First comic you read that made you want to work in comics?

Definitely WATCHMEN. I read the entire graphic novel in one sitting on a family car trip when I was in grade school, and I knew I needed to be a writer.

Last person you spoke to on the phone?

My kid sister Molly, who's exactly like the character with the same name from RUNAWAYS.

First time you met one of your heroes?

In the past two years or so, I've gotten to meet and talk at length with Michael Chabon, Garth Ennis and Joss Whedon, who are probably my three favorite writers working today, and who all claim to enjoy my writing. Clearly, my desire to brag about that takes precedence over my policy never to name-drop.

Last time you cooked a meal?

Good lord, that's embarrassing. Do ramen noodles count? I don't know, college? I'm a fucking garbage disposal, and live off of take-out and delivery. I disgust myself, and my wife Ruth, who's a wonderful cook.

First crush?

A girl named Alison in third grade. I knew that she would fall in love with me... as soon as every other boy in the entire school system dropped dead. So I suppose there wouldn't be a Y: THE LAST MAN without her.

Last time you spent $100 on clothes?

My wedding this past July: black tuxedo pants and a white dinner jacket. I looked like a busboy. Or an uglier member of The Hives.

First thing you do when you book into a hotel?

Put the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door, turn on CNN to see what I missed during the flight.

Last time you cried?

Oh, I guess I teared up during a documentary on Louisiana's Angola Prison that I caught on Sundance this weekend.

First teacher to make a difference to you?

Mrs. Spike, my seventh and eighth grade English teacher, as well as my "Power of the Pen" coach. Was anyone else part of that insanely cool competitive creative writing program, or did I just imagine it? Anyway, she taught me about words.

Last time you told a lie?

I never, ever lie.

First time you feared for your life?

I'm not trying to sound tough (god knows I'm anything but), but I honestly can't think of one time I ever feared for my life. I spent the first half of my existence just wanting to be dead, and the second half happily fulfilling every stupid dream I ever had, so I've always been ready to punch out at a moment's notice.

Bring it on, Death!

Last comic you read that reminded you why you love comics?

Hm. Maybe Adrian Tomine's sketchbook. Or that "Death Ray" issue of EIGHTBALL. But I'm probably just saying that because this is Ninth Art. Truthfully? ASTONISHING X-MEN is the tits.

Oh, and CONCRETE! I've just been rereading that first collection, and it's always inspiring. That's a good answer, right? Not too highbrow, not too lowbrow? Yes. CONCRETE.

And SPIDER-MAN.

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