BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – September 4, 2014 – This weekend, Paul Pope blasts into Baltimore Comic Con, where he’s teaming up with the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund to fight for Free Speech! Pope will be appearing all weekend at Booth #2501, just beside CBLDF’s Booth #2401, where you can find a massive library of Paul Pope books that he’ll personalize for you! Paul Pope will be signing at Booth #2501 throughout the weekend, including:

Friday: 3:00-5:00

Saturday: 2:30-4:00

Sunday: 1:00-3:00

CBLDF will also offer an extensive selection of signed graphic novels from creators, including Alan Moore, Robert Kirkman, Frank Miller, Jill Thompson, Alex Ross, Warren Ellis, and many more!

In addition to signings, CBLDF will offer a three-day programming track that includes:

 

Friday

5:00-6:00 – CBLDF: History of the Comics Code

60 years ago, comics were put on trial in a nationally televised Senate subcommittee hearing that had shattering repercussions for this great American art form. The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund presents the shocking history of moral panic that led to this historic hearing and the birth of the Comics Code Authority, which regulated the medium’s content for more than 50 years. CBLDF executive director Charles Brownstein tells the tale at this CBLDF presentation.

Saturday

11:00-12:00 – CBLDF: Tales from The Code — True Stories of Censorship

For more than 50 years, American comic books were subject to the censorship of the Comics Code, a system born from a time when comics were burned in the streets and blamed for all of society’s ills. Though the Code is gone, its influence remains. The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund gathers Denny O’Neil, Jim Starlin, and other top storytellers who worked under the Code’s strictures to tell the tales of how its censorship touched their creative visions.

2:00-3:00 – Paul Pope Spotlight

Paul Pope’s comics are unique. You’ve never seen anything quite like Battling Boy, 100%, THB, Batman: Year 100, or any of his other many works, but once you try one, you’ll want more. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about Pope and the fantastic comics he creates. Moderated by CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein, whose writing about Pope has appeared in The One Trick Rip Off + Deep Cuts and Monsters & Titans: Battling Boy Art on Tour.

Sunday

12:00-1:00 – CBLDF: Protecting the Kids’ Right to Read

Kids have rights too! As more outstanding comics for younger readers are published each year, the number of readers flocking to them is growing. But so are the challenges, evidenced by Bone and Captain Underpants showing up on the Top 10 Most Banned & Challenged Books list of 2013. So, what do creators and educators do to balance respecting the intelligence of young readers and the concerns of parents and community members? How do we protect kids and their rights at the same time? Jimmy Gownley and Meryl Jaffe, author of CBLDF’s Raising A Reader: How Comics & Graphic Novels Can Help Your Kids Love to Read discuss in this panel moderated by CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein.

Celebrate Free Speech and meet Paul Pope at Baltimore Comic-Con!

The Baltimore Comic-Con will be held Friday, September 5 through Sunday, September 7, 2014, at the Baltimore Convention Center, which is located immediately across the street from the historic Camden Yards sports complex (which includes Oriole Park and Geppi’s Entertainment Museum). Tickets, a full guest roster, and additional information is available on the convention’s website.