Press Release:

At this morning’s ComicsPRO Annual Meeting, the Comic Book Legal Defense
Fund announced changes to its Board of Directors. After five years of
service as President and seven years on the Board, Chris Staros has
stepped down from the organization to devote more time to the growth of
Top Shelf Productions. Staros is replaced as President by Chris Powell,
General Manager of Lone Star Comics, and President Pro-Tem of ComicsPRO.
Powell is the first retailer to hold the Presidency of the organization
in its 22 year history. Taking over Staros’ seat on the Board of
Directors is maverick creator and industry maven Larry Marder.

“It’s been an honor to serve on the Board of Directors of the CBLDF,”
Staros says, “but as Top Shelf has grown, I find myself not having the
time to support the day-to-day activities of the Fund in the way that I
used to, and, of course, that’s the signal that it’s time to move on,
and pass the torch on to others ready to lead the charge. And now, with
Chris Powell as the new President and Larry Marder joining the Board, I
know that the Fund will have some fresh energy to devote to the cause.
So, while I won’t be on the Board, I’ll always support the CBLDF, as
it’s still a cause I truly believe in.”

Chris Powell, one of the most promient comics retailers in the country
comes to be the first comics retailer to chair the Comic Book Legal
Defense Fund after two years of Board service. Powell says,
“I’m honored and appreciative of the support the Board has
shown in electing me to the Presidency of the CBLDF. Under Chris
Staros’ leadership, the Fund has grown tremendously, and I look
forward to continuing that work with the support of the Board and our
Executive Director, Charles Brownstein.”

Setting goals for his Presidency of the organization, Powell says, “The
Fund will continue to grow and evolve, finding new and innovative ways
to support comic fans, creators, and sellers. We will increase our use
of 21st century technology in our mission and fundraising work. We will
increase our outreach to new and current members, and increase our
ability to share news and information about the ongoing fight to protect
the First Amendment rights we all depend upon to do business.”

Powell adds, “Working each day with comics retailers from all over the
country, I’ve seen the good the Fund can do. We will continue to
build retailer membership in the CBLDF so we can continue working to
protect them, their suppliers, and their customers.”

Larry Marder, creator of the New York Times bestselling graphic novel
series Beanworld, comes to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund after over
25 years serving in almost every aspect of the industry. Marder says,
“Over the years I’ve drawn comics, published them, and did
marketing work for comics shops and distributors. I’ve witnessed
how swiftly and arbitrarily comics can be assaulted in the marketplace
and now, even the home. I’m really quite privileged to have been
given the opportunity to join the Board and add my ideas to its vigorous
efforts to guard everyone’s First Amendment rights.”

Under the leadership of Chris Powell, the Comic Book Legal Defense
Fund’s board are: Joe Ferrara, Vice-President; Milton Griepp, Treasurer;
Louise Nemschoff, Secretary; Peter David; Neil Gaiman, Steve Geppi, Paul
Levitz, and Larry Marder.