From The Diary Of Francis Ripley:May 22, 1992.I bought a bunch of those Image books the other day. Pretty basic stuff: Youngblood's kind of weak, like X-Men Lite, WildC.A.T.s has amazing pencils, think it's the same guy that did Alpha Flight a while back. Best book, by far, is Spawn.Damn, it was cool. Guy's like some kind of supercommando zombie. Definitely moving this to my shortlist.

July 2, 1993.I picked up some 2099 back issues and put 'em in my lock box. I got a Spider-Man 2099 1 at the Midtown along with some Turok and a cold-cast resin Magneto helmet. It's fucking boss.Saw Randy at Grand Central. He said he's working at NYIT now. Lasers and stuff-- real Star Wars junk. Lucky guy.

August 10, 1994."My name is Doctor Prismpuss."I'd just about finished my blueprints for the ray gun, but the name was still bothering me. I had to pick a name before the costume so I could match, but all the good ones were taken. I spent every day after work just spewing new ones out at myself in the mirror."My name is Professor Thundertongue."I read some comic books for 'inspiration'. Not the new stuff-- y'know, the oldies. Lots of 'em had bad guys show up and die in the same story..didn't even copyright the names. I mean, sure, if you're a criminal, copyright infringement isn't really an issue, but I have a reputation to uphold."Cast your gaze upon me and know the very essence of evil! Behold ye the mighty gaz--"Someone's at the door.

December 31, 1994.God, this sucks.Becca left me. She wanted me to sell all of it. Even my Star Wars guys.Alone again.Randy invited me to his New Year's party, but I'd just stand in the corner like a dork. I called Mom last night. Was thinking of moving back home.I can't believe I'm doing this again.Maybe I'd be better off going the easy way. Pull a Kurt Cobain over the winter break.That Leary guy was on the news last week. Tried to blow up the 4 train. Mad scientist stuff. Would've worked if he wasn't so hopped up on drugs. Just needed a little planning.A little flair.

March 30, 1996.Our neighbors kept playing "Real Love" all morning.

April 20, 1996.Mom said she was moving to Florida. She said I had until July to find a new place. Got a tip from Randy about "Jerry's Guide to the World Wide Web". Bought thirty shares with my last paycheck.What the Hell, right?Randy's gonna let me room with him for now. I think I might have to tell him about my project.

January 3, 2000Yahoo!Sold my two hundred shares. Twenty thousand dollars.Project's back on.

December 20, 2001I don't know.I don't know anymore.Jesus..I don't know how it happened.I just..Randy's dead.Jesus Christ.I think I killed him.

April 1, 2002.I was calling up my mom when it hit me.M U R C I E L A G O1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 It all adds up. Haha.Hahahahaha.April Fools.

2005-5 k5776d h63B6cc8 toosTartgin to lIKW ITa litle bit more nw

All my little plans and schemes,

lost like some forgotten dreams,

seems that all I really was doing

was waiting for you.

Just like little girls and boys,

playing with their little toys.

Seems like all they really were doing

was waiting for love.

Don't need to be alone,

no need to be alone.

- Beatles, “Real Love”