“James Bond,” in Tim Sale: Black and White.

On the 50th Anniversary of Dr. No (the film; the book was published four years prior).

Tim Sale: Black and White—as sexy as comic art gets.

Conclusion: the re-formation of the JLA has inspired our enemies to assemble a team of their own … with Lex Luthor calling the plays. Ordinarily I’d say were in trouble but we have an advantage here. Luthor still has no idea he’s dealing with someone who’s as familiar with corporate takeover techniques as he is. Someone who plays the game much better than he does. Bruce Wayne. Let’s take him out.

Bruce Wayne, JLA: Rock of Ages Part 2 of 6. Always bet on Bruce.

It seems there is more to you than I dreamed, youths. You have done that which is beyond imagining. You have shattered the dream of a God.

Darkseid ceding victory to The Legion of Super Heroes, in The Great Darkness Saga (December 1982). Three decades later, still one of the best Darkseid stories ever.

This is Miranda Zero. You’re on the Global Frequency.

Warren Ellis, Global Frequency. Twelve issues of pure future thinking. And a pattern for how to get the few things that matter, right.

Am I forever to be sabotaged by good intentions? How can I hope to succeed surrounded by flaccid imaginations and puny minds, when my head—my head is filled with Nietzche?

Willy, in Asterios Polyp, by David Mazzucchelli. Just a beautiful piece of art.

There’s dashing, and there’s Mon-El on this cover.

The most tortured hero in comics, Lar Gand.

Since 1959, there have been many Kara Zor-Els. 

This is the only one who’s ever mattered.

Supergirl clocking Darkseid, in The Great Darkness Saga.

I’m “only human”; they don’t believe I can penetrate their stronghold. They don’t believe I pose a threat. Wrong. The wreck of my plane provided me with everything I need. Including the one clue that makes them vulnerable. I know exactly where they come from. I know who they are. And I’m coming in.

Batman, in Grant Morrison’s JLA: New World Order, mopping the floor with the Hyperclan. In seven days, he rises.

This should be agony. I should be a mass of aching muscle — broken, spent, unable to move. And, were I an older man, I surely would… But I’m a man of 30 — of 20 again. The rain on my chest is a baptism. I’m born again.

Batman, in The Dark Knight Returns, by Frank Miller. In seven days, he rises.

Without warning it comes … crashing through the window of your study … and mine … I have seen it before … somewhere … it frightened me as a boy … frightened me … yes, father. I shall become a bat.

Bruce Wayne, in Batman Year One, Part 1, by Frank Miller and David Mazzuchelli. In seven days, he rises.

Madmen - It took about 6 years but I finally watched all of Madmen and I am thrilled to be watching what I have now discovered to be the secret origin of a serial killer named Sally Draper.

Brian Michael Bendis, from the letters column in his Powers #10

Prepare to become fictional.

Limbo, in Flex Mentallo.

Superman 396. 1985. I was 12. Inspirations.

Things That Remind Me of Each Other

The big, silent, invisible clock was moving along as usual. But it had forgotten all about me. Tonight it was looking for someone else. Its arms and levers and steel springs were wound up and poised in search of some other person in the same blind, impersonal way it had been reaching for me on the night before. And it had missed me, somehow. This time. But I had no doubt it would get around to me again. Inevitably. Soon.

Kenneth Fearing, The Big Clock

Helfer and Baker, Justice Inc.

La Ritournelle

Playing at Rita’s bar, Milan (Navigli), 2 AM February 4, 2012, noted in my Moleskine. Sebastien Tellier a favorite for years.

Found 60 days later in Matt Fraction’s Casanova, Avaritia III, April 4, 2012

Video on YouTube.