Zachary "Zach" Stevens first appeared in the early part of Season 2, as a WASP version of the character Seth Cohen. He joined Seth's fledgling comic book club, becoming close friends with Seth. However, their friendship was tested when Seth learned that Zach was dating his ex-girlfriend, Summer Roberts. Zach and Seth decided to create a comic book together, called Atomic County, which was centered around Orange County teenagers who had super powers. During the creation of the comic, Summer realized that she still had feelings for Seth, and went back to him. Hurt, Zach made up a story that he had met an Italian girl while in Italy for his sister's wedding. Seth and Summer quickly learned that the story was false. Zach and Seth physically fought over Summer at their comic book launch party.