Poets and comics: Sean Broderick wrote, ``I think you need to mention Charles Bukowski, the `Skid Row Laureate.' He was once hailed as America's most influential poet, but is now all but forgotten. I hate poetry, but I love Bukowski. `Ham on Rye' is an excellent book.

``Oh, `Sin City' by Frank Miller is worth a look-see, as the new Batman film, `Batman: Year One,' was written by him. Pick up the graphic novels `Sin City' and `Sin City: That Yellow Bastard.' Truly gritty stuff with brilliant use of black and white.''

I confess ignorance about Bukowski, but that's what Mailbag Day is for. By the way, that new ``Batman'' movie will be directed by Darren Aronofsky (``Pi,'' ``Requiem for a Dream''). And you thought Tim Burton was dark.

Author, author: After a recent column on Tom Robbins, we received gobs of mail about Robbins and similar authors - if anyone can really be called similar to Robbins.

Lou Russo wrote, ``After reading last week's column on Tom Robbins, I wanted to express my enjoyment of a similar author. Kurt Vonnegut has been my favorite author for many years. Often labeled an `underground' or `college' author, Vonnegut can be both sad and funny at the same time. The fact Vonnegut is able to not just entertain, but make the reader actually think, is one of many reasons why I enjoy his work.

``After having read most of his books, a friend of mine said, `Well, if you like Vonnegut, check out Tom Robbins.' I am halfway through `Another Roadside Attraction' and I am loving it!''

Vonnegut is a longtime favorite of mine as well. I read ``Breakfast of Champions'' every three years or so just to remind myself never to take life too seriously.

Tattoo you: M.J. Peterson wrote, ``I was introduced to Tom Robbins (`Still Life With Woodpecker') back in the early '80s by my oldest brother. I also happened to grow up in Grays Harbor County in the Pacific Northwest [I have actually gone hiking around the Humptulips River] and have subsequently lived in or nearby many of the places his characters have lived or have visited. I also met Tom at a party in LaConner, Wash., in the late '80s.

``What struck me most in `Still Life' is the difference between a criminal and an outlaw. Being the outlaw that I am, I have the Woodpecker tattooed on my left arm. I am always impressed when someone recognizes it.''

Tribute: After a recent column about the Ramones, Jeff Lee wrote in to point out that the lyrics heard at the beginning of the song ``Pinhead'' are taken from the movie ``Freaks'': ``We accept you, we accept you, one of us.'' Just in case you didn't know.