Classic Jack Hamm Comic - Divine Blueprint

Divene** Blueprint [Divine Blueprint] By Jack Hamm. From the Patterson NJ News, July 24, 1954.

This Jack Hamm comic depicts a young woman looking over a blueprint or a rolled out plan of her life with reference to Romans 8:28 which reads:

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose".

A translated summary etched over the paper roll says: "A definite life's plan for each individual who submits himself to God". 

**It is not know is the spelling of "Divene" was only in the Patterson News printing or if it was an error in all syndicated versions of this panel

Link To Bible Gateway site for Romans 8:28: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208%3A28&version=KJV 

 

Classic Jack Hamm Comic - Significant Peace Conference

"Significant Peace Conference" By Jack Hamm. Patterson, NJ News, January 16, 1954

This panel was published at a time of a very young United Nations and many talks of peace conferences. Hamm's illustration is a reminder that peace can begin with prayer and on our knees. While no direct scripture is printed with this comic panel, the "Family Altar" is embodied by these scriptures:

Joshua 24:15 - And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." 

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Genesis 18:19 - For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

Sources

Link to Newspaper Clipping: https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-jack-hamm-significant-peace-c/167090389/ 

Bible versus are from Bible Gateway. 

 

Classic Jack Hamm Comic - Resting In the Hollow Of His Hand

 

"Resting In The Hollow Of His Hand" By Jack Hamm.
Image from the Kansas City Star, November 05, 1956.

It has been a few years since I last posted a Jack Hamm comic panel. It is long overdue and God willing I will be posting many more of them in the near future. 

The scripture references is Psalm 4:8 "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: For thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety." (KJV). 

The image of woman at rest serenely in the palm of God is strong reminder of Jack Hamm's master of human anatomy. Many still learn his techniques in his books to this day. 

Sources:

Scripture copied from  Bible.com - https://www.bible.com/bible/1/PSA.4.8

This image was found in the Kansas City Star, Saturday, November 05, 1956 page  6. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kansas-city-star-jack-hamm-resting/167081728/

Christmas Library 2020: Singing "Joy To The World"

"Joy To The World" by James R. Stewart Jr.
This image may be freely used for ministry with source acknowledgments.

After years of studying Christian cartoonists Jack Hamm, Al Hartley, other Christian artists, and vintage Christmas artwork, I thought I would give a try at a teaching and inspirational one-panel drawing. This image is based on an old newspaper ad with choir boys. 

"Joy To The World" is the classic, traditional Christmas hymn written by minister Isaac Watts, and first published in 1719. While associated with Christmas, some of the inspiration behind Watts lyrics actually comes from Psalm 98 in which God revealed his plan for salvation through the nation of Israel, and that salvation is praiseworthy. Psalm 98 begins with:

Sing to the Lord a new song,

    for he has done marvelous things;

his right hand and his holy arm

    have worked salvation for him.

This Christmas season, while singing or listening to a Christmas hymn, pay attention to the message of the song. Many, including "Joy To The World", teaching not just about Christ's first coming at Christmas, but also for his second coming which will be even more glorious. 

 

Classic Jack Hamm Cartoon: "Easter Meditation"

"Easter Meditation" by Jack Hamm was distributed to newspapers for Sunday, April 10, 1955 almost exactly 65 years ago today. Meditating on John 11:25, words spoken by Jesus to Martha before he rose Lazurus, may have far greater meaning today as millions recognize his saving power while at home instead of a traditional worship service this Easter. 

"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live"

Re:Post "Prayer In A Troubled Time" by Jack Hamm

As a reminder that in all times, Christians must prayer, especially in times as these, I am re-posting this popular Jack Hamm panel

"Prayer For A Troubled Time" by Jack Hamm. From the Austin American (Austin, Texas) Sunday, June 17, 1951. 

"Therfore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them" - Mark 11:24

Classic Jack Hamm Cartoon: "Disturbing Picture"

"Disturbing Picture" by Jack Hamm, distributed to newspapers around November 01, 1953

This Jack Hamm panel comments on the holiness of God and why our Lord Jesus Christ must be central to sustaining marriage. The scripture used is from Matthew 19:5 which states:

"And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?"

Classic Jack Hamm Cartoon: In Proper Order

"In Proper Order" by Jack Hamm. 

This Jack Hamm panel was distributed to newspapers the week of December 13, 1953. The scripture is Matthew 6:33, which states:

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Classic Jack Hamm Cartoon: Grave Torn Asunder

This Jack Hamm illustration was published Sunday, April 18, 1954, 65 years ago. The scripture used is John 11, verses 25-26 (KJV), words Jesus spoke to Martha the sister of Lazarus shortly before raising him from the dead:

"...I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die."

Classic Jack Hamm Cartoon: "Thankful Reflection"

This Jack Hamm Panel appeared Sunday, November 27, 1955 in the Austin American. The scripture comes from Psalms 22:4 "Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them".

Happy Thanksgiving!

Classic Jack Hamm Cartoon: "Pillars of Strength"

Jack Hamm, "Pillars of Strength", November 15, 1958

In Remembrance and Celebration on National Patriots Day - September 11th, 2018. The scripture in this panel is from Proverbs 14:34

Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people." 

Classic Jack Hamm Cartoon: "That Night Might Be Day"

"That Night Might Be Day" By Jack Hamm, distributed to newspapers for April 05, 1952.

The scripture used for this panel is taken from John 5:24, the words of Christ: 

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life". (KJV)

Classic Jack Hamm Cartoon: "Still The Good News Of The Ages"

Jack Hamm, The Living Scriptures - "Still the Good News of the Ages". Sunday, June 29, 1958

The scripture for this comic panel is taken from I John 4:10 (KJV): 

"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins."

Classic Jack Hamm Cartoon: "Hope the Communist Can't Offer"

By Jack Hamm - "Hope the Communist Can't Offer", from the Sunday Journal and Star (Lincoln, Nebraska).                 Sunday, July 19, 1953.

This comic panel was published close to the end of the Korean War, but it should still offer encouragement to missionaries serving abroad. The scripture used is from Romans 5: 3- 5.

 "3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (King James Version).

Classic Jack Hamm Cartoon: "Prayer For A Troubled Time"

"Prayer For A Troubled Time" by Jack Hamm. From the Austin American (Austin, Texas) Sunday, June 17, 1951. 

"Therfore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them" - Mark 11:24

Classic Jack Hamm Cartoons: "Heritage From Our Forefathers"

"Heritage From Our Forefathers by Jack Hamm, from the Austin American-Statesman, Saturday June 30, 1951.

 Happy July 4th and Independence Day for my American readers. Here are more Jack Hamm comic panels that were published close to this special day. The second panel is especially true to remember on special dates and holidays.

"Appreciation Knows No Season" By Jack Hamm, from the Austin American-Statesman, Saturday, July 4, 1953. 

Classic Jack Hamm Cartoon: "Two Men In Prayer"

This cartoon by Jack Hamm appeared in the Saturday, August 11, 1951 issue of the Austin American (Austin, Texas). Luke 18: 9-14.

Jack Hamm Centennial (1916 - 2016) - "Thanks Be Unto God"

"Thanks Be Unto God" by Jack Hamm - From the Grace Bible Fellowship Collection
http://www.gbfc-tx.org/Pages/Jack%20Hamm.html

I am months behind in continuing my recognition of the centennial of the life of cartoonist Jack Hamm. There will more posts to come.

Phil. 3:17 Portrait - Jack Hamm, Centennial of a Life and Art Dedicated to God

Philipians 3:17 - Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

"Who Wrote The Great Book?" From the Grace Bible Fellowship Collection.

Jack Beaumont Hamm (March 5, 1916 - December 22, 1996)

In my honest opinion, all how-to drawing and cartooning books pale in comparison to the finely detailed writings of Jack Hamm. The (still) best selling author, cartoonist, teacher and minister was born 100 years ago this week. In this blog post I would like to share a bibliography of links to biographies and collections of his amazing art so that more would be instructed and touched by how his work and his life were used for God.

"The Bible's Advice" from the Grace Bible Fellowship Collection.

ONLINE BIOGRAPHICAL RESOURCES

Jack Hamm Graphics - Grace Bible Fellowship
Hamm personally gave copies of his art to this ministry for use of spreading the Gospel.
http://www.gbfc-tx.org/Pages/Jack%20Hamm.html
Wayback Machine Link for titles and bio: https://web.archive.org/web/20161106043524/http://www.gbfc-tx.org/Pages/Jack%20Hamm.html 

Jack Hamm biography - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Hamm

Jack Hamm profile - Christian Comics International
http://www.christiancomicsinternational.org/pioneers1.html#Anchor-JACK-48213

Dorisnel Hamm Sims - Obituary for Jack's wife of 52 years.
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dallasmorningnews/obituary.aspx?n=dorisnel-hamm-sims&pid=138073673

Grave of Jack and Dorisnel Hamm, Gordo, Alabama. "Art and Life Dedicated To God"
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=128120570

Ryan, Terri Jo. "Baylor grad Jack Hamm combined faith with love of illustrating". Waco Tribune
http://www.wacotrib.com/news/waco_history/baylor-grad-jack-hamm-combined-faith-with-love-of-illustrating/article_b738c08a-e131-573c-a208-d714e58ab049.html

"Come Now, And Let Us Reason Together". From the Grace Bible Fellowship Collection.

PUBLISHED BOOKS
Note: Some of the dates listed are of reprints, currently available in libraries worldwide. To find out if your local library has any of these titles please look at my WorldCat listing for Jack Hamm.

Hamm, Jack. 1950. Christian democracy. Waco, Tex: Religious Drawings, Inc.

Hamm, Jack. 1954. Cartoons that live. Wheaton, Ill: Van Kampen Press.

Religious Drawings, Inc. (Waco, Tex.), and Jack Hamm. 1955. Race.

Hamm, Jack. 1958. The living Scriptures; religious drawings. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications.

Hamm, Jack. 1960. Jack Hamm's custom clip art for churches. Antioch, Tenn: Knight Media.

Hamm, Jack. 1961. He will answer; a book of cartoons. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday.

Hamm, Jack. 1961. Saints alive; [the best in church humor]. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications.

Hamm, Jack. 1968. Drawing toward God; the art and inspiration of Jack Hamm. Anderson, S.C.: Droke House; distributed by Grosset & Dunlap, New York.

Hamm, Jack. 1974. Jack Hamm's custom clips for churches. Dallas, Tex: Cresendo Book.

Hamm, Jack. 1976. Still-life drawing and painting. New York: Grosset & Dunlap.

Hamm, Jack. 1978. How to draw scenery. Toronto: Coles.

Hamm, Jack. 1978. How to draw and paint still-life. Toronto: Coles.

Hamm, Jack. 1979. How to draw cartoons. Toronto: Coles.

Hamm, Jack. 1980. Drawing scenery: landscapes and seascapes. New York, NY: Grosset & Dunlap.

Hamm, Jack. 1982. How to draw animals. New York, N.Y.: Perigee Books.

Hamm, Jack. 1982. Cartooning the head & figure. New York: Perigee Books.

Hamm, Jack. 1982. Drawing the head and figure. New York: Perigee Books.

Hamm, Jack. 1982. Drawing scenery: landscapes and seascapes. New York, N.Y.: Perigee Books.

Hamm, Jack. 1985. Jack Hamm's custom clip art for churches, vol. 2. Antioch, Tenn: Knight Media.

Hamm, Jack. 1985. Jack Hamm's Handy clip art for church bulletin covers: 96 pieces of quality art work for 5 1/2 x 8 1/2" worship bulletins and newsletters on 27 different subjects. Antioch, TN (60 Benzing Road, Antioch 37013): Knight Media.

Hamm, Jack. 1985. Jack Hamm's illustrated clip art Bible verses. Antioch, Tenn: Knight Media.

Hamm, Jack. 1987. How to draw the figure. Toronto: Royce.

Hamm, Jack. 1988. First lessons in drawing and painting. New York, NY: Perigee Books.

Hamm, Jack. 1988. Jack Hamm's quality clip art for churches. Nashville, Tenn: Broadman Supplies.

Hamm, Jack. 1989. Jack Hamm's quality clip art for churches #2. Nashville, Tenn: Broadman Supplies.

Hamm, Jack. 1990. Drawing & cartooning for laughs. New York, NY: Perigee Books.

Hamm, Jack. 1991. Drawing and cartooning 1,001 faces, places, and things. New York, NY: Perigee Books.

Hamm, Jack. 1996. The stories and art of Jack B. Hamm. S.l: s.n.

MORE TO COME

I will post more about Hamm in the future and I especially hope to uncover more about his television program the "Jack Hamm Show" which he reportedly traveled over 100 miles weekly to shoot from KBTV and KRTC-TV out of Dallas, Texas.