Larry Hamma - Washed Up or Still Got It?

[Zefram]

Some of my favorite comic of all time were written by this man. The duel in the sky between Ace and Wild Weasle was arguably one of the greatest battles put to paper, which is saying a lot considering it was two men with no superpowers, just super skills and finely tuned machines. Silent Interlude was the very art form of comics used to its full potention, telling a story with images that ignore language barriers altogether. The story where Destro sets up CC to get nailed by the Joes, but then risks his own life to save him because he realizes the Baroness is with him, made me a Destro fan forever. The debut of the Dreadnoks, where CC's HISS gets nailed and he has the Fang manuever behind the flames to escape without the Joes seeing? Brilliant move, and really hammered home the idea that the comic CC was a lot craftier and more dangerous than his animated counterpart. All of these were nice, self-contained stories.

Now, Hamma's back, and we've got a few new self-contained stories in the latest comic packs, and all of which have been sadly underwhelming. I know the man is likely working in some severe confines in terms of what characters he can use, and what he can show, but still, this is definately not his best work. The latest, with Cobra Commander and Tripwire, felt a lot more like the cartoon than anything, with Cobra Commander acting like a goof, and Mindbender being there more for comic-relief than a mad genius, and some severe liberties with the laws of physics (and I mean the ones THEY made up). About the only character that came off really well was Destro, who got to show off some nice Fang piloting.

So, is Hamma like a fine wine that has only gotten better with age, or has his writing turned to vinager. Thought I'd get some peoples' opinions.

[hectorxd]

Im hoping he just rushed these out. I can see hasbro saying please write a comic for this amount of money. Hamma sees the amount of money and gives them a comic according to their budget. Hasbro might not have wanted to spend a lot on these seeing as how we get 2 figs for $10 already.

[Zefram]

Im hoping he just rushed these out. I can see hasbro saying please write a comic for this amount of money. Hamma sees the amount of money and gives them a comic according to their budget. Hasbro might not have wanted to spend a lot on these seeing as how we get 2 figs for $10 already.

Well they sure didn't spend anything on the artists, that's for damn sure.

[Irid70]

Consider that these were undoubtedly written under a strict, rushed deadline AND that Hama had to write each story to feature whatever two characters happened to be packed into the comic pack, and either try to weave it into the established story of the issue it pertained to, or to create some new minor story that didn't contradict continuity...well, let's just say it wasn't an easy task at all. Not to mention the fact that he was writing these characters after a more or less decade-long lay off; I know he wrote a few things for DDP but I haven't quite read them all (though I generally liked Storm Shadow declassified...excepting the atrocious art). I don't think we can just say, "well, these comic pack comics suck, Larry Hama has lost his fastball."

And, remember...comics are a truly collaborative medium. If the art sucks, even great writing can only do so much. And the art in these packs has been downright amateurish.

[Sonny Crockett]

I'd be more than willing to draw their comics for them for the same price they're paying these current guys.

The coloring is nice, but the art, much like the stories, seems really rushed and goofy. Too bad they can't get Ron Wagner, Rod Whigham, Mike Zeck, Mike Vosburg, or the best of 'em all Michael Golden in on these.

[JR0d28]

His 1st re-issue comics were good these recent ones still good but animation kinda cartoony, but all in all good stories for example the Falcon Immortal story very gritty and gory, but my recent fave was Tripwire and CC when Commander got BLOWN UP I was laughing so hard it reminded me of one of the Cheech and Chong movies when Chong lit a joint in a car that had gas fumes and KAPOW both him and Chhech were covered in smoke and ash. Funny also CC's hood was ripped up like Cheech's sockhat in the movie and both had a freaked out look of the aftershock! I think the name of the movie was called "Next Movie" it was by far the funniest!

[paulpratt]

I think there is an emotional detachment right now. He cares for the franchise and his characters, but he has lost touch with them. The plots in some of the older books are so convoluted. I think it's a good thing to rejuvenate the universe a bit. Once he gets back into step, with a completely blank slate the creative juices will start flowing.
On the flip side there is little the man hasn't already tried, so he'll have to really raise the bar for himself as a writer to really bring us something that is worth rehashing a comic property for any other reason than to cash in on a media blitz on Hasbro's part.
We need real stories about characters that feel real, get into their minds and their feelings, and their hearts, discover what drives them. I hope the series doesn't get into all the science fiction-y ballyhoo that the originals touched into from time to time.
I give the man the benefit of the doubt, but i would ask him to tread lightly and cautiously until he is back into things. Take more time to explore the people and the relationships between those people rather than worrying about how Cobra's latest scheme to take over the world is going to get foiled eventually.

[samjjones]

The plotting of the stories isn't there, but the dialogue is pure Hama. Read the Nemesis Enforcer/Falcon comic for an example.

[Shin Densetsu]

I think Hama still has it in him. Compare the way he wrote the Storm Shadow solo series to the comic packs now, there is a vast difference. I agree with what Irid70 said.

The Storm Shadow comic pack was the best one I have read so far too, much more clarity than the twins comic.

[Lantern_Lad]

I've been reading the Spooks series, and I'm really enjoying it. I think as long as he doesn't have a toy company dictating what he can and can't do, he still has it.

[DaViper]

I agree with the comment that if the art is horrible the best writting can't help it. The Tripwire/CC art was so bad to me I honestly felt I was reading an Archie comic strip.

I still believe in Mr. Hama ability to write, he just needs a good artist to convey his vision/voice/writing.

[Crimson Rage]

I'll let you know my opinion of Hama's current writing abilities when I get to around issue four of the IDW series.

[Psyche-Out]

I felt the same way the first round of inbetween/half issue comic packs. However, I've really enjoyed the single story arches that have come out in the latest wave. Firefly vs Storm Shadow was great! I thought what he did with Falcon and Nemisis was enjoyable especially considering how much he hates the idea of Cobra-La.

[Zefram]

I agree with the comment that if the art is horrible the best writting can't help it. The Tripwire/CC art was so bad to me I honestly felt I was reading an Archie comic strip.

I still believe in Mr. Hama ability to write, he just needs a good artist to convey his vision/voice/writing.

That's a bit insulting to Archie comics, which I actually think are drawn quite well for the style. :P

[rob0213]

We're gonna find out. I think there's a lot of pressure being put on him by both the fans(us) and Hasbro/IDW. I'm looking forward to his new run, but will approach it carefully. The CP stories have been awful, but I think he deserves the benefit of the doubt.

[vadersquest]

I enjoyed the original Joe run and too me Hamma is the father of gi joe. I look forward to the new series and I have faith in him. I also agree that the comic pack stories have been hit and miss but remember these packs are aimed at kids so that could explain the campy stories.

[tkprime]

Hama still has it, Hasbro gives him his plot, and he has to flesh it out, and knowing Hasbro they are rushing him so you need to shift the blame a little to us, the collector, because we wanted new stories, we want figures quicker, so we are like crackheads looking for our fix and Big Hasbro is our dealer, So if anyone is to blame for the rush.......it's US! (LOL)!