Co-Executive Producer and all around comic legend
...what more do I need to say?
An exclusive Q & A with Jeph Loeb 9/6/08

Jeph Loeb, the Co-Executive Producer and writer for HEROES
as well as the writer for many renowned graphic novels took
some time out of the HEROES production to give us some
insight into the show and himself.

OWI: Mr Loeb, thank you for giving the OWI the opportunity to send in some questions. It is
quite a special day for me and the fans in general.

The show went back into production back in May. What was it like to finally be back on set
after the strike?

JL: Fantastic. There were actually two steps because as writers we came back right after
the strike in Mid-February and were totally recharged. Having four months off without pay
will do that! But by the time we got to go into production it was lightning striking twice. I
like to be very involved in production show and being on set is such an integral part of our
success.

OWI: Is there the same sense of excitement on set as there was in the first season?

JL: Well, yes and no. It was amazing to get back in the saddle with such a terrific cast and
crew. But, the first season we were really out there on the new frontier. So you always had
that sense "Is this going to work?" And while you never really know, we're eyeballing
Episode 50 right now, so my hope is that we know what we're doing! (laughs) Having that
kind of confidence can really bring out the best in people's craft and for me that's what we
are there to do.

OWI: There were obviously some fans (myself not included) who didn't like Volume 2 as
much as Volume 1. What do you say to those folks to make sure they come back to the
show on Sept 22nd?

JL: I loved last season. And given the huge success of the show in terms of viewers and the
gigantic appetite for the Season 2 DVD, we're all in this together! What can I say to make
sure folks come back? I say what I always say: We're making the best show we can. Come
on and take the ride!

OWI: Who is your favorite hero/ villain on the show?

JL: I know this is going to sound like a b.s. answer, but it's the one I'm writing on the day. If
I were to say "Sylar" and I was writing "Hiro" that day, it's not going to be my best work. I
get asked that question in comics all the time. If I'm writing the Hulk and I'm thinking about
Captain America, the Hulk is going to suffer. And we don't want that!

OWI: What is your personal writing process?

JL: I write manically. I often wake up at 3 in the morning and write for 6 hours and then go
to work. I can sit for 12-18 hours in a chair and write and write and write and then get up.
More that once my legs have fallen asleep! And on a few occasions I'VE fallen asleep -- and
that makes for interesting dialogue. It comes out like tawherh;..anr;helarn.d and my face
has the keyboard imprinted on it!

OWI: Is there one special ability you would like to see on the show in the future?

JL: We pretty much reach into all those pockets. It's part of the fun of the show. And when
you have a writing staff as imaginative as writers like Aron Coleite and Joe Pokaski, you
just know it's going to be mindblowingly brilliant!

OWI: As big of a fan of HEROES as I am, my original love of heroes/ comics began with
Batman long ago. In fact I have your comics as favorites on my bookshelf, so I have to sneak
a Batman question in on you:

The Long Halloween was an obvious influence on the Christopher Nolan movies, Batman
Begins, and the hugely successful The Dark Knight. Have you seen the movie and if so what
are your thoughts.

JL: Chris and writer David Goyer have been incredibly generous in interviews and telling
me personally how big an influence THE LONG HALLOWEEN and DARK VICTORY were on
both films. Just hearing Bruce Wayne say "I believe in Harvey Dent" and seeing that entire
ad campaign and website built around the last line of The Long Halloween (not really a
spoiler kids, trust me!) was delightful. It's a brilliant film made by extraordinary people and
I'm proud of the role I played in it.

OWI: As a HEROES follow up. Who do you see as the show's 'Batman'? Many fans would
include Noah Bennet on that list.

JL: Uh... I don't think in those terms. I think our characters are wholly original. Again,
that's the magic of the show. If you want to see Batman, go for it!

OWI: Your long time collaborator Tim Sale is back this season providing artwork for a new
artist. What has it been like to work with Tim in the television medium.

JL: Exciting. Being able to see Timmy and look at things as an illustrator that makes him
grow is incredibly rewarding.

OWI: You have the writing credits for 3 episodes including 'Unexpected' in Volume 1 and
'Powerless' in Volume 2. To me those were some of the best episodes. After 'Unexpected' I
wrote an Op-Ed titled "Holy $#%&!: Beeman and Loeb for Presidents!". What episodes are
you currently writing and can I nominate you for president again?

JL: You absolutely can! You left out ONE GIANT STEP, Episode 3 which I also did with
Beeman! I've known Greg for a looonnnng time (we were at SMALLVILLE together), so we
have an awesome shorthand with each other. Like most collaborations, it gets better each
time you play. So, here's a little tidbit -- we'll be working together again on Episode 313
which is finale of the VILLAINS Volume 3. Being able to wrap up this amazing, amazing
storyline is big challenge, but we're having a blast!

The OWI wants to thank Mr. Loeb and his assistant Harrison for giving some of their time for
the fans of HEROES. We wish Mr Loeb all the luck in the world for this season and can't
wait to see the surprises he brings us!