The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF) is proud to announce that Will Eisner's legendary character The Spirit will be featured on its 2005 Member Card.  The image, drawn by Eisner himself, is an extraordinary statement about the late master artist's commitment to protecting the comic field's First Amendment rights.

'Will authorized us to use The Spirit on this year's card last summer,' says CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein.  'We'd planned all along to release the art this week, but unfortunately our timing is now bittersweet.  But in addition to standing as a tribute to Eisner, this card is yet another illustration of his generous and continued commitment to the art form, and to the CBLDF's fight to preserve the First Amendment rights of this field.'

The 2005 CBLDF member card is presently at the printer and is due back in early February.  It will be sent to members who join or renew this year.  Membership is $25 and is open to all.  Anyone wishing to sign up should visit the CBLDF Website  http://cbldf.org/membership.shtml.