Lifestyles of the Rich and Fictional

Forbes, the financial magazine, recently published an insightful special report. The report is the 2005 update to the Forbes Fictional 15.

Word Nerd finds this list refreshingly creative. Recognizing the fascination readers have with the super-rich, Forbes compiled this list of the 15 richest fictional characters from books, comics, movies and television.

Topping the list of the fictional super-rich, Forbes says, is Santa Claus, whose wealth is listed as "infinite." Comic book villians and superheros also make the list, with Lex Luthor and Bruce Wayne coming in at 4 and 8, respectively. The 2005 list also includes the first wizard -- Lucius Malfoy of Harry Potter-dom. Inheritance, Forbes discovered, also seems to be the most reliable way to have millions; six of this year's 15 came by their fortune from their relatives.

This year's list is updated from 2002, the first time Forbes tackled this project. Dropping off the list in the intervening three years were JR Ewing, Jay Gatsby, Gordon Gekko, Auric Goldfinger and Charles Foster Kane.

Forbes' methodology for calculating the net worth of these individuals seems a little subjective, but the profiles for those making the list are cleverly written and fresh looks at well-known characters.

Forbes wanted comments after the 2002 list for anyone they left off the list. Word Nerd does the same...Is there anyone from the depths of literature or the film archives who should be on the current list that isn't? How rich are they and how did they come by that wealth?