This 90s Marvel’s Best Writer Is More Important to Pop Culture Than You Can Imagine

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The 1990s represented a decade of mixed outcomes for Marvel Comics. On one side, they released blockbuster titles such as Volume 2 of X-Men #1, X-Force #1, and Spider-Man #1 that revolutionized comic book history and solidified the prominence of top-tier artists in the industry. Yet, during this same period, the company faced financial instability and ultimately went bankrupt.

As the decade progressed, there was a shift from celebrating great artists to appreciating exceptional writers. The ups and downs of Marvel during the ’90s are nothing short of dizzying. While the era is often viewed with nostalgia today, it’s not generally considered a golden age for Marvel. Many mistakes were made, and revisiting some of those books can be an arduous task.

However, amidst the challenges, there were remarkable titles even during the gloomiest days of mid-90s Marvel. The most unexpected standout is Wolverine, penned by Larry Hama, which stands out as one of the best written books from that time.

In the ’90s, the Wolverine comic book series penned by Hama became a top seller and played a significant role in its success. While Hama might not be a familiar name to many, his influence on pop culture has been substantial. An exceptionally talented writer, Hama’s work played a crucial part in transforming Wolverine into the iconic Marvel character we know today.

Not only did Hama deliver some of the best Wolverine tales from the ’90s, but he also contributed to the creation of one of the most cherished pop culture phenomenons of the ’80s – G.I. Joe.

Larry Hama’s Work on Wolverine and G.I. Joe Changed Pop Culture Forever

Larry Hama is quite versatile, with skills ranging from writing, art, and music. He served in the Vietnam War, learned various martial arts, and started his career by selling a comic at 16 to “Castle of Frankenstein,” a horror magazine. Later, he enlisted in the US Army, serving from 1969 to 1971. Upon discharge, he moved to New York and collaborated with legendary artist Wally Wood on “Sally Forth” and “Cannon.” He also worked within the contemporary comic scene and at Neal Adams’s studio before making his mark on DC’s “Weird World.”

Subsequently, Hama took over Gil Kane’s position on Iron Fist stories in “Marvel Premiere,” then became an editor at DC in the late ’70s. In 1980, he joined Marvel and later pitched a series for Nick Fury, titled “Fury Force.” When Hasbro licensed G.I. Joe to Marvel, Hama was tasked with modifying “Fury Force” and creating characters that would become iconic boy’s toys. Many popular G.I. Joe characters can be attributed to him, as he even penned the back cards for each figure.

His war experiences informed his work, resulting in more realistic military comics that adhered to Comics Code Authority rules. Over time, Hama would create “The ‘Nam,” a Vietnam War-themed comic I strongly recommend you read.

Larry Hama, the prolific writer for Marvel Comics, penned almost every issue of the G.I. Joe series, with some of his stories even making it to the cartoon adaptation. His writing stood out not only for the exhilarating action inspired by his diverse background as an artist, soldier, and martial artist but also for its poetic elegance. Characters penned by Hama were something extraordinary, given his deep understanding of war’s perils and life’s joys.

Hama’s approach to Wolverine was nothing short of masterful, crafting the brooding ronin we recognize today. This unique style set a new standard for Wolverine, making him more than just another character. Hama’s talent was unparalleled in the ’90s Marvel scene, as he could effortlessly transition between gritty war stories like The ‘Nam to fantastical ones in G.I. Joe, and his Wolverine series was a standout, pushing boundaries at times and truly making Wolverine a distinctive character.

Hama worked seamlessly with artists, valuing their contributions, and knowing how to effectively use page space. His stories provided the perfect blend of exposition and character development, immersing readers in the minds of the characters. Although Chris Claremont is credited for creating Wolverine’s voice, Hama refined it and expanded upon it, taking the character on new journeys.

Honored by Hasbro, Hama’s likeness inspired the sculpt of the 1987 figure Tunnel Rat, as he was an explosive ordnance specialist, like the character he portrayed. Hama became a hero to countless boys with his compelling storytelling, and did so with a flair and finesse that no other Marvel writer could match during the ’90s.

Larry Hama Is a Treasure

Larry Hama’s comics are truly unique, and they deserve recognition. His contributions to G.I. Joe are a cornerstone that every subsequent writer has built upon. If you’re enjoying the current G.I. Joe series in the Energon universe, it’s all thanks to him.

For Wolverine fans, Hama is the genius who guided their favorite character through his most iconic years. Even if another writer is your current favorite, a read of Hama’s work will likely change that.

At nearly 80, Hama remains active, attending cons and meeting fans. He’s not just a comic book creator; he’s a true renaissance man. My recommendation? Anything by him is worth reading.

His G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero series is being released in omnibus editions by Image Comics. Unfortunately, The ‘Nam is out of print, but if you search, you can find copies. Hama also wrote a significant portion of Wolverine (Vol. 2), including issues 31-118 and various annuals, which are available in omnibuses – definitely check them out!

During various key periods, Larry Hama contributed significantly to Marvel Comics, producing exceptional work even during challenging times. His impact on pop culture exceeded our expectations, with his vast imagination shaped by an extraordinary life. Larry Hama is more than just a renowned Wolverine author or the creator of iconic G.I. Joe characters; he stands as one of the most remarkable comic creators in history.

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2025-08-16 21:18