What An Octopus Of A Thing

Neal Adams is widely - and correctly - regarded as an iconic, legendary figure in the world of comics.
He is a tremendous artist and in addition to being one of my personal favorites he was also a major influence for many of my other favorite artists.
Plus, back in his youth he looked like he should be featured on the cover of a book entitled "How To Be Handsome."
Seriously, when I saw a picture of him from his younger days - which I can't find now - and saw what he looked like and considered his tremendous talent, I thought, "That hardly seems fair."
If someone were to point you to pretty much any of his work of the past several decades it would be easy to see why and how he has attained his legendary status as an artist.
Many consider his Batman to be the definitive Batman, and I'm hard-pressed to argue against that (Though in my mind, Jim Aparo's Batman is the definitive one.  Not because Aparo was the superior artist - though he was a fine artist and I admire his work a great deal - but simply because his was the Batman I saw most often in my youth.  Similarly, when I think Superman I picture Curt Swan's Superman.).
And it's Batman that leads me to this post.
Some time back, Adams produced a comic called Batman:  Odyssey*, serving not only as the artist, but also as the writer.
It was, by all accounts - particularly those accounts posted on Comics Alliance - a rather...unique story.
Given that Scott learned of the existence of the comic (and the postings about it on CA) shortly before Christmas, and subsequently said, "Please tell me you own this," it was a no-brainer as to what my gift to him would be when I saw the complete run collected in a handsome hardcover volume at the comic shop.
Having recently finished reading it himself, he loaned it to me so that I could get the full experience.
My reaction as soon as I began reading it was what is this I don't even.
...
I may try to post some additional thoughts about it at some point, but having just finished reading it, I don't think I can form a coherent thought about it.
Which, all things considered, is probably fitting, but even so.
I suppose that I can take comfort from it.  After all, he checked off the talented artist and very handsome man boxes, so I don't think I would have been able to accept him also excelling as a writer.
I will say, though, that the art was very nice.

*Alternatively titled Shirtless Batman Explains It All.

Elevator Conversations*

(In the elevator at work. Note: The elevator has a female voice.)

Elevator: Going down.
Me: I'll just bet you are. Whore.

****

Elevator: Fourth floor.
Me: Whoop-de-fuckin'- do.

****

Elevator: Going down.
Me: Not me, baby; my star is on the rise!

****

Elevator: Going up.
Me: Well no shit; this is the bottom floor. There's no "down" from here.

****

Me (checking out my reflection in the mirrored doors): Damn, I look fantastic! Who wants a body massage?
Elevator: Fourth floor.
Me: You stay out of this!

*There wasn't anyone else in the elevator at the time.

I Can Haz Scarlett Johansson Clone?

(From an e-mail posted by PZ Myers on Pharyngula)

Hello dear Ladies and Gentlemen!

I would like inform you that Scarlett Johansson “actress” actually is a clone from original person Scarlett Galabekian last name, who has nothing with acting career, surname Galabekian, because of adoption happened in 1992. Clones was created illegally by using stolen biological material. Original person is very nice (not d**n sexy), most important - CHRISTIAN young lady! I'll tell you more, those clones (it's not only one) made in GERMANY - world leader manufacturer of humans clones, it is in Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Rhineland-Palatinate, Mr. Helmut Kohl home town. You can not even imaging the scale of the cloning activity. But warning! Helmut Kohl clone staff strictly controlling all their clones (at least they trying) spreading around the world, they are very accurate with that, some of them are still NAZI type disciplined and mind controlled clones, so be careful get close with clones you will be controlled as well. Original person is not happy with those movies, images, video, rumors and etc. spreading on media in that way it would be really nice if we all will try slow down that ''actress'' career development, original Scarlett will really appreciated that. Please remember that original Scarlett Galabekian family did not authorize any activity with stolen biological materials, no matter what form it was created in it was and it is stolen. It all need to be delivered to authorize personals control in Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Original Scarlett never was engaged, by the way!

Her close friend Serge G.

P.S. CONTROLLING ACTIVITY OF ANY CLONES IS US MILITARY OPERATION.