CBLDF Is On the Case

Since 1986, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has been defending the First Amendment rights of comic book authors and retailers. The nonprofit, tax-exempt organization was established after a Lansing, Ill., retailer was arrested for selling comics that local authorities deemed obscene. Since then, the group has offered free legal advice and assistance to retailers and authors whose First Amendment rights are threatened.

Currently, the fund is defending a Texas retailer, who has asked to remain unnamed, who was indicted on two counts of promoting obscenity for selling adult manga to adults. While one count was dismissed, the CBLDF is appealing a guilty verdict handed down on the second count by a Dallas jury last September.

The CBLDF does not limit its casework to comic book stores, and has worked with newsstands, record stores and online retailers. "We're ready and willing to defend comics wherever they are sold," said CBLDF executive director Chris Bleistein. "If a retailer's rights are threatened, the first step is call 1-800-99-CBLDF, and get in touch with us," Bleistein said.

"Generally speaking, we can put the retailer on the phone with our legal counsel, Burton Joseph, within an hour. He's is ready and willing to provide assistance and advice free of charge," said Bleistein. Should actual charges be filed, there's a lengthier process, Bleistein told PW, but many situations can be resolved. "Often all it takes is two letters to the chief of police or DA who may be involved. In all of these instances, the Fund and our counsel can provide valuable advice," he said.

Bleistein said that CBLDF and its legal counsel can answer any queries regarding racking, letters of complaint or negative media coverage. Bleistein added that answers to many questions can be found on the CBLDF Web site (www.cbldf.org).