I forgot Cerebus references aren't often recognized even among the geekerati. One of Dave Sim's many Marvel parody moments, the "Roach" character (ever-shifting parody of any and all Marvel characters is gripping one of his hapless henchmen around the mouth, asking them how you build character:

"FONFLIF!"

"*Praise* conflict."

"FRAIF FONFLIF!" (or something like that, it's been a while -- I need to re-read the series again)

Cue beat-on "training" session.

http://momentofcerebus.blogspot.com/