Nicholas Brendon began his acting career with a guest role in Married with Children in 1993 and in Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest in 1995. In 1997 he began his tenure on the cult horror-fantasy television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar, Alyson Hannigan, and Anthony Stewart Head. For seven years Brendon played wise-cracking Xander Harris, a character who grew from the comic relief to heart of a team that fought “the vampires, the demons, and the forces of darkness.” The show created by Joss Whedon went beyond the campiness of the 1992 film of the same name into a complicated tale of good vs. evil, plumbing debts of physical and mental strength, and friends as family.

During this time he earned a starring role in the horror-comedy movie hit Psycho Beach Party in 2000 playing college dropout Starcat, a role in Demon Island, and Celeste in the City. In 2005 he starred in the show Kitchen Confidential with Bradley Cooper, he voiced Huntsboy #89 in the animated series American Dragon: Jake Long and portrayed a violent, disturbed man in Private Practice. He starred in the movies The Portal, Hard Love, Big Gay Love, and Attack of the Morningside Monster. Since 2007 he has played tech savvy Kevin Lynch on Criminal Minds and recently he guest starred on Faking It. He also co-created the web comic Very Bad Koalas with animation director/producer Steve Loter and has also worked with the Stuttering Foundation of America. Last year he wrote three issues of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 10 comic writing a story about the amusing relationship between his character and Dracula. He is currently in preproduction for a role in Chainsaw Sally: The Animated Series.

Scoop: You recently wrote a few issues of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer comic book series, what was that experience like?
Nicholas Brendon (NB): It’s amazing. I love writing and it was great to revisit Sunnydale.

Scoop: How did you get involved in this project?
NB: Scott Allie (Dark Horse Editor-in-Chief) and I had done some panels together. We had great chemistry so he asked me to write for the Buffy comics.

Scoop: Are you interested in writing more comics for Buffy or otherwise?
NB: Yes, and other things as well.

Scoop: A few years ago you were writing the webcomic Very Bad Koalas with a biting sense of humor. Is that a series you’d want to restart? Would you consider making that a print comic or stick with the web?
NB: Absolutely! My writing partner, Steve, got a three picture deal with Pixar. Once those are complete, we can get back on track. I would love to do it as a print comic.

Scoop: Dark Horse has been publishing Buffy comics since 1998. How weird is it seeing a version of yourself as a comic book character?
NB: It’s kinda crazy and cool. I’m sure it’s every kid’s dream to see themselves in comic form. But, it wasn’t really mine because I wasn’t into comics. But I understand the coolness of it.

Scoop: Do you read comics? If so what titles or genres do you like reading?
NB: Not as many as maybe I should. I do read the Buffy comics, in order to stay up on it.

Scoop: The character Xander Harris knew quite a bit about pop culture, is that a trait you share with him?
NB: I have my areas of pop culture expertise.

Scoop: Are you a collector? If so, what do you collect?
NB: Fedoras, sneakers, books, and artwork.

Scoop: Do you have a favorite piece in your collection?
NB: I don’t really have a favorite. Each one has its own individual story that makes them special to me.

Scoop: Do you have a favorite episode or storyline from Buffy?
NB: Favorite episode is “Once More With Feeling,” and my favorite storyline was the Odd Couple dynamic between Spike and Xander.

Scoop: On Private Practice you played Lee McHenry, a mentally disturbed man who assaults one of the principle characters. What was it like to prepare for such a role?
NB: There was no prep for it other than the rape scene, which was really brutal. That was a hard day at work.

Scoop: What draws you to your character Kevin Lynch on Criminal Minds?
NB: He’s very sweet and altruistic. He’s a good guy. We could all stand to be a bit more like Kevin.

Scoop: Your onscreen chemistry with love interests on Buffy and Criminal Minds is spot on. Is there a process you use to get comfortable with costars for these storylines?
NB: No, just talk and run lines beforehand and then the magic happens. For some people, you can turn that camera on and the magic just happens.

Scoop: You recently did an episode of Faking It for MTV. What was it like being back in a TV classroom but this time as the adult?
NB: Interesting, I’ve no right being anywhere near those kids (laughs). But I’m going back to teach some more, so we’ll see what that’s like.

Scoop: People know you for your comedic roles but you’ve also had some great dramatic work, is it difficult or easy to switch that focus?
NB: Not really.

Scoop: One of your upcoming projects is voicing Ruby in Chainsaw Sally: The Animated Series. Can you tell us a bit about that?
NB: Not right now. More to be revealed at a later date.

Scoop: Of all the characters you have played are there any that stick out as being close to your personality?
NB: Xander.

Scoop: With all of the experiences you’ve had attending conventions, are there any specific memorable encounters that you’ve had with fans?
NB: Each one has been unique and special. I have made some amazing friends along the way.

Scoop: Is there a role you haven’t played yet that you’d love to do? Or a character that you’d love to write?
NB: If there was ever a remake of Arsenic and Old Lace, I think it would be fun to play Mortimer Brewster.

Scoop: Thank you so much for talking with me, I know you are a busy guy. I also wanted to tell you that I’m a big fan of yours and look forward to seeing what you do next. Any final thoughts you’d like to share with our readers?
NB: Eat plenty of fiber.