Snake Eyes takes on a Red Ninja and Storm Shadow in G.I. 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 undeniably heartbreaking reminder of the fleeting nature of life, GI Joe Cartoonist Larry Hama currently speculates that due to health problems he will likely be physically unable to draw again sometime “within the next few years.”
Snake Eyes embarks on his next mission in G.I. 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 longtime veteran of the industry and his career as an artist has landed him a variety of creative roles in comic books.
Hama is perhaps best known for his work as a writer and occasional illustrator on the original Marvel Comics outings of the Joes – during which time he was responsible for the creation of Snake Eyes – but Hama’s bibliography also includes stints as lead writer on Avengers Part 1, Batman Part 1and various Venom titles, the artist on Marvel Premiere And Nth Man: The Ultimate Ninjaand the editor on Peter Porker: The spectacular spider ham Part 1.
Oh, and he also created, along with artist Michael Golden, a little character named Bucky O’Hare.
Iron Fist shows off his fighting skills in Marvel Premiere Vol. 1 #19 “Death-Cult!” (1974), Marvel Comics. Words by Doug Moench; art by Larry Hama, Neal Adams, Dick Giordano, Jan Brunner, and Ray Holloway.
Hama, who is now in his life, gave this unfortunate update of his life through a post on July 9 on his personal Facebook page.
“I have macular degeneration (a common degenerative eye disease that occurs with age and causes you to lose your central vision),” the cartoonist explained. “I probably won’t be able to draw for a few years. So if you want a sketch, do it soon.”
“Although my arthritis could make everything redundant before then,” he added. “I have no ligaments in my basal thumb joints, it’s just bone rubbing against bone there – Signing is actually quite painful. But not as painful as signing my autograph.”
Larry Hama via Facebook
Following this post, Hama was inundated with requests for his artistic services. He returned to his Facebook page to explain how a fan could get a commission.
“I’m getting inundated with requests for commissions,” the comic book creator explained. “I don’t do commissions through the mail. I do pencil sketches, but only at cons. There are a lot of comic shops these days that have ‘facilitators’ who will take customers’ comics to cons to get them signed and/or reviewed. If you can’t make it to a con, ask your local shop if they offer that service.”
Larry Hama via Facebook
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When a fan later pointed out that “no one listened to the part about how much it hurts,” Hama claimed, “Drawing is what I do. Yes, it hurts. But that’s the price – (just like) boxers and ballet dancers – accept the pain. It’s part of it.
Larry Hama via Facebook
Currently, in addition to his commission work, Hama is preparing a Kickstarter campaign for his new comic, Mounties vs. Werewolves.
Illustrated by IDW’s GI Joe: A True American Hero Artist Guy Dorian Sr., the series tells the story of one “David Lawrence, a veteran of the Great War in France and deputy inspector with the RCMP, who is assigned to a remote outpost in northern Alberta.”
“The quiet posting he expects turns out to be anything but,” the series’ official synopsis continues. “The small, scrappy unit he commands is in fact a top-secret subagency whose mission is to kill werewolves and prevent them from spreading south to raid larger settlements and population centers.”
Snake Eyes and Scarlett escape Storm Shadow’s clutches in G.I. 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.
NEXT: Larry Hama Appears to Completely Change Course on Why Snake Eyes Was White in the Comics
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