The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund

Name:

Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF)

Started by:

The CBLDF was started as a result of a case in 1986, when Friendly Frank’s a store in Lansing, MI was charged with selling comics that were considered obscene. The manager was eventually acquitted of the charges.

What Do They Do?:

According to their website, the CBLDF’s main principle is that, “comics should be accorded the same constitutional rights as literature, film, or any other form of expression.”

Location:

Mail
271 Madison Avenue, Suite 1400
New York, NY 10016
Phone
(212)679-7151
Email
info@cbldf.org

Website:

www.cbldf.org

How You Can Help:

There are many ways in which you can help the CBLDF. For everyday folks, you can make a tax deductible donation to their cause directly to their paypal account. Another great way to help is to purchase their donated items, such as art they have at conventions or for sale on sites like ebay. You can also become a member of the CBLDF for just $25 a year and will receive their quarterly newsletter BUSTED! Your name will be listed among all the other members of the CBLDF to show your solidarity.

They also need volunteer help, doing the grunt work of stuffing envelopes, folding paper, or you might be able to help at a convention. Contact them at info@ cbldf.org.

If you are a member of the comic book community, you can help by donating art or signed material or other comics related memorabilia. You might also consider signing at their booth during a convention for a time.

Need Help?:

If you feel that you’re first amendment rights are being violated, or know someone who is then get in contact with the CBLDF.

Mail
271 Madison Avenue, Suite 1400
New York, NY 10016
Phone
(212)679-7151
Email
info@cbldf.org

History:

The CBLDF first started when a comic book store came under scrutiny for selling comic books that were considered “obscene.” The titles were adult in nature but with comics being often considered as material geared for kids by the general population, these titles were deemed a risk for children and the store manager was charged. The CBLDF formed to help raise money for the defense of Friendly Franks and the manager. He was later acquitted of the charges and the CBLDF decided to continue on as an entity to help other comic related infringement of their first amendment rights.

Since that time, the CBLDF has helped several other cases and spent over $200,000 in supporting legal fees for people that would otherwise not have any access to quality legal aide. They provide counseling, legal advice, and sometimes hire lawyers to help others navigate the maze of laws and a court system that would give the common store owner or comic creator a difficult journey to traverse

One of their most publicized cases of recent years was the trial of Gordon Lee, a store owner in Georgia who was charged with selling adult material to a minor when he gave a copy of Alternative Comics #2 to a nine year old boy during Free Comic Book Day. The comic had a nude image of Pablo Picasso and wasn’t sexual in nature but was found obscene by the mother of the boy who turned the comic over to the authorities. What ensued was an unusual case to say the least. The store owner regretted giving away the comic, but never intended to cause harm as the comic was mistakenly sorted with other material. The real story began to form however, with the unusual tactics of the prosecution.

The case was drawn out over many years with the change of attorneys, stall tactics, and bizarre behavior in the courtroom. The case was finally thrown out in 2008 and Gordon Lee was acquitted of all charges.

Although not able to help in every single case, the CBLDF is always willing to hear from people that feel they need help. They also help keep the idea of free speech alive and in the forefront of fans and creator as more and more cases of free speech infringement come under fire. They are a one of a kind organization and without them, every comic fan, store, and organization would be defenseless against those that would target them just for creating comics that others consider wrong or different from their way of thinking.