For a long time I didn’t have the money to buy any but through the excellence of the New Zealand and Australian Public Library systems I managed to read a ton of comics. Now I have the cash to buy a few books I stick to trades because they are a better reading experience (and they look great on a bookshelf and are easy to lend out).

My favourite book is my tattered copy of the Dark Knight returns. Published in 1986, it was beat up when I picked it up second hand ten years ago. I have only added to that with reading and lending it out so often.

Thanks Andrea.

Get a grill going. Hardwood charcoal would be best, but whatever you have.

While you’re waiting for it to get to temperature, put some old bread in a food processor until it’s breadcrumbs and toast — either in a dry pan over medium heat on the stove or on a sheet pan in the oven.

Zest lemons — Meyer lemons would be best and, hey, you’re in California — and chop fresh tarragon and toss with the breadcrumbs after they cool. Reserve the rest of the lemons. (Doesn’t have to be tarragon, per se. Basil would be really nice or thyme or oregano or ….)

Clams still alive and in the shell but having been cleaned. Place on grill and pull off as soon as they pop open, saving as much of their liquid as you can.

Toss clams (in shells) with breadcrumb mixture along with some of the lemon juice, fresh black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. Should be enough salt in the clam juices that you won’t need more, but taste and adjust as necessary.

Eat them bitches.