by Jimmy Tsai
Today’s guest on Other People’s Lunches is my main man, filmmaker, comic book writer and artist Howard Shum. Howard’s worked on a ton of major comic label projects, from Star Wars to X-Men Unlimited to The Simpsons. He has also had a number of his own works published by Image Comics, including the awesome and critically-acclaimed Gun Fu. For more details, check out www.howardshum.com.
The eatery of choice today is none other than L.A.’s famous Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles. We’re both enjoying the quintessential Roscoe’s plate: the Carol C. Special, one succulent breast and one delicious waffle.
OPL: Tell us about your personal basketball background and history. Did you play as a kid? Do you currently play? If you do play still, how often?
Howard Shum: I tried out for my junior high school team and didn’t make it, but I did end up as manager. I kept statistics and would fill in during practice every once in a while.
What’s your favorite basketball sneaker? Not specific brand, but specific shoe. For example, the Michael Chang Pumps or the Air Jordan IVs?
When I was a kid, I was too poor to buy cool basketball shoes, and as an adult, I don’t wear them.
How about your favorite basketball-related commercial, whether it’s for a shoe or a sports beverage or what-have-you?
I liked the original Larry Bird-Michael Jordan McDonald’s horse commercial.
That’s definitely a popular choice for guys who grew up around our age. Have you seen the new version of that commercial featuring LeBron and Dwight Howard? It’s pretty sweet–
I don’t think it was as cool. It had way too much CG in it. The original was more clever and funny.
What’s your favorite team and why? Favorite player?
My hometown team, the Indiana Pacers. I like Rik Smits and Reggie Miller. I hate the Lakers, so I hated it when Byron Scott came on the team. But I quickly warmed to him, and I credit him for showing the Pacers how to win and become a consistent playoff team.
How have you liked the last ten years of Pacers’ basketball? Must be a little frustrating…
I blame Isiah Thomas for everything bad. Midas had the golden touch, and Isiah has the destruction touch. Everywhere he goes, he leaves it worse than before he came. The CBA was around for years, and after Isiah it went bankrupt. The Raptors are still trying to recover from him. He destroyed us. I don’t think I need to mention the destruction he laid on the Knicks – even though I enjoyed that, because they are evil.
How long is it going to take them to get back to legitimacy?
It can turn around quickly if we get a good coach and better players. Simple, right?
Well, at least they have a young stud in Danny Granger. Roy Hibbert showed quite a number of flashes throughout the last season, too.
Yeah, too bad the stupid coach doesn’t play Hibbert enough. I’ll be happy when O’Brien gets fired.
Do you play fantasy basketball?
No. I don’t want to root for rival players. I would pick Kobe and would hate rooting for him.
So let’s talk Other People’s Lunches real quick. Do you happen to know where the phrase “Other People’s Lunches” comes from?
No–
All right. I’m going to give you the scene. It’s a quote from a movie, and I’m going to give you the scene where it’s from. The set-up is: a big, muscular guy is holding up a fat kid. The big muscular guy–
Arnold … Kindergarten Cop.
Yes! That was quick. Speaking of Arnold, what’s your favorite Arnold movie? A lot to choose from, I know…
Terminator or Terminator 2.
How about your favorite Arnold quote?
“Remember when I promised to kill you last? I lied.”
Commando — a classic. I read somewhere that they’re going to remake that, too. Thoughts?
Other than a few funny lines, I didn’t think much of Commando. If they can do better — which wouldn’t be that difficult — it’s cool with me.
Thanks so much for joining us on Other People’s Lunches!
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