The top comics-related news stories from October 17 to October 23, 2009:
1. A distressing middle finger raised by Morocco to the rest of the world in terms of Free Press principles to which many countries of similar size and influence adhere: more papers banned carrying a cartoon depicting of a cousin of the king; trial of original offenders continues.
2. A bump in September Direct Market number indicates a static 2009, an amazing thing given this economy.
3. Lines are drawn in the sand regarding a growing war of wills, press coverage and public perception between Wizard (or a post-Wizard entity yet to be named) and Reed Exhibition over various issues in the former group moving its Big Apple Comic Con to New York Comic Con's already-selected October 2010 weekend.
