Why The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund Exists

NPR: Comic-Book Store Owner on Trial for Nude Images
Morning Edition, August 14, 2007

Listen to this story... by Susanna Capelouto

Gordon Lee, owner of Legends Comic Book Store in Rome, Ga., goes on trial this week over whether he willfully gave a comic that depicted nudity to a child. His store took part in a downtown trick-or-treat celebration three years ago. Instead of candy, Lee handed out free comics. One of them had two drawings showing painter Pablo Picasso moving about his studio in the nude, his genitals clearly exposed. Lee was arrested a week later. The case worries the comic book industry, which fears limits on artistic expression.

Susanna Capelouto reports from Georgia Public Broadcasting.

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I don't think this guy should be thrown in jail for a year and fined $1,000 for what was clearly an accident. I'd question Lee's judgement for handing out anything other than a Disney, Archie, or Harvey comic on Hallowe'en (especially if you haven't read it), but I don't think a court case or yet another call for a ratings system is necessary. Take the comic back, apologize to the parents, and you're done. Thank goodness the CBLDF is around to help out!