In 1916, Jack Hamm entered the world in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Though he would become renowned as an American artist and author, his prolific career in the comic book world started as an inker for multiple publishers in the late 1930s. Notoriously known as “The Ghoul,” Hamm’s striking artwork was famous for its incorporation of macabre humor and abounding violence. Most visible in his work featured in the “Tales of the Crypt,” “The Vault of Horror,” and “The House of Mystery” series, this distinguished him amongst the many renowned comic book artists of his time.

In 1950, Hamm made his debut as part of the artist lineup when “Tales of the Crypt” was released. He was responsible for the penciling and coloring of its initial two issues, which ended up receiving immense acclaim and stirring a good deal of controversy. Moving forward, Hamm consistently contributed stories to the series for the upcoming decade, leaving a lasting impression through some of its most memorable tales. Alongside this, he collaborated on both “The Vault of Horror” and “The House of Mystery” – two further horror comic books released by EC Comics.

During the sixties, Hamm’s work began to explore new territories – from Westerns and humorous illustrations, to providing cover art for “Mad” magazine. Following his departure from the comics field in the early seventies, he continued pursuing his passion in illustration and painting. His life and invaluable contributions were sadly brought to a close in 1998.

For decades, Hamm’s work has seen continual reprints, and his most iconic tales have been instilled with new life on the silver and small screens. His stories remain integral to the respected legacy of comic books, influencing generations to come.