CBLDF, Diamond Launch Annual Retailer Membership Drive

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has been the industry's partner in defending the First Amendment rights that creators, publishers, and retailers depend upon to do business. The CBLDF turns 25 this year, and it continues to serve as a bulwark against prosecutors attacking our industry partners. Like the heroes of the comics we sell, the Fund is there to protect comics whenever they are threatened.

This month Diamond urges you to join or renew your membership in the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund as a Retailer Member.

Membership Has Its Privileges

The CBLDF has created a variety of resources and incentives to reward your participation in this very important cause. All stores signing up at the $100 Retailer Advocate (OCT110009J) level in this campaign will receive:

• A One Year Memebership in Comic Book Legal Defense Fund
• CBLDF 2011 Green Lantern Membership Card by Ivan Reis and Oclair Albert, produced by Graphitti Designs
• The Best Defense: CBLDF Retailer Resource Guide, 2011 Edition, featuring articles by the industry's best minds who outline strategies for safeguarding your store against legal threats
• Action Comics #1 Jim Lee Variant, provided by DC Comics
• Liberty Annual 2011 Frank Quitely Sketch Variant, signed by Quitely, provided by Image Comics
• Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #160 Mark Bagley Spoiler Variant, provided by Marvel Comics
• Open/Closed Sign featuring Grendel by Matt Wagner and Milk & Cheese by Evan Dorkin
• CBLDF Window Cling
• CBLDF Donation Can

2011 Membership Card

Action Comics #1 Jim Lee Variant

Ultimate Comics Spider-Man #160 Mark Bagley Variant

Open/Closed Sign Milk & Cheese artwork by Evan Dorkin Grendel artwork by Matt Wagner

Retailer Members signing up at higher levels are also eligible to receive other items.

Stores joining at the $250 Defender Level (OCT1100010J) will receive all items from the Retailer Advocate package, a CBLDF-branded mousepad, and a print set including Conan signed by Darick Robertson, In Reilig Oran signed by Neil Gaiman and Tony Harris, Echo signed by Terry Moore, and The Boys signed by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson.

Retailer Members signing up at the $500 Protector Level (OCT110011J) will receive all items from the Retailer Defender package, 15 CBLDF-branded Tote Bags featuring art by Sergio Aragones (SRP of $20.00), and 1 exclusive Paul Pope "Liberty Tree" print, signed & numbered of 50 pieces.

Retailer Members signing up at the Champion Level ($1,000-$5,000) (OCT110012J) will receive all items from the Retailer Protector package, plus an original piece of art by CBLDF Artist Supporters, which will be filled as supplies last on a first come, first served basis.

In Reilig Oran Print Signed by Neil Gaiman & Tony Harris	Echo Print Signed by Terry Moore	The Boys Print Signed by Garth Ennis & Darick Robertson

Paul Pope "Liberty Tree" Print

CBDLF Tote Bag

How The CBLDF Works For You

Every day, the CBLDF works on the front-lines of the law to defend our business. Your membership in the Fund will help them continue to provide top-flight legal defense for First Amendent cases affecting comic book stores and industry partners.

Beyond direct legal defense of an active case, the CBLDF also keeps a close watch on legislative issues that would affect the sale and display of comics. In recent years they have successfully partnered with The Media Coalition to combat a wide variety of unconstitutional laws that would have impeded the industry's ability to offer comics' full range of creativity.

The CBLDF is also your partner to prevent cases before they occur. You never hear about much of the Fund's work, particularly if they squelched a case before the matter rose to the notoriety of a criminal proceeding. At the first sign of legal intimidation, comic stores, libraries, and creators can reach out the CBLDF, which is always on call with access to the country's best First Amendent lawyers. Those early calls mobilize immediate attention from the Fund's counsel, who is often able to make a case go away with a letter or phone call.

The CBLDF also provides a growing number of education tools to help the industry protect itself against changes in the legal landscape, including The Best Defense, offered as part of this program.

The CBLDF's ability to mobilize immediate legal action, and offer hands-on education depends upon the support of its members. All of us benefit from the work the CBLDF performs. Please join us in supporting their ability to do that work by standing up for your store's rights and becoming a valued CBLDF Retailer Member today.