X-RISING: When you started working on X-Men, you followed a fan-favored 16-year run by Chris Claremont. Was that a difficult task?

Scott Lob: I never really thought about it. It is like driving a car, you look in the rear view mirror occasionally -- but you don't drive by looking behind you. Chris is Chris and I am me...it would be as silly for anyone to expect me to write like Chris (to make the same choices) as one would expect him to write like me!



X-RISING: What X-Writer have you most enjoyed working with during your run?

Scott Lob: Jeph Loeb is probably the most obvious answer. He just LOVES to collaborate. It is never about "his" idea vs. "your" idea...it is "that's interesting! What can we do to make this the best story ever?" Fabian and I were probably a lot better for each other than either one of us realized at the time.



X-RISING: Fabian once told me that your colorful wardrobe detracted from the effect of his bald spot. :) Would you consider working with him in the future?

Scott Lob: Sure, now that he is almost completely bald! LOL!



X-RISING: You've worked with a plethora of artistic talent, during your career. John Romita Jr., Brandon Peterson, Joe Madureira, among many others. Who do you think worked the best with your scripting? And is there any artist you've wanted to work with, but have not, yet?

Scott Lob: Joe Mad was the most amazing artist I've ever worked with! He would always give me everything I asked for every time out -- always adding his own touch each time. JR and Bachalo were of course brilliant in their own way, but Joe's art was always the easiest to script. Other artists...Hmmm? There are very few artists I wouldn't work with! I would certainly do ANYTHING with George Tuska again!



X-RISING: Your departure from the X-Men came as a shock to a lot of fans. Especially because you had a number of stories going when you left. Is there any plot that you're upset you couldn't finish?

A shock? Really? I felt it was time to go. From my earliest interview I ever gave, I always said I didn't want to be one of those creators you have to PRY away from a book after too long a run. I would have liked to returned the X-MEN to their underdog status, which is where I was heading...but apparently people like to see them they way they are currently being portrayed -- so what do I know?! LOL!



X-RISING: Well I guess we have enough on your X-Men run. Mind telling us about your other stuff? (Hint: shamelessly plug your current projects HERE)

Scott Lob: Hmmm...DARKNESS is going to go COMPLETELY OVER THE TOP in coming months, with a five issue story arc guest starring a mysterious member of CYBER FORCE. Other than that, though, mostly mini series and the like too soon to discuss in detail at this point. Oh yeah, and BLINK series.



X-RISING: Blink? Of the X-Men? She's alive?!?!?!

Scott Lob: Did I say that?



X-RISING: I guess that's just my fanboy imagination running wild. :) so what about WildC.A.T.S?

Scott Lob: Ancient Hist.o.r.y.



X-RISING: Okay, well, our time is up for now, folks! But first, can you tell our audience what a GREAT site X-Rising is? (we'll pay you in issues of "Legion" if you do) :)

Scott Lob: I am speechless! It is like trying to describe the majesty of the sun, the mystery of the night, the misery of a love denied!



X-RISING: Thank you for having us, Mr. Lobdell. We'll definitely check out BLINK and DARKNESS. Take care!

Interview Conducted by Laney.