Dearest Magic Words,

The only thing worse than having some big-mouth tear you a new ass for something stupid you said is to have some big-mouth tear you a new ass for something you didn't say!
    Harlan Ellison puts the pontificating statement, "I'm going to do with Aquaman what has never been done in the history of literature before!" in my mouth in a Wizard #97 interview, then promptly blasts at me for saying the very words he put there!  I didn't say what he said what I said.
    I'm guessing that Harlan somehow feels I've slighted his buddy Peter David and he's coming to Peter's defense.  While I do find that admirable, I don't care for his methods.  There were never any slams directed at Peter in any statements I made in regard to Aquaman, or in the work itself.  Yes, a clever guy like Harlan can read in all kinds of dastardly doings between the lines if he puts his mind to it, but in all honesty, such was not my intent.
    Besides, Peter and I have pretty much patched things up.  There's no need to take sides.  And if there is, my support group, F.O.O.L. (Friends Of Ol' Larsen) can lick damn near anybody.

Boy, if there's one buncha guys I don't wanna be licked by, it's friends of Erik Larsen.