Political Comic Gets The Attention Of DC Comics' Attorneys

 

From the official Sweat Equity Publicity press release . . . . . . Creators Of AOC Comic Unveil Cheeky New Cover Image After Cease And Desist From DC Comics

[CHICAGO — June 5, 2019] In May, 2019, DC Comics issued a cease and desist letter to Chicago-based independent publisher Devil's Due Comics, stating a limited-edition issue of its now-infamous Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Freshman Force features a cover that violates their Wonder Woman copyright. (Scroll to the red box below for bulleted story points on the 'feud.') On Wednesday, June 5, Devil's Due unveiled a tongue-in-cheek replacement cover, named The 'Cease & DCist Edition.' The limited 500-issue release is available at OcasioComic.com, with a portion of proceeds being donated to Raices Texas, a non-profit that provides legal services to immigrants and refugees for immigration protections.  Go to:  http://www.ocasiocomic.com/#/ The replacement cover — designed by longtime Devil's Due collaborator Joel Humberto Herrera — features Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Rep. Ilhan Omar clad in superhero garb in front of the U.S. Capitol Building. Although Wonder Woman and her attire make no appearance in the 'Cease & DCist Edition,' Devil's Due Comics notes it cannot confirm or deny whether her invisible jet is on the new cover. “The irony is, the cease and desist was already a moot point by the time we received it,” notes Devil’s Due publisher Josh Blaylock. “Regardless of it being unwarranted, as a retailer exclusive, the extremely limited amount of copies were already out of our hands. I'm assuming anyone who bought one is now awaiting trial in a Hall of Justice holding cell. Thoughts and prayers."  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Freshman Force has been 2019's most talked-about comic since it was announced in February, garnering an unprecedented amount of U.S. and international coverage.

Devil's Due Comics recently announced a Freshman Force sequel is now available for pre-order. Talk Bernie To Me!: The Bernie Sanders Special and AOC Surprise is a one-off commemorative comic celebrating two-time Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, featuring contributions from several acclaimed and award-winning writers/artists.  Go to:  http://www.berniecomic.com

STORY POINTS On May 7, 2019, DC Comics issues a cease and desist letter to Chicago's Devil's Due Comics, stating a limited-edition issue of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Freshman Force features a cover that violates their Wonder Woman copyright.  The cover image, drawn by French illustrator Carla Cohen, appeared on a version of the comic sold exclusively at New York retailer Collector Cave. It has Ocasio-Cortez clad in American flag-inspired superhero attire. Her outfit does not include Wonder Woman's iconic red-starred tiara, wristbands, lasso, shield, sword, or 'W' logo. Copies purchased prior to the cease and desist have since been listed on eBay for up to $5,450.  On June 3, Devil's Due unveiled a tongue-in-cheek replacement for the controversial cover, named the 'Cease & DCist Edition.'  The new MAD Magazine-style cover — designed by longtime Devil's Due collaborator Joel Humberto Herrera — features Rep. Ocasio Cortez, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Rep. Ilhan Omar clad in outfits generically reminiscent of DC's Justice League superheroes.  The 'Cease & DCist Edition' of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Freshman Force is a limited 500-issue run, available at OcasioComic.com. A portion of proceeds will be donated to to Raices Texas, a non-profit that provides legal services to immigrants and refugees for immigration protections. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Freshman Force has been 2019's most talked-about comic since it was announced, garnering an unprecedented amount of U.S. and international coverage.

INFORMATION ON THE AOC COMIC To ring in the newest Democratic members of Congress, Devil's Due Comics has assembled a team of acclaimed artists to create the mother of all one-off commemorative comics: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez And The Freshman Force: New Party: Who Dis? sees AOC engage in a series of super-heroic mini-adventures, taking on the GOP establishment from within. To boot, this anthology comic satirically skewers everyone from President Trump to his near-endless team of morally-compromised Republican cronies. Bonus: Activities and games like “Where’s Mitch?” will take you back to a simpler time. Earlier this year, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez responded to the comic's then-pending release, telling TMZ, "It’s an honor people would put so much of their time and talent into that all on their own." The Congresswoman added, "I’m especially honored that they’re donating proceeds to Raices Texas for immigration protections. So that part of the project, if it can benefit communities that need it, that’s really amazing." Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez And The Freshman Force features contributions from several acclaimed and award-winning writers/artists, including Jill Thompson (a Neil Gaiman collaborator and creator of the Scary Godmothergraphic novels and TV special), Dean Haspiel (Emmy-winning title designer and longtime collaborator with Harvey Pekar on American Splendor), Jose Garibaldi: (Lego Movie 2, TMNT, Captain Underpants graphic novels), and more, including a covery by Tim Seeley (artist/writer of several comic book series, including Hack/Slash, Nightwing, Grayson, Green Lantern, Batman).

Devil's Due is a Chicago-based comic book publisher founded by author and artist Josh Blaylock. The organization is famous for its diversity of styles and genres, in both corporate licensed and creator-owned comics. Devil’s Due titles are found globally in finer comic book shops and book stores, on Amazon.com, and digitally through several platforms.

Devil's Due Comics presents: Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and the Freshman Force: New Party Who Dis? Available in digital and print format at OcasioComic.com or in print at your local comic shop! DevilsDue.net