On January 26, 1909, Jack Hamm was born, and he would go on to become a renowned American cartoonist and writer. His most acclaimed masterwork remains his work on the comic strip Dick Tracy, cementing his legacy in the world of art and literature. He passed away in February 20, 1987.

Making his beginnings in Peoria, Illinois, the artist we know as Hamm set out on a journey down the path of cartoonery during the bygone decades of the 1930s. He put pen to paper for numerous publications and magazines, plus composed and visualised a selection of books revelling in cartoons and artistry.

Throughout the 1940s, Chester Gould Hamm contributed significantly to the comic world. Crafting award-winning comic strips like Dick Tracy, Hamm was also behind such beloved characters as Superman, Batman, and the iconic Wonder Woman. Right up until his retirement, he continued to work in the comic industry.

In 2006, Hamm was granted the distinct honor of being welcomed into the Comic Book Hall of Fame.

On January 26, 1909, the city of Peoria, Illinois saw the birth of the legendary Hamm – a man whose tenacity would soon be renowned far and wide. His progenitors were the industrious John Hamm – a butcher by profession – and Maria Hamm, who dedicated her life to managing their home. He was also blessed with two brothers – Robert and William – who journeyed through life alongside him.

His father had gifted young Hamm with a set of crayons and a coloring book at the age of five, prompting a newfound fascination and interest in drawing. He eagerly delved into the pages of the book, carefully replicating every image he found.

At a tender age of eight, Hamm tragically lost his beloved father resulting in financial hardship befalling the family. Owing to these pressing financial tribulations, Hamm sadly had to forego his studies after completing eighth grade and aid his family’s survival.

Realizing his true potential, the man transitioned from a sign painter to a cartoonist, as doing the latter enabled him to earn more money. Eager to showcase his talents, he started selling his cartoons to newspapers and magazines, and succeeded in doing so.

Longing to kick start his career in cartooning, Hamm relocated to New York City in the early 1930s. There, he successfully worked as a cartoonist for a host of publications, including TIME, Life, The New Yorker and more.

Through the production of works such as The Art of Cartooning (1939) and How to Become a Professional Cartoonist (1941), he made his mark in the industry by both writing and illustrating books centered on cartooning and drawing.

After the 1940s rolled around, Dick Tracy, the comic strip created by Chester Gould, gained a new artist: Mr. Hamm. For the next 37 years, it was Hamm who provided the comic life with his own unique influence – until the original creator of the beloved strip, Gould, decided to retire in 1977.

With a knack for creating comic strips and comics, Hamm took on Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. Specifically, during the 1950s and 60s, his pen and illustrations crafted numerous Batman tales.

On February 20, 1987, the life of Harold Hamm ended at his Peoria residence in Illinois. His wife, Mary, and two children were left behind to mourn the loss. Dubbed a grand finale to a distinguished career, Mr. Hamm had bowed out of the limelight only half a decade earlier when he retired in the early 1980s.

In 2006, Hamm was honored with a spot in the Comic Book Hall of Fame, a testament to his immense contributions to the industry.