The S.B. Questionnaire: Bob Ficarra

The top movies of this past summer were all based on them, from Captain America: The Winter Soldier to Guardians of the Galaxy. And on television, now that Breaking Bad is done, the most watched and best dramatic show is also from comic books, The Walking Dead.

Lucky for us in Santa Barbara, there’s a pretty cool place where you can explore this world, chat with comrades about the latest issues, and buy, sell, or trade — in short, let your inner superhero soar. That’s Metro Entertainment on Anapamu Street, where Bob Ficarra is the master of the galaxy. He’s celebrating 24 years of business on November 1 with a party featuring voice-over celebrities and a special sale.

This comic book crusader put down his books to answer the Proust questionnaire.

What do you like most about your job?

The people! And getting a shipment of cool new stuff every week is like a weekly Christmas!

What is your current state of mind?

Excited! We have a huge party and event coming on November 1 for Metro’s 24th anniversary. It’s going to be a great day!

What is your greatest fear?

Needles are up there. You know when you’re having an operation and they tell you to count backwards from 10 and you usually get to 8 and fall asleep? I got to 1 and asked, “What next?,” and was a freaked out teenager. I’ve been scared of needles ever since.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Tall and handsome is too obvious. I try to have fun with everything I do.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

I can’t think of one for me, but my friend Andrew tells me “17” every time he sees me. I’m a Laker fan (16 championships), he’s a Celtic fan (“17” championships). I pray we win a championship soon so I won’t have to hear that ever again.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Well, it could be my friends, family, and dogs and me on a tropical beach, or it could be a world where animals and children lived without fear and pain. Let’s just have both.

Who do you most admire?

Hmm, that’s a tough one. I would have to say my friend Bill, who is always happy, positive, and kind to everyone. Always.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Going on nice vacations. And nice bottles of wine. Both win me points with the wife.

What is the quality you most like in people?

The ability to be a good friend, through the good and the bad. I have been pretty surprised and disappointed at who I thought was but then didn’t turn out to be.

What is the quality you most dislike in people?

Dishonesty. If you’re not honest, chances are I won’t be around you much.

What do you most value in friends?

The time we spend together. Laughing, sharing, enjoying. I’ve been trying to carve out more time for it.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I’d love to have drawing skills. My wife can draw anything she sees, that’s really an awesome talent.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

To stress less. And I want to get in shape so I’ll be able to dunk a basketball one more time.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I’ve been with my wife for 30 years. Ask her, she’ll tell you how lucky I am.

Where would you most like to live?

In the Caribbean in a small beach town. Me and the dogs will run a little food/beer shack.

What is your most treasured possession?

My dog Kadi Lulu. She’s 13 and has been through everything with me.

What makes you laugh the most?

Live comedy is great! I’ve been to as many comedy concerts as music concerts the past few years. Laugh everyday — you’ll feel better.

What is your motto?

Be the best you can everyday.