While this is a fictional work, it's clear to anyone who is well-versed in comics (or at least knows how to read Wikipedia) which ladies of the comic book world these characters were based on. Listening in audiobook form, I got a support group type vibe and I feel like it really adds to the importance of understanding the fucked up-ness that is 'being fridged.' I think this should be required reading for not only comic book fanatics, but also literary classes that discuss comic books.