"[Vladek:] 'Friends? Your friends?... If you lock them together in a room with no food for a week... ...then you could see what it is, friends!...'" (Prologue - Rego Park, N.Y.C. 1958, p. 6)

"[Vladek:] 'Come—we'll talk while I pedal... It's good for my heart, the pedaling. But, tell me, how is it by you? How is going the comics business?'
"[Artie:] 'I still want to draw that book about you... The one I used to talk to you about... About your life in Poland, and the war.'
"[Vladek:] 'It would take many books, my life, and no one wants anyway to hear such stories.'
"[Artie:] 'I want to hear it. Start with mom... Tell me how you met.'
"[Vladek:] 'Better you should spend your time to make drawings what will bring you some money... But, if you want, I can...