Day: November 4, 2002

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, in a unanimous decision by the board, will endeavor to take the case of Jesus Castillo to the Supreme Court.

For those just joining us, Castillo is a store manager in a comic book store in Texas. He was convicted of obscenity charges for selling an adult comic book to–get this–an adult. During the trial, the CBLDF brought in expert witnesses who testified that the material in question (a manga clearly labeled as “Adults only” and kept in a separate adults-only section of the store) had artistic merit and did not satisfy the Miller test of obscenity. The DA offered no rebuttal witnesses. Instead she argued to the jury that comics are really intended for kids, and on that basis posed a threat to the youth of Texas (despite community standards tolerating a variety of adults-only stores operating mere blocks away from the comic store, with material far more explicit than the manga in question.) Incredibly, the jury bought the argument and convicted Castillo.

A split decision from a higher court refused to overturn the conviction. This decision, if allowed to stand, could have a chilling effect on any comic featuring any content not explicitly kiddie safe. The CBLDF’s only option at this point is to attempt to get a writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court. We intend to do so.

The expense will be considerable and the odds may be long. For further information to learn how you can contribute to the fight against the erosion of your right to buy whatever comics you wish to buy, check out the CBLDF website at http://www.cbldf.org.

An official press release will be forthcoming.

PAD

In the continuing saga of my daughter, Gwen, she had told New England Comics that she couldn’t work on weekends during the day because she works at a bakery then. So NEC offered her Saturday from 11 to 5. On the surface, that would seem rather bizarre behavior. So she turned them down. But wait! Apparently NEC displayed foresight bordering on the psychic, because Gwen was informed a week later that the bakery was changing her hours, and she wasn’t going to be working weekends anymore. Which means she *is* available Saturdays from 11 to 5.

Is the NEC slot still available? Will Gwen want to give up her now-free weekends? Will she, in fact, meet some nice kids around her age (17/18) so she’ll have people to hang with? Will she be able to keep a straight face behind the NEC counter and not burst out guffawing if customers say, “Wow, that Peter David is the best writer ever!”

All I know is, the adventures of Gwen are spreading in notoriety, and recently were recounted in All the Rage.

Stay tuned.

PAD