Part 1, pages 1-23 Summary

Rogue scientist Marx Marvelous tells the story of free-spirit Amanda and her soul mate, the famous artist John Paul Ziller. The couple starts an unconventional zoo and hot dog stand, where they explore a new spirituality. After stealing the Corpse of Jesus Christ from the Vatican, John Paul ends up presumed dead. Amanda remains as a symbol of a new spirituality.

As the story begins, the narrator reveals that the magician's suitcase has been found floating in a stagnant pond somewhere near Miami. Within were the magician's underwear and several pages from his journal. The CIA, however, will neither confirm nor deny the contents of the suitcase belonging to one John Paul Ziller, aka the magician. The narrator, admitting compromised objectivity, turns away from the topic of current events to introduce a girl named Amanda.

In a quick series...