But perhaps the most crucial point of comparison between Jackson and Hefner is the fantasy world they built around themselves and in with they chose to spend most of their lives. Whether it's a grandiose amusement park called a Ranch or a sybarite's playground called a Mansion, both are the tangible manifestation of their creators' most ardent desires; both in their own way are a "Neverland".

Jackson's Neverland is a dizzying whirligig, a child's Garden of Eden (with Jackson, perhaps, as the serpent?). Hefner's Neverland features other amusements, and is populated by wholesome, if often pneumatically enhanced, creatures from Wichita or Boise or some other far-flung place in the Midwest where the lights of L.A. throw off a faint but enticing glow. Typically, Hef's playmates (who are also Playmates) have cheerleader-esque names that are often some variation of Brandi or Sandi or Candi or Mandi (while Hef, through the auspices of Viagra, is said to still be "randi"); like Jackson's friends (that is, until the latest charges curtailed the arrangement) their status in Neverland falls somewhere between "visitor" and "resident", at least until they start showing signs of wear and Hef needs an infusion of fresh blood. (And which, come to think of it, makes him sound more Dracula than Peter Pan.)

Both Neverlands cater to their creators' every whim, ensuring, for example, that Hef and his guests can have a hot-fudge sundae should the urge ever strike at, say, 3 a.m.; Jacko's minions are also ever alert to their Boss' desire for carbohydrate-laden kiddy treats at all hours of the day or night. At Neverland, it seems, the Malt Shoppe never closes.

Another common feature: wildlife of the non-human variety. Hef has enough animals to populate a medium-sized zoo, while Jacko is also well known for his attachment to animals, his former pal, Bubbles the chimp, being the most famous example. (Poor Bubbles was exiled because, as he aged, he became too rambunctious and started creating a ruckus--not unlike some of Jackson's human companions.)

Depending on the outcome of his case, Jackson's Neverland days may be over. In any event, his bizarre obsession with the character who refused to grow up seems part of his issues with self-image and self-loathing that have prompted endless, disfiguring facial surgeries and have led him to scupper his own career. Meanwhile, Hugh Hefner, the heterosexual Peter Pan, will sail on serenely into decrepitude, surrounded by his flawless flotilla of interchangeable, lookalike babes.