Jon, the things I mentioned are more like shout outs than actual plot points. The story itself is quite entertaining.

I found all of the Fray comics at one store. If anyone wants me to get them, squeek fast. They are 3.00 each, plus tax and shipping.

Jon, I know very little of the MarvelVerse, and I enjoyed it.

There are a few characters who I don't know who their superhero counterpart is.

Like who?

Dr. Strange -- is he a superhero? Or just himself (the way Professor Xavier is just himself and doesn't also have an alter ego)? And who is his ladyfriend, Clea?

Umm...who's Winged Dude?

Also don't know Sister Wanda and the Inquisitor, although it sounds like they're a little unclear to all y'all. How about Virginia and her Indian bodyguard?

I got Daredevil, Peter Parker, Nick Fury, and the X-Men at the end, although the only X-Man I identifed was Cyclops. He introduced "John Grey," but the art made it look like a woman. And although I don't know the X-Men that well, I do know that Jean Grey is a woman, so maybe that's what they're going for -- that Jean Grey was disguised as a man.

Anyway, despite my not identifying ALL the characters right away, I still enjoyed it.

The girl on the Virginia Maid is based on a real person: Virginia Dare, who was the first child born in the colonies at Roanoke. Since the colony up and vanished nobody knows what happened to her. I don't know if Gaiman will translate her to an existing character or if she will be a wholly new character. (As an on-topic aside, one of the stories in the Tales of the Slayers short story collection (volume 1) imagines Virginia Dare as a Slayer.)

I wonder about her companion.

Anne, who is Foggy Nelson ? I'm new to the Marvelverse and didn't get this reference.

I loved "The Ballad of the Fantasik".

Overall fun read. I immediately handed it to DH and said "Read this. Now."

ETA: Sister Wanda and Petros are definitely the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. I'm not sure who the Inquisitor is.

Teppy: Dr. Strange is a major figure in the Marvelverse, the magical hero, and Clea was his girlfriend.

justkim: Foggy is Matt Murdock, aka Daredevil's, law partner and best friend.

Thanks Hec. I don't have the Marvel Masterworks Daredevil yet.

I figured that Sister Wanda was the Scarlet Witch-- the red habit was my first hint. And Petros has the same hair as in the latest cartoon incarnation .

I didn't think of Virginia Dare being Storm, though-- that's an interesting idea.

1602 was a great read. It was fun spotting all the Marvel in-jokes (I especially loved Matt and Foggy's appearance, although I agree that the Peter Parker character is kind of a twit so far) and Gaiman has done a very good job creating this alternate version of history. Mainly it's just great to have him writing comics again. His novels were decent, but they're nowhere near as interesting and unique as Sandman or Signal to Noise. Can't wait to read his next Sandman anthology Endless Nights.

Speaking of Sandman did anyone else expect to see Hob Gadling turn up somewhere in 1602?

SFMARTY: There are, what, 8 of them? Go for it, & let me know how much. Or, let me know how much, & then go for it. Either way works.

Gandalfe, look up my e-mail addy and we can talk. Meanwhile I will go and get them tomorrow.

I have the new Marvel and left it in the car. Will read it too.

Gandalfe, if you want that one as well, e me and I will pick it up too. Can't make more than one trip tho. Really busy week.