Legendary GI Joe comic book writer Larry Hama announces that he will “probably not be able to draw for years to come” due to health problems

July 17, 2024

Snake Eyes faces a Red Ninja and Storm Shadow in GI Joe: A Real American Hero Vol. 1 #21. "Silent interlude" (1983), Marvel Comics. Text by Larry Hama, art by Larry Hama, Steve Leialoha, George Roussos and Rick Parker. — Snake Eyes faces off against a Red Ninja and Storm Shadow in GI Joe: A Real American Hero Vol. 1 #21 “Silent Interlude” (1983), Marvel Comics. Words by Larry Hama, art by Larry Hama, Steve Leialoha, George Roussos and Rick Parker.

In an admittedly heartbreaking reminder of the transience of life, GI Joe – The Movie Comic book author Larry Hama is currently speculating that due to health problems he will probably no longer be physically able to draw “within the next few years”.

Snake-Eyes sets off on his next mission in GI Joe: A Real American Hero Vol. 1 #21 "Silent interlude" (1983), Marvel Comics. Text by Larry Hama, art by Larry Hama, Steve Leialoha, George Roussos and Rick Parker. — Snake Eyes heads off on his next mission in GI Joe: A Real American Hero Vol. 1 #21 “Silent Interlude” (1983), Marvel Comics. Words by Larry Hama, art by Larry Hama, Steve Leialoha, George Roussos and Rick Parker.

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Hama is a long-time veteran of the industry and has taken on a number of creative comic roles throughout his career as an artist.

Hama is probably best known for his work as a writer and occasional illustrator of the original Marvel comics The Joes – during which time he was responsible for the development of Snake Eyes – but his bibliography also includes stints as the main writer of avenger Volume 1, Batman Volume 1and various Poison Title, the artist on Marvel premiere And Nth Man: The Ultimate Ninjaand the editor on Peter Porker: The spectacular spider ham Volume 1.

Oh, and he also collaborated with artist Michael Golden to create a little character named Bucky O’Hare.

Iron Fist unleashes his martial arts skills in Marvel Premiere Vol. 1 #19 "Death cult!" (1974), Marvel Comics. Text by Doug Moench, art by Larry Hama, Neal Adams, Dick Giordano, Jan Brunner and Ray Holloway. — Iron Fist unleashes his martial arts prowess in Marvel Premiere Vol. 1 #19 “Death-Cult!” (1974), Marvel Comics. Text by Doug Moench, art by Larry Hama, Neal Adams, Dick Giordano, Jan Brunner and Ray Holloway.

Hama has now provided this unfortunate life update in a July 9 post on his personal Facebook page.

“I suffer from macular degeneration (a common degenerative eye disease that occurs with age and causes loss of central vision),” the comic book author explained. “I probably won’t be able to draw for a few years, so if you want a sketch, you better hurry.”

“Although my arthritis could make everything redundant by then,” he added. “I don’t have any ligaments in my thumb joints anymore, it’s just bone rubbing against bone – drawing is actually quite painful. But not as painful as signing my name.”

GI Joe comic book author Larry Hama gives a disturbing update on his personal health. — Larry Hama on Facebook

Following this post, Hama was inundated with requests for his artistic services, prompting him to check his Facebook page to see how a fan can receive a commission.

“I get bombarded with requests for commissions,” the comic book writer explained. “I don’t do commissions through the mail. I do pencil sketches, but only at cons. There are many comic book stores these days that have ‘agents’ who take customers’ comics to cons to get them signed and/or graded. If you can’t get to a cons, ask your local store if they offer this service.”

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When a fan commented, “I guess no one listened to the part about how much it hurts,” Hama claimed, “Drawing is my job. Yes, it hurts. But that’s the price – (like) boxers and ballet dancers – they accept the pain. It’s part of it.”

In addition to his commissioned work, Hama is currently preparing to launch a Kickstarter campaign for his new comic. Mounties vs. Werewolves.

Illustrated by IDW’s GI Joe: A real American hero Written by artist Guy Dorian Sr., the series tells the story of a certain “David Lawrence, a veteran of World War I in France and deputy inspector of the RCMP who is assigned to a remote outpost in northern Alberta.”

“The quiet operation he expected turns out to be anything but,” the series’ official synopsis continues. “The small, ragtag unit he commands is actually a top-secret sub-agency tasked with killing werewolves and preventing them from spreading south and infesting major settlements and population centers.”