A Special Message From Jeff Smith

November 6, 2007

I'm writing you this letter while the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's legal team is in court in Rome, GA defending Gordon Lee. For the last 3 years, Gordon has been put through a legal wringer by Rome's prosecutors, who are trying to send him to jail for two years because of a comic book about Picasso. Thank goodness for the CBLDF, who got Gordon the best lawyers in the state and picked up the bill ”“ which is likely to reach $100,000 by the time this is all done.

Win or lose, his case shows why it's important that we support the CBLDF. For 20 years, the Fund has been going to court to defend retailers and creators who are singled out by prosecutors because of comics. They arrange and pay for the best counsel, an expense that would bankrupt most small retailers and cartoonists. Because of the Fund, we don't need to back down when faced with bullying prosecutions like the one against Gordon. Because of the support of people like you and me, the Fund is able to stand up and fight for comics.

To make sure that they have the resources to pay for Gordon's case and take on any new threats in 2008, I'm donating a piece of original art I made for the mini-series Shazam: The Monster Society of Evil. This large image of the Captain Marvel Family was spread over the backs of all four issues of the original series and fit together to make a puzzle, and was used again on the giant sized fold out dust jacket that came with the Deluxe Hard Cover collection. I rarely part with my original art, but in this case, I know that it's worth doing. It is my sincere hope that this donation can offset some of the Fund's expenses as we fight for our right to draw and read what we want.

Please join me in supporting the Fund by taking this opportunity to make a tax-deductible donation towards their work. There are lots of ways to do this - you can sign up for membership, donate a piece of artwork or a rare comic book from your collection, or buy premiums from their website. And cash donations are always appreciated.

If you're one of my fellow creators or publishers, you can also donate some of your time to the Fund by signing for them at conventions and events, donating signed copies of your work, or something even more creative. If you're a retailer, why not host a CBLDF fundraiser at your store or sign up for retail membership?

However you decide to help, now is the time. The Fund is watching out for comics. We need to stand behind them with our financial support so they can keep doing their important work. Please support the Fund today.

Sincerely yours,

Jeff Smith

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Make A Donation

Your cash donation to the CBLDF goes the furthest towards paying off our legal bills. Until November 22, all cash donations of $30 or better will earn you a copy of an all-new signed CBLDF Bone print by Jeff Smith. Prints will be available on January 1, but you can reserve yours today, and support the cause at this urgent time. Visit http://cbldf.safeshopper.com/12/cat12.htm?479 to make a donation today.

Free Shipping on Premiums

To build up support for Gordon's trial, for a limited time, the Fund is offering premiums previously only available at conventions. Signed graphic novels, comics and exclusive CBLDF prints by creators such as Frank Miller, Jeff Smith, Brian K Vaughan, Brad Meltzer, Robert Kirkman, Mike Mignola, Matt Wagner, Jack Davis, Larry Marder, Terry Moore, Frank Cho and many more are available at various donation levels.

If your premium donation exceeds $50, you will receive free shipping on your order until December 15, just in time for the perfect gift for that special comic fan in everyone's life. Visit www.cbldf.com to see all of what's available.