Comics Alliance: An AOL Comic Book Community

This year's annual CBLDF holiday auction has now kicked off on eBay, and if you're looking for some holiday gift ideas for the comics fan on your list, there are some truly outstanding goodies included here. There are many rare items signed by luminaries including Jim Lee, Frank Cho, Robert Kirkman, Neil Gaman, Charles Vess, Harlan Ellison, and Laurel K. Hamilton, but what's really exciting to me are the original comic art pieces, each of which represents a truly one-of-a-kind piece of comics history.

Just a few of the original artworks offered in the auction include such mouth-watering gems as: a cover-worthy Bone / Rat Creature pin-up by Jeff Smith; a Terry Moore page from issue 8 of Strangers in Paradise; a Dave Sim cover illustration; a Matt Wagner Trinity splash page; a Peter Kuper Spy vs. Spy strip; a Kevin Nowlan Batman pin-up; and an original Kent Williams sketch included in Amalgam, the stunningly beautiful new collection of the artist's paintings and drawings.

After the jump, we've got the full list of items being offered in the auction, but you can check out high-quality images of the sweet, sweet items mentioned above (and many more -- there are over 40 items total) at the dedicated eBay auction page itself.

Bid early, bid often, and remember that not only are you gunning for a true collector's item for yourself or a friend, but you're also supporting the first amendment rights of those who work in this most cherished of American artforms.

Very intentionally, I've stayed away from the latest tale of woe involving the forced resignation of a young high school teacher in Guilford, Ct., who very mistakenly assigned Eightball #22 as make-up homework. I did so largely, because other comic spots on the Net (most prominently, THE BEAT) had done a good job of debating the issue pretty fairly and I had nothing new to add to the conversation about censorship, especially after following the Marshall Public Library story earlier this year.

That is, until something caught my eye....

First, it was The Huffington Post picking up on Tom Tomorrow's lengthy post about said Guilford news story that touched on an important detail about the case of which I wasn't aware that may become a growing trend in this country: Getting the police involved in the censorship battle when the so-called "injured" parties want more than a pound of flesh, and don't get it from school administrators.

The punchline of Tomorrow's story: "The teacher whose career has most likely been destroyed by a perfect storm of overzealous parents and cowardly school administrators will not be criminally prosecuted." Sounds like a scenario straight out of 1984, and one that could never happen where you live.

But you'd be wrong too.

Commuting home from by day job, the local talk show guy shared the AP story about an English teacher and assistant football coach in the small town of Tuscola, near Abilene in north central Texas who was suspended with pay by his local school district and was under investigation by local police because his latest reading list included Child of God, written by Pulitzer Prize winning author Cormac McCarthy. And, this was after the book had been selected among many by teachers at Jim Ned High School (yep, that's the real name) for a pre-AP class.

In this case, the parents of a high school freshman took their complaint about the 1974 book, based on a Tennessee murder case involving necrophilia and animal abuse, to the local sheriff after meetings with the teacher and school principal obviously didn't go as planned.

For those of you, like me, who may have dismissed the Eightball tempest in a "Noreaster" teapot that cost a young teacher his job and, perhaps, reputation, as a fluke, read the AP's account about legislating morailty in small town Texas.

This ain't specifically about comics, but I'll keep you posted about this one...

P.S. That Connecticut school district also had a reading list that included works by McCarthy, D.H. Lawrence and Charles Bukowski. The road to "respectability" for comics as an art form is a rocky one indeed.

Press Release

The Small Press Expo (SPX), the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comic books, graphic novels and alternative political cartoons, will hold its annual exposition from October 12 to October 13. This years exposition will again be held at the at The North Bethesda Marriott Convention Center in Bethesda, Maryland across from the White Flint Metro.

This year's slate of special guests include:

Bill Griffith, who is known world wide for his syndicated strip, Zippy The Pinhead, which runs daily in The Washington Post. He has a new Zippy collection out from Fantagraphics entitled "Zippy: Walk A Mile In MY Muu-Muu". SPX is proud to have him make one of his rare convention appearances at this years show.

Jeff Smith, is the creator of the celebrated epic "Bone", which has over a half million copies in print and is now available in Italian, Spanish, German and many other foreign languages. Jeff recently completed his critically acclaimed reworking of the Golden Age hero Captain Marvel, "Shazaam! The Monster Society of Evil" for DC Comics. He has recently been named by Fantagraphics as the art designer in charge of the upcoming reprints of Walt Kelly's classic, "Pogo".

Matt Wagner is one of the pioneers of indie comics with his original creation of "Grendel", which celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year. Matt also created, wrote and drew "Mage", and has worked on a number of projects for both DC and Vertigo. His next installment of the Grendel saga, "Behold The Devil" is due to be released this November from Dark Horse.

Gilbert Hernandez, whose Love and Rockets is considered one of the groundbreaking works in the history of comics, will be at SPX to promote his first graphic novel in four years, "Chance in Hell" from Fantagraphics.

Rutu Modan, one of the founders of the Actus Tragicus comics collective, will be at SPX with her first full length graphic novel entitled "Exit Wounds", from Drawn & Quarterly.

Kim Deitch will be at SPX to promote his well received latest graphic novel, "Alias The Cat" from Pantheon Books. Kim is one of the original "underground" cartoonists who redefined comics in the 1960's and has also worked in the field of animation.

There will be a full two day session of Creator Spotlights, where each of the above special guests and others will have a live 1 hour interview session, in addition to a number of panels and workshops on the comic arts.

As in previous years, there will be an exposition hall with over 300 creators and publishers, where attendees can buy the latest in commix and graphic novels, as well as interact with the exhibitors.

SPX will be open to the public from 2 pm - 8 pm, Friday, October 12 and 10am - 7 pm Saturday, October 13. Admission is $8 for a single day and $15 for both days.

SPX culminates with the presentation of the 11th Annual Ignatz Awards for outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning. The awards will be held Saturday evening at 9PM and is open to all SPX attendees for free. The Ignatz is the first Festival Prize in the US comic book industry, with winners chosen by balloting during the SPX.

SPX, a non-profit organization, brings together more than 300 artists and publishers to meet their readers, booksellers and distributors each year. Graphic novels, political cartoon books and alternative comics will all be on display and for sale by their authors and illustrators. A series of panel discussions will also be held of interest to readers, academicians and creators of graphic novels and political cartoons.

As in previous years, all profits from the SPX will go to support the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF), protecting the First Amendment rights of comic book readers and professionals. For more information on the CBLDF, go to their website at http://www.cbldf.org/.

Press Release

The long running case of Georgia v. Gordon Lee just got longer. The closely watched Free Expression case, which was scheduled to go to trial yesterday, was postponed because the judge was unable to appear due to illness. The case will be rescheduled, and is likely to run on the next misdemeanor trial calendar this November.

"Obviously we're disappointed that the case was unable to go yesterday, as scheduled, but understand that this kind of delay is nobody's fault and unavoidable. We wish Judge Salmon a speedy recovery," says CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein.

Mr. Lee still faces two misdemeanor counts of distributing harmful to minors material, carrying penalties of up to a year and prison and $1,000 in fines for each count if convicted. The current delay is the latest development in a legal saga that has lasted nearly three years. The case arises from the Halloween 2004 distribution of Alternative Comics #2, a Free Comic Book Day sampler which featured an excerpt from the critically acclaimed graphic novel The Salon that depicted Pablo Picasso in the nude, and was allegedly handed to a minor. The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has spent $80,000 on Lee's defense since taking the case in early 2005, and anticipates expenses to run at least another $20,000 before the trial is over.

Since its start, the comics, publishing, and Free Expression communities have been following the case's progress. It is also being closely watched by the mainstream media for its implications on Free Expression. Coverage of the case has appeared in venues including The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR's Morning Edition, CourtTV, New York Magazine, Publisher's Weekly, and The Book Standard, in addition to countless legal, comics & media blogs.

Press Release

The eyes of the comics, publishing, and Free Expression communities are focused on Rome, GA as the trial of Gordon Lee begins this morning.

Mr. Lee will stand trial for two misdemeanor counts of distributing harmful to minors material, and faces penalties of up to a year and prison and $1 000 in fines for each count if convicted. Lee's day in court comes after nearly three years of legal proceedings arising from the Halloween 2004 distribution of Alternative Comics #2, a Free Comic Book Day sampler which featured an excerpt from the critically acclaimed graphic novel The Salon that depicted Pablo Picasso in the nude, and was allegedly handed to a minor The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has spent $80,000 on Lee's defense since taking the case in early 2005, and anticipates this week's trial to cost another $20,000.

Lee's case is also being closely watched by the mainstream media for its implications on Free Expression. In the past week, stories have appeared on NPR's Morning Edition, CourtTV, and New York Magazine, joining profiles from venues including The New York Times, The Book Standard, and Publishers Weekly.

"This case has broad consequences for all retailers of First Amendment protected material," says CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein. "If Gordon is found guilty, it would establish a precedent that makes the seller of any book, magazine, or film depicting non-sexual nudity vulnerable to a similar prosecution in the State of Georgia." He adds, " We're confident that Gordon is not guilty of the charges he's accused of, and that the work in question comes nowhere near the threshold the law requires to deem a work harmful to minors."

"It's appalling that these charges were brought in the first place," Brownstein says. "It's outrageous that it's taken nearly three years, a complete change of facts by the prosecution midstream, and tens of thousands of dollars for Gordon to get his day in court. Now that we're here, we have every confidence in our legal team of Alan Begner, Cory Begner, and Paul Cadle to wage the best defense on Gordon's behalf. We couldn't have done it without the overwhelming support of the comics community, whose contributions have ensured that we are able to fight back."

For a detailed summary of the case and its developments, please visit the CBLDF's website -- Gordon Lee: The Road to Trial.

Press Release

With Comic-Con mere days away, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is raising the stakes with three incredible exclusives and a slate of amazing signings!

EXCLUSIVE: STARDUST VIP PACK!
Be among the first to experience the film magic of Neil Gaiman & Charles Vess' Stardust at Comic-Con! The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is offering 50 VIP packages filled with exclusive Stardust goodies, plus a special pass to attend a gala San Diego screening of the film to take place on Thursday, July 26.

The Fund's exclusive Stardust VIP package includes: an all-new Stardust print, limited to 50 pieces signed by Neil Gaiman & Charles Vess; a set of 5 Stardust fragrance imps from Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, and a ticket to the San Diego exclusive screening of Stardust. Stardust VIP packages are available for a donation of $100 to the CBLDF. The Stardust screening is on Thursday, July 26 at 9 PM, and features an introduction by Neil Gaiman, followed by a Q&A afterwards.

Pre-orders of this very limited package will be taken until Tuesday, July 24 at 10:00 PM Pacific Time. You can pre-order here: http://cbldf.safeshopper.com/22/305.htm?778.

If any packages remain, you may pick one up at the CBLDF's booth [1831] at Comic-Con. All Stardust VIP packages *must* be picked up from the CBLDF's booth on Wednesday evening, July 25, or on Thursday, July 26 before the convention closes at 7:00 PM.

EXCLUSIVE: RAY HARRYHAUSEN SIGNING AND LIMITED PRINT!
Ray Harryhausen, the legendary creator of films such as The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad and Clash of the Titans supports the CBLDF with a rare personal appearance and a new signed, exclusive Sinbad: Rogue of Mars print! Mr. Harryhausen will be appearing at the CBLDF booth 1831 on Saturday, July 28 from 2 to 3 PM at a ticketed signing. There are only 50 spots available for the Harryhausen signing. Tickets are a $50 suggested donation to the CBLDF. All ticket holders will receive the exclusive signed Sinbad: Rogue of Mars print, an exclusive Sinbad: Rogue of Mars preview comic, and will be able to get up to two personal items signed by Mr. Harryhausen. Tickets for the signing will be available at the CBLDF booth 1831 starting on Preview Night! You can see the print here !

EXCLUSIVE: SIGNED JACK DAVIS FEAR AGENT PRINT!
Jack Davis, the legendary artist of Mad Magazine, EC Comics, and countless illustrations has created a brand new signed & numbered print for the CBLDF featuring Dark Horse's FEAR AGENT! This 11 x 17, high quality, full color print is strictly limited to 100 numbered pieces, signed by Jack Davis and is available from the CBLDF while supplies last for a donation of $50. You can see the print here !

SIGNINGS!
Check back on CBLDF.org this Monday for a complete schedule of signings at the CBLDF. Creators signing include: Neil Gaiman, Ray Harryhausen, Terry Moore, Cecil Castellucci, Eric Powell, Ramon Bachs, Pere Perez, Cafu, Al Barrionuevo, and Daniel Acuna!

SPECIAL EVENTS!
Don't forget about these great CBLDF events:
Thursday: CBLDF Welcome Party! Just Added, Signed Michael Golden print! Saturday: CBLDF Comic-Con Auction! Now featuring over 100 items! Check it out at 7 PM or place a pre-bid!

Sunday: CBLDF Live Art Jam ! Featuring Jim Lee, Jeff Smith, Terry Moore & Matt Wagner! Sunday Morning, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM in Room 5 AB

Press Release

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! This year's items include original art by Jim Lee, Jeff Smith, Todd McFarlane, Paul Pope, Neil Gaiman, Brian Bendis, Jim Starlin, David Lloyd, Juan Santacruz, Terry Moore, and many, many, many more! Click here for a full illustrated preview!

You will need a bidder number for this auction, which can be obtained, along with a full auction list, at the CBLDF booth #1831 or at the start of the event. The CBLDF Auction will be on Saturday, July 28 at 7:00 PM in Room 8 of the San Diego Convention Center.

The CBLDF is also accepting pre-bids online. Online bids will be accepted starting Monday, July 16 until Friday, July 27, 10:00 PM PST. All bids must be emailed to info@cbldf.org with "CCI SD AUCTION BID" in the subject line. Be sure when bidding to use the item name as it appears on the website.

This is not a silent auction bidding system. All bids placed online will be used as opening bids during the live auction on Saturday, July 28. In the event there are multiple bids on the same item, the highest bid will be the one accepted.

Bid amounts placed online will not be disclosed before the item is auctioned Winning bidders will be notified by email the week following the convention. Payment is expected within 7 days from said email.

Below is a text listing of the items available on auction. Check back, more items will be added between now and the event!

(1) Shazam Monster Society of Evil issue 1 page 22 by Jeff Smith
(2) Jim Lee Batman Drawing
(3) Batman Year 100 Page by Paul Pope
(4) Frank Frazetta Kubla Khan Portfolio
(5) Mouse Guard, Issue 4, Page 22 original art by David Petersen
(6) 1941 Endpaper painting by Rick Veitch & Steve Bissette
(7) Strangers in Paradise Issue 83 Page 3 by Terry Moore
(8) Catwoman Issue 32 Page 4 by Sean Phillips and Stefano Gaudiano
(9) Johnny Canuck by Todd McFarlane and Terry Fitzgerald
(10) Andrew Robinson Halo drawings
(11) Tommy Lee Edwards Full-Color Fighter Plane and Airmen Watercolor
(12) Ramon Bachs Hulk drawing
(13) Pere Perez Dragonlance drawing
(14) Black Panther Issue 28, page 9 by Francis Portela
(15) 30 Days of Night script signed by Steve Niles
(16) Superman/Alien Drawing by Andy MacDonald
(17) Anakin Skywalker by Matt Busch
(18) Batman Page by Brian Michael Bendis
(19) Cover to Bomb Queen vs Blacklight by Jimmie Robinson
(20) Brenda Starr Reporter Strip by Brigman and Schmich
(21) Of Bitter Souls Promo Drawing by Norm Breyfogle
(22) Cover to Casanova issue 3 by Gabriel Ba
(23) Connor Hawke Issue 5 Page 17 by Derec Donovan
(24) Llonearm Sketch by Paul Pope
(25) Stephen Colbert's Tek Jansen Promo Poster signed by Stephen Colbert and John Cassaday
(26) Comicology v. 1: The Kingdom Come Companion signed by Alex Ross
(27) Script For Conan #28 Signed By Entire Creative Team
(28) Deathlok Drawing by Rich Buckler
(29) GI Joe Special Missions Manhattan Page 8 by Jeremy Haun
(30) Doc Savage: Curse of the Fire God Issue 2 Page 4 by Pat Broderick
(31) Elf Quest: New Blood issue 4 page 12 by Lea Hernandez
(32) Grendel 25 Anniversary Print Signed and Remarked 'G/Z'
(33) Marvel Adventures Spider-Man Issue 18, Page 20 by Mike Norton
(34) Fantastic Four Pin-Up by Cafu
(35) Wizard Print by Hal Foster (2 pieces)
(36) Cover to HERO Issue 20 by Kelsey Shannon
(37) Aliens: Purge Issue 1 Page 4 by Phil Hester and Ande Parks
(38) Y: The Last Man Pack Signed by Brian K Vaughan (17 pieces)
(39) Hammer of the Gods Hits China Page by Mike Oeming
(40) J For Jenny Page 8 by David Lloyd
(41) Ultimate Captain American & Robin drawing by Julian Lopez
(42) Junior Page 3 by Peter Bagge
(43) Majestic Issue 14, Page 22 Pencils by Diego Olmos, Inks by Bit
(44) Neil Gaiman Last Angel Tour Print Artist's Proof
(45) Lucifer Issue 75 Page 38 by Peter Gross
(46) David Mack Death Drawing
(47) Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers Issue 7 Page 14 by John Heebink
(48) Neil Gaiman 'Two Head & The Geek' Strips
(49) Phil Noto Spider-Man Heroes Con Print 760/800
(50) Pirates of Coney Island Page from Issue 2 by Vasilis Lolos
(51) Stephen Colbert's Tek Jansen Issue 1 Page 3 by Robbi Rodriguez
(52) Ron Lim Joker Drawing
(53) NY Comicon Exclusive Symbiote Spider-Man bust
(54) Buffy Tales of the Vampires: Stacy Page 1 by Cameron Stewart
(55) Stardust Promotional Book Covers signed by Neil Gaiman (Set of 3)
(56) The Phantom by Lou Manna
(57) Tiny Toon Adventures: Hamton Cleans Up Page 6 by Michael James
(58) Transformers Insecticons 1 by Mark Brooks
(59) Transformers Insecticons 2 by Mark Brooks
(60) Warlock Issue 10 Page 30 by Jim Starlin & Steve Leialoha
(61) Charlie Adlard's First Ever Walking Dead Character Sketches (3 Pieces)
(62) Zam Wessell from 'How to Draw Star Wars' by Matt Busch
(63) Manuel Garcia Lobo Watercolor
(64) Jesus Saiz Full-Color Manhunter Design
(65) Jake Allen 'Intersections' Page from Postcards: True Stories That Never Happend
(66) Gia-Bao Tran 'Blue' Page from Postcards: True Stories That Never Happend
(67) Michael Gaydos 'Tic-Tac-Bang-Bang' Page from Postcards: True Stories That Never Happend
(68) Signed Copy of Postcards: True Stories That Never Happend
(69) Liberty Woman by Bit
(70) Pirate Girl Drawing By David Faught
(71) Making Comics by Scott McCloud signed by Art Spiegelman, Neil Gaiman, Jeff Smith and More!
(72) Hulk Issue 90, Page 2 by Juan Santacruz
(73) Set of 3 NBC's 'Heroes' Comic books signed by Tim Sale
(74) Set of 3 Captain America #25 'Death of Captain America' CGC 9.8 Comics
(75) The Adventures of Spawn Pack signed by Todd McFarlane and More!
(76) Harvest Moon Print by Paul Pope 52/100
(77) Marvel Dinner Menu Signed by Joe Quesada and Many More!
(78) Action Comics 844 Signed by Geoff Johns and RICHARD DONNER!
(79) Albion Ashcan Edition Signed by Alan Moore and many more.
(80) 52 2006 Convention Exclusive Comic Signed by Creators.
(81) Civil War #1 Aspen Comics Exclusive Variant Cover Signed by Michael Turner and Peter Steigerwald
(82) Brian Stelfreeze Blueline Study (6 pieces)
(83) Richard Corben Classics Portfolio Set Two
(84) Hellboy Promotional Standee Signed and Sketched by Mike Mignola
(85) Mirror of Love 1/500 signed by Alan Moore and Jose Villarubia
(86) Strangers in Paradise Katchoo Statue
(87) 1995 Comic Book Expo San Diego Stardust Print signed by Neil Gaiman
(88) Kavalier Miracle Print signed by Jim Steranko and Michael Chabon