Today ComiXology joins Dark Horse, DC Entertainment,
Diamond Comic Distributors, Image Comics, Legendary Comics, Random House, and
Threadless as Corporate Members supporting the Comic Book Legal Defense
Fund (CBLDF) in their quest of
protecting the First Amendment rights of the comics art form and its community
including retailers, creators, publishers, librarians, and readers.
"There is no time like the present to support the
Comic Book Legal Defense Fund," said comiXology co-founder and CEO David
Steinberger. "With freedom of speech being encroached upon at every
corner, especially as new digital content platforms arise, comiXology is happy
to show our commitment to free speech and the comics industry with this
donation. If you have yet to become a member and are a comic book fan, please
do so today."
"We're grateful that comiXology is taking this
leadership position in supporting the CBLDF's important work," says CBLDF
Executive Director Charles Brownstein. "We have already seen prosecutions
resulting from comics delivered in the digital realm, and those prosecutions
are still on the rise. The CBLDF maintains an active program of fighting back
when those cases occur, and works hard to challenge unconstitutional laws that
would restrict the rights of comics in this new environment. We're gratified
that comiXology recognizes the importance of our work in this area and are
putting their financial support behind us."
Recently, the CBLDF helped fund and guide the successful
defense in R. v. Matheson, a case that involved a comic book fan who faced
criminal charges in Canada relating to comic books on his computer. The total
legal costs of this case exceeded $75,000. After taking the case last summer,
the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund contributed $20,000 to the defense and also
participated in shaping the defense, including recruiting expert testimony for
the trial. The CBLDF is currently seeking funds to help pay off the $45,000
debt the defendant incurred as a result of his case, and to create new tools to
prevent future cases.