Mike Hammer is a fictional private detective created by author Mickey Spillane in the 1940s. Known for his tough demeanor and hard-boiled style, Hammer often navigates the gritty underbelly of crime-ridden cities. His character is emblematic of the noir genre, featuring a blend of action, suspense, and moral ambiguity. The first Mike Hammer novel, titled I, the Jury, was published in 1947 and quickly gained popularity. Over the years, Hammer has appeared in numerous novels, films, and television adaptations, solidifying his status as an iconic figure in detective fiction.