Comic book writer and artist Jesse Hamm has died: his wife and fellow cartoonist, Anna Sahrling-Hamm, announced the news on Twitter, stating he “just died. Blood clot in lung. I have no idea what to do now.”
A member of the Portland-based comics collective Helioscope, Hamm’s bibliography included work for DC and Marvel, as well as alternative comics published in France, and concept art, portraits, storyboards, ad art, and book and magazine illustrations for clients like Hitachi, Target, and Fox. His earliest work included issues of Caliber Comics’ edgy anthology series “Negative Burn” in 1996 and 1997. In 2007, he created the English-language manga “Good As Lily” with writer Derek Kirk Kim.
In 2013, he filled in on Matt Fraction and David Aja’s “Hawkeye” #7 with fellow artist Steve Lieber, and contributed to Paul Allor’s anthology book “Clockwork.” In 2015, he collaborated with writer Jeff Parker at DC on “Batman ’66” #26, and reteamed with him the following year — along with artist Grace Allison — on the King Features crossover “Flash Gordon: Kings Cross.” In 2019, he created “The Blessed Machine,” a modern take on the allegory of Plato’s Cave, at Christian publisher Cave Pictures, with founder and co-writer Mark Rodgers.
Hamm also wrote the Carousel column for the San Diego Comic-Con’s website, giving advice and answering questions about the world of comic book art since 2018. Whether it was through Twitter, Patreon, or books sold through Gumroad, he was happy to share his expertise, despite his self-described “lack of fame or achievement.”
Many creators have paid their respects to Hamm online: Ron Chan said, “I don’t really know what to say about the sudden passing of my friend and studiomate Jesse Hamm. He was inarguably one of the most insightful people about comics art and visual storytelling among us, and he will be missed immensely.” Chris Samnee said he was “shocked to hear of Jesse Hamm’s passing. [He was] so kind, so talented, so knowledgeable in art and comics art history. He’ll truly be missed. Condolences to his friends, family and loved ones.”
Hamm’s next book, Dark Horse’s “Plants vs. Zombies Volume 18: Constructionary Tales” (written by Paul Tobin), will be published on July 28, 2021.
