special reading event. Reserve your tickets now!

THE SANDMAN is a series that is often hailed as one of the finest achievements in graphic storytelling and which Norman Mailer famously praised as, "a comic strip for intellectuals." This very special evening will bring two of the series most beloved stories to life with a multimedia presentation that marries comics and live theater.

About the stories being performed:

Three Septembers & A January, originally published in THE SANDMAN 31 / Trade 6

The story of Joshua Abraham Norton the first, last and only Emperor of the United States of America that incorporates an explanation for his strange career centering on a challenge between Morpheus and Despair.

The Golden Boy, originally published in THE SANDMAN 51-56 / Trade 8

A revival of a 1970s DC character named Prez, it's the story of the US's first teenage president that considers how we view our leaders—while they're in office . . . and once they're gone.

Cory Doctorow meets DJ Spooky

A CBLDF Benefit Mashup

Thursday, August 21 at 7:30 PM at the Helen Mills Theater on 137-139 West 26th Street NYC 10001

NYC, NY On August 21, Cory Doctorow, award-winning author and co-editor of the popular blog Boing Boing and experimental writer / artist / musician Paul Miller, a.k.a. D.J. Spooky That Subliminal Kid team up for a multimedia speaking event benefiting the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.  Following their respective presentations, Doctorow and DJ Spooky will take the stage together for an open forum discussion about their work and the futurepresent each eloquently addresses across different media.

Cory Doctorow will read and discuss the issues behind his bestselling young adult novel, Little Brother.  Addressing internet and government security, censorship, and civil liberties in a post-9/11 near-future atmosphere, Little Brother tackles timely issues while telling a story that's smart, funny, and jam-packed-with-pop culture nuggets.  Doctorow "hopes it'll inspire you to use technology to make yourself more free." Doctorow is the former European Director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a civil liberties group that works to keep cyberspace free. IDW recently published Cory Doctorow's Futuristic Tales of the Here and Now a collection of comics based on his cyberpunkiest Sci-fi short stories.

DJ Spooky joins Doctorow to present concepts from Sound Unbound: Sampling Digital Music and Culture, his new book / literary mixtape collecting writing by artists and thinkers including Brian Eno, Jonathan Lethem, Saul Williams, Steve Reich, Moby, Chuck D, and more.  "Young artists regard sound as a language they may freely sample to construct new compositions," says DJ Spooky, who, in addition to his own recordings, has collaborated with Ryuichi Sakamoto, Yoko Ono, Kronos Quartet, Kool Keith, Killa Priest from Wu-Tang Clan, and Thurston Moore from Sonic Youth. He also composed and recorded the score for film Slam, starring poet Saul Williams. In 2006, Miller was given access to the vaults of the classic reggae label Trojan Records, producing the compilations In Fine Style, DJ Spooky Presents 50,0000 Volts of Trojan Records!!! and Creation Rebel. Prior to the Trojan works, Miller released Drums of Death, featuring Dave Lombardo of Slayer, Chuck D., & Vernon Reid. He traveled to Antarctica in December 2007 to gather sonic and visual materials for his next large scale work Terra Nova: The Antarctic Suite,

Tickets for this benefit are available now at www.cbldf.org, for a $20 donation, while supplies last. 

Following the event, DJ Spooky spins a rare small-venue set at Sutra Lounge on 16 1^st Ave at 1^st Street. This afterparty benefits the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. Admission is a $10 donation to the CBLDF or free with pass from the Mashup.

The CBLDF At Comic-Con!

 Comic-Con is here!  CBLDF is celebrating the con with exclusive new premiums, an all-star live art jam, an incredible auction, the return of the Drink & Draw Social Club at Thursday's Welcome Party, and some mind-boggling one-of-a-kind items donated to benefit the cause!  Read on to discover what the Fund's got planned for you at Comic-Con!

 
At the Booth!
(1831/1833)

 Liberty Comics!

 Celebrate Free Speech with the debut of Liberty Comics! This full color anthology features Mike Mignola, J. Scott Campbell, Ed Brubaker, Garth Ennis, Mark Millar & more. Get your copy first from the CBLDF at Comic-Con!

Neil Gaiman Exclusives!

Snow, Glass, Apples

Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab presents "Snow, Glass, Apples," a numbered, limited edition chapbook of Neil Gaiman's acclaimed short story, with new art by Julie Dillon.  Each chapbook comes with a 5ml bottle of Snow, Glass, Apples perfume oil blend from Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab. 

This edition is limited to 1000 copies.  250 will be available from CBLDF at Comic Con 2008, and the remainder will go on sale July 30, 2008,  at www.blackphoenixalchemylab.com.  The Fund will be offering the set at the retail value of $50. 

Neil's Signed Tees!

 The ultimate Neil Gaiman collectible!  To benefit the CBLDF, Neil has generously signed and donated a selection of his t-shirt collection for this year's Comic-Con!  Each one-of-a-kind t-shirt is personally signed, including some incredibly rare ones, such as movie crew tees and other souvenirs!  Get 'em before they're gone! 

 Comics, Graphic Novels, & Prints!

CBLDF always offers a wide array of premiums signed by your favorite creators!  Stop by this year for new books signed by creators including: Joss Whedon, Jim Lee, Grant Morrison, Warren Ellis, Brian Bendis, Frank Miller, Jill Thompson, Jeff Smith, Colleen Doran, Garth Ennis, Brian Azzarello, Frank Cho and dozens more!

We'll also have new prints by Joseph Michael Linsner, Terry Moore, Jeff Smith, Larry Marder & more!  Get cool stuff to support Free Speech!

Comic-Con Welcome Party!
Thursday 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM
Westgate Hotel

Kick off the year's biggest comics show in style at the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's Comic-Con Welcome Party on Thursday, July 24 at the Westgate Hotel in downtown San Diego.

Sponsored by Image Comics , New York Comic Con , Newsarama , and ICv2 , the CBLDF's Comic-Con Welcome Party is the perfect start to Comic-Con. Join top artists including Jim Lee, Claudio Sanchez, Robert Kirkman, Colleen Doran, Jim Valentino, Erik Larsen and many more for a night under the stars where you'll receive an amazing gift bag and witness an exclusive meeting of the Drink & Draw Social Club, featuring Dave Johnson, Dan Panosian & special guests.

The first 300 guests will receive an amazing gift bag including: Four Eyes preview books and Dead Space posters, courtesy of Image Comics; A limited edition New York Comic-Con bobble head, courtesy of New York Comic-Con; a Hellboy 2 Coaster set, courtesy of Dark Horse, and more!

The CBLDF Welcome Party starts at 7:30 PM on Thursday July 24. Admission is a $10 donation for CBLDF Members, and $20 and up for non-members.

Live Art Jam!
Sunday 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Room 5AB

 Did you ever want to look over a legendary artist's shoulder while they're making a great piece of art, and then add it to your collection?  Well, here's your chance to do just that and support a great cause!  See Jim Lee (Batman), Whilce Portacio (Spawn), Joseph Michael Linsner (Dawn) and Terry Moore (Echo) draw live art projected on the big screen at the CBLDF Live Art Jam at Comic-Con!  Watch these comics legends make stunning drawings of your favorite comics characters that you can bid on to support the First Amendment legal work of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund!  Don't miss this unforgettable event!  Please note, you will need a bidder number to bid on art in this event, which you can pick up throughout the con at Booth 1831, or at the start of the event.

 
Live Art Auction!
Saturday, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Room 2
 

This is the big one!  The CBLDF holds its biggest auction of the year at Comic-Con, and this year brings some amazing one-of-a-kind items to raise money for Free Speech!  Primo items include original art by Jack Kirby, Dave Gibbons, Walter Simonson, J. Scott Campbell, Jeff Smith, Neil Gaiman, Paul Pope, & more!  All this plus rare comics, signed graphic novels, and prints! You will need a bidder number for this auction, at the CBLDF Booth 1831 or at the start of the event.

Check out the full list of items below
 

Matt Wagner, Stephen Colbert's Tek Jansen 2, Cover (original art)

Jeff Smith, Shazam: Monster Society of Evil dust jacket gatefold, (original art)

Jack Kirby & Vince Colletta, "The Teacher," 10 page romance story (original art)

Dave Gibbons, Watchmen group portrait (original art)

J. Scott Campbell, Liberty Comics Danger Girl cover (original art)

Walter Simonson, Thor in Asgard, (original art)

Jim Silke, Bettie Page watercolor (original art)

Greg Rucka, Montoya Crime Journal – One of a kind journal created by Greg  Rucka for "The Question". Details:  http://www.vicsage.com/wp/montoyas-journal/journal-and-artifact-photos (book arts)

Paul Pope, Batman Year 100 page(original art)

Mike Allred, Solo -- Mr. Miracle 'Batusi' Unused Cover (original art)

Shaun McManus, Swamp Thing, Pog group portrait (original art)

Terry Moore, Strangers in Paradise 8, p 4 (original art)

Marc Silvestri, Whilce Portacio, Rob Liefeld, Jim Valentino, Erik Larsen, jam drawing, pencil on Bristol (original art)

Nicholas Gurewich, Perry Bible Fellowship – "Zuthulu's Resurrection" (original art)

Brian Haberlin, Spawn 173, p 2-3, Double Page Splash (original art)

Dave Sim, Neil Gaiman, "Lithograph 1: Neil Gaiman," signed by Sim, collage retouch by Gaiman (prints/original art)

Carla Speed McNeil, Frank Ironwine p. 13, signed by McNeil & Warren Ellis (original art)

Eric Powell, Noir 3, page 2, signed with Goon Sketch (original art)

Endless Reflections.  One of a kind Sandman art tribute.(book arts)

Jimmie Robinson!, Bomb Queen CBLDF Pin-Up (original art)

Walter Simonson, Orion, original drawing (original art)

Charlie Adlard, "The 12 Brothers" 4 page story (original art)

Richard Moore, Boneyard pinup (original art)

Goran Sudzuka & José Marzan Jr., Y: The Last Man 32, Page 19  (original art)

Jeremy Love, Y & Ampersand Pin Up (original art)

David Mack, The Shy Creatures, drawing (original art)

Spain Rodriguez, Three Women, sketch (original art)

Timothy Truman, Grimjack drawing for CBLDF (original art)

Ramon Bachs, John Lucas, Civil War: Embedded 4, p. 7 (original art)

Brian Stelfreeze, figure studies, set of 7 (original art)

Charlie Adlard, First Character designs for The Establishment, set of 5 (original art)

Scott Roberts, Patty Cake page (original art)

John Heebink, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers 7, p. 14 (original art)

Neil Gaiman, The Dangerous Alphabet 260/400 (prints)

Neil Gaiman, Murder Mysteries HC, 122/250 (book arts)

Neil Gaiman, The Sky At Night broadsheet 1/5 (prints)

Superpowers poster signed by Alex Ross (prints)

Ewoks original hand painted production cel (animation art)

William Stout print 43/75, signed; hurt corners (prints)

Rino Munzo 1984 portfolio, signed (prints)

Jim Fitzpatrick 1979 Portfolio, signed (prints)

Jan Duursema's Spirit Guides portfolio 510/1500, signed (prints)

Harlan Ellison Angry Candy HC, signed (book arts)

Ian Carr, Malcolm & Eric, 2 page story (original art)

Neil Gaiman, Stardust Movie Premiere ticket, signed (ephemera)

Fabio Laguna, Dragon's Lair pinup (original art)

Michael Gaydos, Unidentified, p. 5 (original art)

Alan Moore & Todd Klein, Alphabets of Desire, signed print, first edition (prints)

Frank Miller, 300 print, printer's test print, signed (prints)

Arthur Suydam, Forbidden Zone poster, signed (prints)

Arthur Suydam, Conan poster, 2005, Dragon Con, signed (prints)

Eric Powell, Dave Stewart, Goon Monoprint, signed by both with sketch by Powell (prints)

Cerebus 147, featuring Neil Gaiman's 24 Hour Comic, signed with sketch by Sim (comics)

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is currently seeking individuals to fill its Deputy Director and Fundraising Manager positions.

DEPUTY DIRECTOR:
(FULL-TIME)
SALARIED

The Deputy Director (DD) of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF) assists the Executive Director and Board in the further development of the organization. DD is the office's second in command, and fully responsible for all office and staff activities in the Executive Director's absence. The DD reports to the Executive Director, and manages CBLDF's merchant fundraising (merchandise premiums, conventions, web/mail order, Previews, membership). DD manages day to day office activities (staff and volunteer supervision), oversees day-to-day financial processes (cashier functions – entry of income, bill entry, prepare items for bookkeeper), supports the Executive Director in mission activities, and provides management, coordination, and generally upholds the infrastructure of this small non-profit.

Day-to-day duties include:
-- Responsibility for management and development of the organization's merchant fundraising, including development, manufacturing and purchasing of premiums both manufactured (prints, t-shirts) and assembled (signed books, comics). This includes creating and maintaining relationships with design vendors, book, and manufacturing suppliers.
-- Supervise premium solicitations with distributors, and the fulfillment and invoicing of distributor orders
-- Coordinate premium solicitations
-- Maintenance of CBLDF online web store
-- Represent the organization at conventions, direct on-site set-up and management of convention booths and special fundraising events
-- Responsible for day-to-day financial processes of organization including: entry of convention and donation income; bank deposits; bill entry; preparation of materials for bookkeeper; and hands-on activities as needed (e.g. QuickBooks, incoming cash/credit transactions, and payments) to fill gaps in outside services.
-- Possess an intimate knowledge of the organization's mission activities and the ability to efficiently communicate CBLDF's programs and goals in public venues, including conventions, panels, and interviews in Executive Director's absence.
-- Supervise and coordinate clerical and support staff to assure internal office operations run smoothly, efficiently, and in an organized fashion.
-- Supervise Fundraising Manager to ensure maintenance of organization's mailing lists, membership lists, and fulfillment arrangements to ensure that solicitations, member communications, and member premiums are properly handled.
-- Recruit, train, and supervise volunteer and intern staff in the office and at conventions
-- Coordinate with Fundraising Manager on donations and donated items, and supervise office staff to ensure receipts are sent to donors
-- Supervise Fundraising Manager in day-to-day office needs, including purchasing supplies and equipment; handling of maintenance contracts, and development of a record-keeping system for office supplies and equipment.
-- Assist in staff recruitment and general HR operations as needed.

Additional Qualifications:
• Experience in administration of small non-profit organization or trade association;
• Experience with retail and customer service;
• Experience with Quickbooks and Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel;
• Experience with design software, such as InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat, preferred
• Strong knowledge of comic book products
• Strong financial, analytical, and organizational skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent the organization in public;
• Ability to work under pressure and balance numerous priorities simultaneously;
• Experience with project/organizational management and strategic planning;
• Experience with recruitment, supervision, and training of staff and volunteers; and
• Knowledge and understanding of the comic book industry and First Amendment advocacy

Interested candidates should email resume to the attention of Charles Brownstein at cbldf1 @ gmail.com or director @ cbldf.org

FUNDRAISING MANAGER:
(PART TIME)
SALARIED

Part-time position requiring dedicated office hours including some nighttime work, and occasional travel.

The Fundraising Manager (FM) of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF) will assist the Executive Director and Deputy Director in the further development of the organization's fundraising program. The FM is the office traffic manager. Duties include entry & mailing; fulfillment of memberships & premiums; managing physical handling of inventory; oversight of office supply inventories; development of outreach relationships with comic book creators, publishers, & retailers; general support at conventions and local events; assistance in auction development & management; and brainstorming in the creation and implementation of new avenues of fundraising. The FM works in close contact with the Executive & Deputy Directors, and reports to the Executive Director.

Day-to-day duties include:

-- Responsible for office traffic management, including scheduling of workflow, including mailings, conventions, events, and premium solicitations. The FM will create and maintain a central office calendar.
-- Manages and performs entry & fulfillment pertaining to membership & premiums, including inventory handling, assembly of membership packages, and physical shipping of items.
-- Manages scheduled mailings, including regular membership renewals and the annual appeal drive. The FM will supervise and maintain organization's mailing lists, membership lists, and fulfillment arrangements to ensure that solicitations, member communications, and member premiums are properly handled.
-- Maintains and creates master mailing lists and spreadsheets for the purposes of fundraising not necessarily connected to regularly scheduled mailings.
-- Manages day-to-day office needs, including purchasing supplies and equipment, as directed by Deputy and Executive Directors.
-- Manages physical handling of inventory, both in office and en route to conventions.
-- Represents the organization at conventions & events.
-- Under the direction of the Executive and Deputy Directors, establishes and maintains communication with comic book retailers, creators, publishers and others for the purposes of fundraising, including the solicitation of donations and establishment of event opportunities.
-- Assists Deputy Director in day-to-day cashier processes of organization including: entry of convention and donation income; bank deposits; and hands-on activities as needed (e.g. QuickBooks, incoming cash/credit transactions, and payments) to fill gaps in outside services.
-- Under the direction of the Executive and Deputy Directors, assists in planning and development of fundraising events and premiums; including coordination with venues and service contractors
Under the direction of the Executive and Deputy Directors, solicits items for auctions, creates auction listings and manages fulfillment for online and live auctions.
-- Under the direction of the Executive and Deputy Directors, explores and implements fundraising opportunities for the organization.
-- Under the direction of the Executive and Deputy Directors, participates in brainstorming and planning new fundraising opportunities.
-- Under the direction of the Deputy Director, trains and supervises volunteer and intern staff in the office and at conventions.

Additional Qualifications:
• Experience with retail and customer service;
• Experience with Quickbooks and Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel;
• Experience with design software, such as InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat, preferred
• Strong knowledge of comic book products
• Strong analytical, and organizational skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to represent the organization in public;
• Ability to work under pressure and balance numerous priorities simultaneously;
• Experience with project/organizational management and strategic planning;
• Experience with recruitment, supervision, and training of staff and volunteers; and
• Knowledge and understanding of the comic book industry and First Amendment advocacy

Interested candidates should email resume to the attention of Charles Brownstein at cbldf1 @ gmail.com or director @ cbldf.org

Outer Planes Comics is proud to announce legendary comic book artist and creator Jim Lee in a rare in store signing as he limits his appearances to comic book conventions. Mr. Lee earned acclaim for his work on Marvel comics *X-Men* before joining other Marvel artist to form Image comics where he published his creation *Wildcats* under his Wildstorm imprint. In 1998 he left Image and sold Wildstorm to DC comics. In 2003 he returned to his roots and collaborated with writer Jeph Loeb on a 12 issue run of *Batman* titled "Hush." His run became a breakout success as his artistic skills achieved new heights. He followed this with a award winning run on Superman. In 2005 he joined controversial comic creator and film director Frank Miller for *All Star Batman and Robin,* which continues today to much acclaim.

Proceeds for the signing will benefit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is a United States non-profit organization created in 1986 to protect the First Amendment rights of comic book creators, publishers, and retailers through assistance with legal expenses. This is of particular importance with this being
an election year. CBLDF memberships will be available at the signing.

This event will be held on June 22nd 2008 when Jim will be signing comics and graphic novels between 1:30 and 4:30 pm. Jim will sign the first 3 items for free after which there will be a donation  benefiting the CBLDF for additional items. Please join us for this rare opportunity to meet on of the top creators in the industry and help support your First Amendment rights.

What: BLUESMAN Graphic Novel Launch Party, featuring a special performance by legendary blues singer Bill Sims Jr (Lackawanna Blues, PBS's American Love Story) & blues diva Pat Cisarano (Sundance Channel's Flying Confessions) with Bluesman author Rob Vollmar!

When: Sunday, June 8, 7 PM - 11 PM

Where: Village Pourhouse, 64 3rd Avenue @ 11th St, New York, NY

How Much:
General Admission: $10 suggested donation at the door.

Hosts:
NBM Publishing & JahFurry

On June 8, comix and blues come together for a night of sizzling tunes and sparkling stories at the CBLDF Benefit Book Launch Party for Rob Vollmar & NBM Publishing's graphic novel Bluesman! Bluesman author Vollmar will be joined by by legendary blues singer Bill Sims Jr (Lackawanna Blues, PBS's American Love Story) & blues diva Pat Cisarano (Sundance Channel's Flying Confessions) for an evening of live music and comic goodness!

Addressing themes of racial oppression and injustice, BLUESMAN tells the story of blues musician Lem Taylor's harrowing journey across Arkansas of the late twenties, hunted for a crime he didn't commit.

"An explosive and emotional climax. Bluesman mixes the mythic and dramatic with the nitty-gritty reality of the hard parts of life, just like a good blues song does." -Publishers Weekly.

"Consider Bluesman a worthy shelf mate for such other historical graphic novels as James Vance and Dan Burr's Kings in Disguise and Kim Deitch's Boulevard of Broken Dreams." -Booklist

To help celebrate the marriage of comics and the blues, the CBLDF recruited legendary blues musician Bill Sims Jr. who throughout the evening, will be singin' and slingin' some authentic and rockin' blues. Bill starred in PBS's 10 week American Love Story (a documentary about Bill and his family), was 1/2 of the Obie-award winning original two-man stage version of HBO's Lackawanna Blues. Joining Bill is Pat Cisarano, who Tony Bennett once described at a Grammy's party as his "favorite white blues singer," and who is currently features in the Sundance Channel documentary Flying Confessions of a Free Woman. Rob Vollmar, the author of Bluesman will be opening up the evening with a special set, and will be on hand throughout the night to sign copies of the graphic novel!

About the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund

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. They have defended dozens of Free Expression cases in courts across the United States, and led important education initiatives promoting comics literacy and free expression. For additional information, donations, and other inquiries call 800-99-CBLDF or visit http://www.cbldf.org or http://www.myspace.com/cbldf .