Parting Shot: Support the CBLDF, Have Lunch with Neil Gaiman and Other Comics Pros

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, a non-profit group that defends free speech rights in comics, needs to raise over $100,000 by October to contribute to the legal fees of an American facing a minimum year in prison for possessing "obscene" comics at the Canadian border, and for educational development to help prevent the challenges to comics material that librarians and retailers often face.

If you're not a member consider becoming one, but if you're willing to make a larger contribution, you could find yourself getting lunch or professional reviews of your aspiring comics work from creators like Neil Gaiman, Frank Quitely, Greg Rucka, Gail Simone, Brian Azzarello, Mike Mignola, Ben Templesmith, David Gibbons, Jeff Smith and Terry Moore, or pros like DC Comics Co-Publisher Dan DiDio, Dark Horse Editor Scott Allie, former DC Publisher Paul Levitz, and editor Bob Schreck. Check out the full list of opportunities -- which I have lifted wholesale from this CBLDF page -- below.

Be Counted Professional Supporters & Membership Incentives

Scott Allie

Professional Development Review: Scott Allie - Dark Horse editor Scott Allie will offer a Professional Development Review for members joining at $500 or greater. This is an incredible opportunity to receive some one-on-one guidance with one of comics' top decision makers while supporting the CBLDF.

Lunch With Legends: Mike Mignola & Scott Allie - Donors who make a membership contribution of $1,000 or greater will have the opportunity to go to lunch with Mike Mignola and Scott Allie on Sunday, October 16, during New York Comic-Con! Get the inside word on the happenings in the Hellboy universe, and spend an afternoon with true innovators of horror comics!

Brian Azzarello

Lunch With Legends: Brian Azzarello - Donors who contribute a membership of $250 or more will join Brian Azzarello, the award-winning creator of 100 Bullets and Spaceman and the architect of the new Wonder Woman launch, for lunch during NYCC!

Professional Development Review: Brian Azzarello - Veteran comics writer Brian Azzarello will provide a Professional Development Review to one donor during NYCC and one donor online. This opportunity is available for donors who join for a membership level of $250 or greater. This is an incredible opportunity to have one of the masters of the art form give you hard earned advice to help your craft.

Dan DiDio

Lunch With Legends: Dan DiDio & Friends – For donors who contribute at a membership level of $1,000 or more, DC's co-publisher and the writer of OMAC will join you for lunch during NYCC. DiDio will bring pals to lunch, including Keith Giffen. This is a great opportunity to get the inside buzz on the new 52 and have an unforgettable time talking comics while supporting a great cause.

Professional Development Review: Dan DiDio – DC Comics co-publisher Dan DiDio will offer a Professional Development Review during NYCC with one member joining CBLDF for a donation of $1,000 or greater. This is an incredible opportunity to receive some one-on-one guidance to improve your comics from one of comics' top decision makers while supporting the CBLDF.

Neil Gaiman

Lunch With Legends: Tea With Neil Gaiman in NYC – One member joining CBLDF with a $5,000 contribution or greater will have the opportunity to go to tea with Neil Gaiman and one guest of their choice in New York City! This once in a lifetime opportunity to visit with the masterful author of American Gods, Sandman, and Coraline is a terrific way to support the important work of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. CBLDF will contact the donor to arrange a time for this event that coincides with one of Neil's visits to this city.

Lunch With Legends: Tea With Neil Gaiman in Los Angeles - One member joining CBLDF with a $5,000 contribution or greater will have the opportunity to go to tea with Neil Gaiman and one guest of their choice in Los Angeles! This once in a lifetime opportunity to visit with the masterful author of American Gods, Sandman, and Coraline is a terrific way to support the important work of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. CBLDF will contact the donor to arrange a time for this event that coincides with one of Neil's visits to this city.

Lunch With Legends: One-on-one Tea At An Upcoming Neil Appearance - One member joining CBLDF with a $5,000 contribution or greater will have the opportunity to go to tea with Neil Gaiman and one guest of their choice at an upcoming Neil Gaiman appearance! This once in a lifetime opportunity to visit with the masterful author of American Gods, Sandman, and Coraline is a terrific way to support the important work of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. CBLDF will contact the donor to arrange a time for this event that coincides Neil's event schedule.

Personalized Sketched Postcard by Neil Gaiman - Neil Gaiman has graciously agreed to send a personalized sketched postcard as a thank you to contributors who join the CBLDF at levels of $1,000 or greater. (5 available)

Dave Gibbons

Lunch With Legends: Dave Gibbons in London – One member joining CBLDF with a $1,000 contribution or greater will have the opportunity to go to lunch with Dave Gibbons and one guest of their choice in London. This once in a lifetime opportunity to visit with the co-creator of Watchmen, and the author of incredible comics like The Originals is a terrific way to support the important work of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. CBLDF will contact the donor to arrange a time for this event that coincides with Dave's schedule.

Professional Development Review: Dave Gibbons – Legendary storyteller Dave Gibbons will provide a Professional Development Review via Skype to donors who join for a membership level of $500 or greater. This is an incredible opportunity to have one of the masters of the art form give you hard earned advice that will help your craft.

Paul Levitz

Professional Development Review: Paul Levitz - Veteran writer, editor and publisher Paul Levitz will provide a Professional Development Review during NYCC or via email for donors who join the CBLDF for a contribution of $250 or greater. This is an incredible opportunity to receive some one-on-one guidance on how to make your scripts stronger by one of the industry's most knowledgeable experts.

Mike Mignola

Lunch With Legends: Mike Mignola & Scott Allie - Donors who make a membership contribution of $1,000 or greater will have the opportunity to go to lunch with Mike Mignola and Scott Allie on Sunday, October 16, during New York Comic-Con! Get the inside word on the happenings in the Hellboy universe, and spend an afternoon with true innovators of horror comics!

Terry Moore





Professional Development Review: Terry Moore – For one donor contributing a membership of $500 or greater, pioneering artist and self-publisher Terry Moore will provide one professional development review on Sunday, October 16, during NYCC. This is an incredible opportunity to receive expert advice from one of the industry's most revered artists and support the CBLDF!

Greg Rucka



Professional Development Review: Greg Rucka – Veteran comics and thriller writer Greg Rucka will provide members who join CBLDF for a level of $250 or greater with a Professional Development Review for writers during NYCC or over Skype. This review is for a standard 22-page comic script or a 22-page excerpt of a longer work, with appropriate explanations as to how it fits into the larger project. This is a great opportunity to learn more about your craft and get tips from one of the modern masters of comics writing.

Bob Schreck



Professional Development Review: Bob Schreck - Legendary editor Bob Schreck will offer a Professional Development Review in NYC or via email for a member joining at $500 or greater. This is an incredible opportunity to receive some one-on-one guidance with one of comics' top decision makers while supporting the CBLDF.

Gail Simone

Professional Development Review: Gail Simone – Veteran writer Gail Simone will provide a Professional Development Review for writers via email to members who join CBLDF for a level of $500 or greater. This review is for scripts without licensed characters. This is a great opportunity to learn more about your craft and get tips from one of the modern masters of comics writing.

Jeff Smith

Lunch With Legends: Jeff Smith - Donors who join CBLDF for $500 or more can have the opportunity to go to lunch with Jeff Smith, the innovative creator of Bone and RASL! This is a terrific opportunity to meet one of the all time great graphic novelists and support the CBLDF!

Ben Templesmith

Professional Development Review: Ben Templesmith - Iconoclastic cartoonist Ben Templesmith will provide a Professional Development Review for artists in NYC or over email to members who join CBLDF for a level of $250 or greater. This is a great opportunity to learn more about your craft and get tips from one of comics' contemporary greats!

Lager With Legends: Ben Templesmith & Friends at NYCC – Get a chance to get drinks with Ben Templesmith and friends during NYCC! Members who contribute $250 or greater will have an opportunity to go out for a drinks with Ben and friends during one of the evenings of NYCC!

Frank Quitely



Professional Development Review: Frank Quitely – Legendary creator Frank Quitely will provide a Professional Development Review via email to donors who join for a membership level of $500 or greater. This is an incredible opportunity to have one of the masters of the art form give you hard earned advice to help your craft.

Lunch With Legends: Frank Quitely in the UK – Enjoy a unique opportunity to have a one-on-one lunch with Frank Quitely, one of the most singular masters of modern comic art when you join CBLDF at $500 or more to the CBLDF! CBLDF will contact the donor to arrange a time for this event that coincides with Frank's schedule.

Personalized Sketched Postcard by Frank Quitely – Frank Quitely has graciously agreed to send a personalized sketched postcard as a thank you to contributors who join the CBLDF at levels of $1,000 or greater.