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February 1st, 2010
03:15 PM ET
'Calvin and Hobbes' creator: No regretsOn December 31, 1995, the comic strip "Calvin and Hobbes" ended. Comics fans have been in mourning ever since. But Bill Watterson, who created the strip, "never regretted stopping," he told his hometown Cleveland Plain Dealer in a rare interview that appeared Monday. "It's always better to leave the party early," he told the paper's John Campanelli. "If I had rolled along with the strip's popularity and repeated myself for another five, 10 or 20 years, the people now 'grieving' for 'Calvin and Hobbes' would be wishing me dead and cursing newspapers for running tedious, ancient strips like mine instead of acquiring fresher, livelier talent. And I'd be agreeing with them." "Calvin and Hobbes," the strip about a mischievous 6-year-old boy and his stuffed tiger (which comes alive only for him), ran for 10 years in syndication. At its height, it was one of the most popular - and lauded - comic strips in the world. But Watterson, who rarely gave interviews, kept tight control of his creation, so that the only "Calvin and Hobbes" product was the strip itself and its published collections - no coffee mugs, bumper stickers or television commercials. (Those "Calvin" stickers you see on the backs of pickup trucks are counterfeit.) He took two breaks during the run of the strip and finally ended it with a Sunday strip in which Calvin exclaimed to Hobbes, "Let's go exploring!" The strip, much honored during its run, is receiving another tribute in July, when the U.S. Postal Service releases a "Calvin and Hobbes" stamp. Campanelli asked Watterson how he feels about the fans' connection to him, and how he deals "with knowing that [the attention] is going to follow you the rest of your days." "Ah, the life of a newspaper cartoonist - how I miss the groupies, drugs and trashed hotel rooms!" Watterson responded. More seriously, he added, "I just go about my quiet life and do my best to ignore the rest. I'm proud of the strip, enormously grateful for its success, and truly flattered that people still read it, but I wrote 'Calvin and Hobbes' in my 30s, and I'm many miles from there."
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Anyone have any idea what the C&H signed lithograph (only 1000 made) is worth these days. The one that was sent to newspapers when he went on hiatus?
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Calvin is a great argument for gifted education programs...you can't let those kids get bored or you're in big trouble. Has anyone mentioned the baby raccoon? I still tear up over that one.
When I visit my 7-year-old grandson in Pittsburgh, he insists we play Calvinball! I have no idea how he picked it up, only that he plays it just as C&H did...completely improvised! It helps keep me sane...thanks, Bill.
Oh, the memories this brings back!! There will never be anything like C&H. Bill is a true genius and all that one can say is: thanks you for all the wonderful characters and the incredible insight into the human condition, Mr. Watterson!
Apart from the main characters themselves, who can ever forget Susie Derkins the little girl that calvin loves to hate, the constantly harassed babysitter Rosalyn, Moe the idiotic class bully, and of course, Calvin's mom and dad with their occasional wicked sense of humour.
Watterson named his characters after John Calvin who stood for absolute power for the church, and Thomas Hobbes who advocated absolute power for the state. This was his own subtle way of cocking a snook at all those who challenge individual freedom and creativity.
Bravo!!
As Space Man Spif sets his ray gun to "deep-fat fry", you just got to love lines like that... When I was a kid, I was Calvin (and that was before you created it), I had my imagination and it was the best toy I ever owned (and still own and use to this day). When your comic strip came out, by friends and I died laughing; we could relate to it in a way we couldn't to other comic strips. For a lark you should show Calvin as an adult with his own son, and both of them can see Hobbes as a real tiger, with the message "Still exploring, there is just so much to see and share". Bill, thank you for the wonderful memories; hope you receive ten times the joy you gave.
I bought every copy of every Calvin and Hobbes book as it was printed. I'm 50 now and still enjoy them with a big smile on my face each time I read them. But more fun for me right now is my 11 year old son has taken over my collection and reads them at night before he goes to bed. He's loving them and I'm a happy mom to be able to share them with him
Chet M. the yearbook picture had me and my friends laughing for at least a week!!!!!
Man, I miss those two...not too many comics would break my heart if they left...but that one did.
I love Calvin and Hobbes and continue to reread and reread them often. But I don't quite understand Mr. Watterson's reason(s) for not producing them anymore. Is it possible he's pulling a Calvin manuver?
Calvin & Hobbes is hands down the most brilliantly funny, creative strip of all time. It inspired me and helped shape my sense of humor. I wouldn't be a stand-up comic today if it weren't for Bill Watterson and his creation. Thank you, Bill.
Spaceman Spiff to the Rescue!
Every time I sneeze I remember the strip where Calvin sneezes into a tissue and says "I'm leaking brain fluid" and smile.
I teach school and I use that line whenever I see a kid with a green, goopy nose. Cracks me up ever time. Of course the kids think I've lost my mind, but it keeps them on their toes.
I, like so many others, was very sad to see C&H end. I have always enjoyed the books and passed that love on to my kids and my nieces and nephews. I bought the books and they got read so many times the pages started falling out! I have gotten replacements but refuse to get rid of the old ones. There are too many memories in them of watching the kids literally rolling on the floor laughing.
Bill, you have my deepest respect and thanks!
There is one C&H strip that I have memorized from late 1990:
Panel 1: Dad, why do two armies killing each other solve problems?
Panel 2: Dad looks puzzled.
Panel 3: Dad looks more puzzled.
Panel 4: Calvin walks off, saying "Adults just think they know what they are doing."
C&H was never the least bit political, but this was clearly a slam at Bush Senior for the Gulf War. All the comics these days are dreck. Red and Rover come somewhat close to the fun of C&H, but doesn't quite make it. My paper has two pages of comics, but only about 5 or 6 are worth wasting the five minutes to read them.
How often do you read a cartoon with so much love in it? Universal, though-provoking yet hilariously funny and tender.
Thank you Bill.
Tears come to my eyes when thinking about Calvin & Hobbes.
calvin and hobbes was great! it's just a pity no more strips are going to be made-i enjoyed them with my family sooooo much!!! thanks, Calvin, Hobbes,Susie,and everyone else for providing inspiration to me and many others. we'll all miss our favorite 6-year-old and his stuffed tiger.
I mourned the loss of Calvin & Hobbes as I would have mourned the loss of a beloved friend. I still have every one of the books, some here in my office, and they still send me into fits of giggles. As an only child, I totally identified with Calvin and loved Hobbes' acerbic wit. Watterson is as important to me as Twain, Salinger, or Faulkner has been to others. I still miss my friends. I hope one day to see them waving to me again from the Barnes & Noble bookshelves.
Calvin was the son I never had. I miss him terribly. Ithink about him often and hope that he has transmorgrafied into a fine yet believable strange young man.
My husband read Calvin & Hobbes to our children out of the paper every evening after dinner. They would cut the comic out of the paper and put them our refrigerator and reread them daily. At one point our refrigerator was covered on the front & one side with that comic strip. Our then 4 year old learned to read so he could read it himself. Mornings after he learned to read he would get after 5:00 am and wait for the paper to come so he could read it. He is now in his late 20's and has all the books and read them to his children. When our family gets togther – Calvin & Hobbes stories still come up. Thanks for those memories Mr. Watterson!
Mr. Watterson,
I would like to thank you for sharing Calvin and Hobbes. As a young girl growing up my father and I created a bound which would meet each Sunday to laugh. My dad purchased each of your books twice, one set for him and a set for me. I still read my books and we still laugh together over Calvin and Hobbes.
Now as a parent myself, my son and daughter are both avid Calvin and Hobbes fans. We share our favorites and laugh together. We were all sad to see you end your comic strip but the true fans understood your need to do so. Because of this reason, we are still your true fans.
~Tink
Zip zop zip zop zip zop. "Snow pants." That's still funny.
Calvin & Hobbes is by far the best comic out there and still is. I spent and still do spend lots of time reading and collecting the books I dont already have.
For those of you who say there is not another great one out there, check out The Mutts.. its pretty darn close and is the only other comic out there where I own the entire collection including the PJ's!
Calvin and Hobbes had the biggest influence of anything in my life. I was a paperboy at the hieght of the strip. I couldn't wait to get home from school, rip open the bundle of papers and get to Calvin. Those strips pushed me to be more creative and fun. I miss new strips so much. But I get my fix as I dig through all the collections. My kids will read Calvin and Hobbes. I loves that comic so much, I have Calvin and Hobbes Tattoo's. I know, It's lame but That's what happens when your just 21 and had a few too many.
The best ever! Sad when it ended but full of respect for Mr. Watterson. I too gave up comic strips for good when it ended. One thing; I hope NEVER to see an animated version; that's not the magic. I have all the collections, so I can relive them forever, and my kids can now also. "It’s only work if somebody makes you do it"
I miss C&H but glad to see new strips like "Cul De Sac" by Richard Thompson. It must be good, Watterson wrote the foreward to this fist book.
"Lets Go Exploring" applies to reading new strips as well!
Oh, my. Calvin and Hobbes is still a family favorite.
Now all the kids are grown, and there's not a Christmas that goes by without someone replaying the Dad's routine about keeping the tree in the garage!
We all miss it to this day, and treasure the collections.
It's truly one for the ages.
In my heart of hearts, I was certain that Calvin would grow up to marry Susie and that they'd produce another generation of wonderful dreamers.
When Watterson stopped writing, he said that the pressure of producing material every day and the restrictions of the comic page art form were too painful for him to continue. Unlike Breathed, who stopped writing Bloom County when pain following a plane crash made it physically difficult for him to draw, Watterson said he quit because of artistic reasons.
If he were to create a Calvin and Hobbes full size book, with no restrictions on panel size or story line, he could advance his art without the daily grind of newspaper comics, and make millions of his fans happy.
If he really quit for artistic reasons, I hope he'd consider doing something like this.
I miss Calvin & Hobbes . . . my only hope is that he creates something new for us in the future. Remember the strip with the toliet paper in the toliet, flush the toliet and it unrolls...I actually tried it and it works!
The classic Calvin line for me was: "Dont you just hate it when your boogers freeze?"
I have three boys ranging in age from 13 to 8. My 13 year old received the hardback book collection of "Calvin and Hobbes" two years ago for Christmas and he still reads it every night before he goes to bed. We can hear him laughing far into the night.
A favorite quote of all of my boys is "Mom can I have a flame thrower." Thank you for all the comic relief – Calvin and Hobbes have gotten us through!!!!!
I can remember the first strip I ever saw of this little fellow, back in the 80s, Calvin showing Susie Derkins a magic trick to make a coin disappear by running away with it. The final panel hooked me forever.
I am amazed such depth was possible in the medium of the comic strip.
We will continue to celebrate Calvin & Hobbes with each new generation that discovers its magic – the boy, his tiger, and his parents with no names will be with us forever.
I still miss C&H very much, and re-read the old books very frequently. It is as relevant as ever. When will he do something new???
My wife gave me the Complete Collection for Christmas a couple of years ago because she knew I grew up with Calvin and Hobbes.
The best part is now my 11 and 9 year old are reading them and laughing like I did.
Excuse me Mr Watterson, I loved the strip as much as anyone (if anything I overidentify with the protagonist) but where exactly is this fresh, lively talent supposed to come from? Because 1995 is a long time ago, and I have yet to see it.
My favorite was Calvin asking his dad how the weight a bridge tolerated was figured......but then there was also the yearbook picture and the crisco..sigh..so many wonderful memories.
Calvin & Hobbes and Bloom County: Those were the only two reasons that i ever bought the Sunday paper.
Hey, did anyone notice anything about these messages? For once, no one is bickering over politics, complaining about the other party, taking pot shots at a celebrity, or being downright rude or mean-spirited. We're just sharing our stories and memories of a great comic strip.
Congratulations, Mr W, on creating something that brings Americans together.
– A C&H Fan Since 6th Grade
The other day I picked up the first part of the new Bloom County collection. All through it, there are explanations about who certain people were, and what they did, so new readers can understand what is going on.
I think that's a perfect example of what made Calvin and Hobbes so great. No explanations are needed, because life gives us all the background we need to understand it.
"Calvin and Hobbes" was such a staple for my husband and myself, we named our oldest son Calvin–and it was oh, so fitting for him. Thanks for the laughs.
Calvin: kneeling on coffe table, hammer raised in preparation, at least thirty nails already partially implanted in table
Calvin's mom/dad (I forget which): "CALVIN: what are you doing???"
Calvin: "Is this some sort of a trick question?"
Calvin & Hobbes is the best comic strip EVER. While I do miss them from time to time, I am happy to have known them.
Age 63...'Was crazy about Calvin and Hobbes! 'Made a Hobbes doll which is sitting on the top shelf of my living room bookshelf even now. It took me six tries to get the shape of the head just right, but the rest was quite easy. 'Used orange fabric for the body and then fabric paint when done to do the stripes. 'Looks just like Hobbes! 'Made a tie (YOU DRESSED UP FOR A GIRL!) and a CALVINBALL mask, too! What a HOOT!
After yet another snowman-building transgression, Calvin walks away with Hobbes saying, "Mom and Dad don't value hard work and originality as much as they say they do."
I began reading C&H when Watterson was creating them. I couldn't wait for the next collection to come out. All of my collections are 1st additions but they are totally ragged out because I have passed on the love of these strips to my husband, his children (my step children) and my 10 year old child. Each generation adores these books! I used to laugh and laugh at Calvin....now I have a son exactly like him in every way! My son is asperger's and very intellectual and loves weird words like Calvin. He is bullied at school, but totally into his fantasy worlds. He couldn't ride a bike until he was 8 years old and he hates baseball and any type of team sport. But he can happily play for hours with rocks, sticks and be competely absorbed in his imaginary world. He is awesome!
I was in college when Calvin & Hobbes went exploring. It touched a nerve whenever I read it. One of my philosophy professors gave me a few extra points on a paper when I added a Sunday comic that I had snipped and saved. He gave me back the paper, but not the comic.
As an elementary school librarian, I have purchased about twelve copies of various C&H books found at discount shops. I have never pointed out their existence on the shelves since it only takes one kid in a class to discover them before everyone is hooked. They all know that the strip is talking directly to them. Even the third graders born seven years after the last comic. Amazing.
I , also, haven't found any strips worth reading since the passing of Calvin and Hobbes. Whoever the "fresher, livelier talent" may be, they aren't creating newspaper comics. I think that, like the writing of P. G. Wodehouse, Waterson's work is a unique and glowing treasure and one of the artistic lights of the 20th Century. I'm thankful to have known it.
LIFE IS SHORT...PLAY NAKED Truer words were never spoken, and I have that clip from a C&H comic on my desk.
Way way back, yesterday at 10pm, Jango wrote:
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Frankly, Watterson is mentally ill. I find his so-called reasons for not continuing the strip to be puerile. Wateterson is justifying his inability to relate to society by taking a very pretentious and fatuous position about why he ended Calvin and Hobbes. I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't ahve a mild form of autism.
Watterson is clearly a control freak and not taking an artistic stand. He wants the world to relate to Calvin and Hobbes only how he, Watterson, defines how we should relate to Calvin and Hobbes.
Well, I got some bad news for Watterson, I teach kids and none of them have ever heard of Calvin and Hobbes. This is a trend taht will continue. Calvin and Hobbes WAS a great strip, but without continued fresh material and marketing it will quickly slip away and fade from the culture. In anotehr 20 years the only people who will know of Calvin and Hobbes will be some nice elderly baby boomers who can't quite recall anything from the strip, as we can do with PEanuts or even Blondie I dare say.
I say we stop venerating Watterson over his decision to end Calvin and Hobbes. he's obviously a very disturbed person who wants us all to believe his mental illness is a valiant and moral artistic stand.
It's a cartoon! Get over yourself Watterson!
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First off, even though we have no new Beatles or new Shakespeare, we still venerate them, their accomplishments and their talent. Our children may not know them NOW, but as they mature, they seek out quality and C&H is quality. Also- if you DO teach children PLEASE tell me you don't teach spelling!!
Man, that strip was FUNNY! Loved it. Calvin and Hobbes, The Far Side, Bloom County were all AWESOME and missed.
Oh, Calvin & Hobbes... my husband and I used to read the comics backwards to save the best for last. Now my 12 yr old daughter & 13 yr old son love them, too. We almost named our son Calvin, but I was afraid to "tempt fate" and have a mischevious child like Calvin. My daughter now sleeps with the stuffed tiger my husband gave me back when I was away at college.
Calvin and Hobbs was, and is, the most clever comic strip. It was the best part of the newspaper. My wife, never one for comic strips, cannot understand how our teenage son and I can laugh out loud while reading the book collection.
So what is he doing now? Surely not sitting around all day being glad he stopped working 14 years ago. How could the interviewer not ask that question?
Is this a reprint? Seems I read this before. Calvin and Hobbes rule!
ahhh.... I buy my 11 year old boy the Calvin and Hobbes books every time I see one on sale. He's not old enough to have read them in newspapers, but he enjoys them on trips and lying in bed. They're great for any generation.
I've read every post here (slow day plus wonderful memories), and only three – Jango Davis, Dusty Bottoms and Tuovio – were negative. With the exception of those three, every single post was on topic. That alone is amazing and a testament to the world of Calvin & Hobbes.
My favorite strip was the "nothing helps a bad mood like spreading it around." I keep looking for it but can't find the actual strip, so if anyone knows where it is, I'd appreciate it.
i loved this comic they need to start making it again. that was my favorite part of the comics was waking up and reading calvin and hobbes.
Don't read the "funnies" anymore since there is nothing funny in them. C&H, Bloom County/Outland made a paper worth the price. Loved the snowmen, have every book available and read them regularly for a good laugh when I need one. Hate those stickers on peoples vehicles, makes me want to ....!!!!
Remember, "There's Treasure Everywhere" in a world where "Scientific Progress Goes Boink" and the only worries you have are "Wierdos From Another Planet" and the "Attack of the Deranged Mutant Killer Monster Snow Goons". It's a Magical World" and "The Days Are Just Packed" with "The Revenge of the Baby-Sat" along with your best friend, a "Homicidal Psyco Jungle Kat", you shout "Yukon HO!!" and wonder why "Something Under the Bed is Drooling."
"
C&H was by far my favorite cartoon and the reason I bought the Sunday paper many times over the years. I've even used a few in history and philosophy classes I taught as a grad student. Just recently found a couple of the C&H books in a box and now my 11 and 8 year olds are enjoying Calvin's adventures. They are timeless!
The world needs one more of your stories...actually more....but even one more would be so wonderful and let us once again find that magical place inside of us all who love your stories and insight.
My sons read your comics every day when they were small and still have your books in their rooms beside their college text books. Thank you for all you gave/give to us.
My 7 year old loves Calvin & Hobbes. My husband bought all the books years ago and now he loves them! He even goes to sleep with them if we let him. Thanks for the great laughs then and the new laughs in watching my son!
My husband and I have all of Cavin and Hobbes books, plus the collectors addition our son gave us. Still miss Cavin and Hobbes.
It speaks volumes that this article has garnered this many reponses. Calvin and Hobbes, and their creator were simply the best and have been missed since they took off on their sled... I can't wait to introduce them to my 2 year old little girl...Mr. Watterson, please know how much joy you have brought so many..
thank you
One of my favorite memories was the day Calvin & Hobbes was missing from the Sunday paper. I couldn't find it anywhere, then I noticed there was a Mary Worth style strip with the Calvin & Hobbes title on it. I read through... turns out in the last panel, Calvin and Susie were playing House with Mr. Bun as their kid. I practically choked laughing.
I have loved Calvin and Hobbes for years. My 7 year old son has been reading my collection and laughing at every page. I have been sitting here laughing at all the comments where people are quoting Calvin and Hobbes lines! I have to agree that C&H was truly unique. My favs were (are) Calvin and Hobbes, Farside, and Bloom County.
As for a movie, please Mr. Watterson, don't. I love Calvin and Hobbes so much that I am sure I would be disappointed by the interpretation it would be given in a movie.
"Be Careful or Be Roadkill"
Truly a master, just thinking about Calvin and Hobbes makes me laugh out loud. My husband doesn't get it, what a weirdo.
I agree with William Adams – would LOVE to know about the Noodle Incident.
I have all of the anthologies, along with the newspaper print of the last strip. There are too many to mention as my favorite. He truly understood what it meant to be a child with an active imagination. Other strips might be amusing (I enjoy Get Fuzzy), but none will ever match the magic that Bill Watterson brought to our world.
The hardbound collector's edition tomes of C&H is one of my most prized comic collections. Far Side, Bloom County/Outland/Opus, and C&H have never been beaten in terms of quality and funny. Those were the days!
As for me, I miss Spaceman Spiff so much...! And one of my favorite strips with Calvin talking about math being "a matter of faith" because you magically add together two numbers and get a third..."As a math atheist, I should be excused from this." Or the monsters under the bed: "How many monsters are under my bed tonight? "
"Just one... "
Then as Calvin is planning to attack with his bat, the monsters can be heard again: "Ow! Quit shoving, you hogs!" Oooops...
Too many great C&H strips to point out just one. Some of my favorites include:
1). alter-ego Tracer Bullet (she was a pushy dame, but she had a case)
2). When Calvin's dad gave him the "evil eye"
3). Roz playing Calvinball
4). The Duplicator (7+ Calvins running around! "Why, ya taking a survey?")
5). "Sometimes if you wait, they'll top themselves." "I say just punch'em then and there!"
I still get C&H strips emailed to me every day. With 3,100 strips, they never get old. One of my favorites lines: When birds burp does it taste like bugs?
Ah, yes, Calvin and Hobbes. The best comic strip EVER. Never again will I look at snowmen the same way or wish that I had a transmogrifier (spelling?). I have a collection of the strips and they always make me laugh and yearn for the intelligence and adult humor of Mr. Watterson.
Calvin & Hobbes = priceless.
No mother will ever read your comic strip without thinking of her
son. Good job, Mr. Watterson. You touched many peoples lives
and I started many a morning with a smile thanks to you!
My 11-year old son recently discovered my collection of Calvin and Hobbes books. We have all of them. He loves Calvin and Hobbes and has 'appropriated' the collection for himself. He goes about his day, recounting Calvin and Hobbes stories as they relate to his life. It's just wonderful – thank you Bill Watterson!
Calvin and Hobbes had a profound impact on my young life. I always said that Bill Watterson is truly one of the last great American philosophers.
I have a Calvin and Hobbes tattoo. It's a piece of the artwork from his 10th anniversary collection. I always wanted to try to show it to him, but I'm kind of afraid he'll just be upset with me 'stealing' his work 😮
I think it reminds me of the principles that his strip was founded on and I think it has good, timeless commentary that anyone could use in their everyday lives 🙂
Uh, TJ, "Family Circus" stopped being innovative, fresh or even remotely funny about 20 years ago. It's the same thing over and over and over.
I truly miss Calvin & Hobbes. But it's probably just as well it's not still being done, as we have too many people nowadays who take the joy out of everything. You wouldn't believe the comments I saw on one website from people who take it way too seriously and were getting all upset about Calvin's "uninvolved, selfish" parents. Some people can't enjoy anything without overanalyzing it.
I married Calvin, just ask my mother-in-law, and we now have our own 15 year old Calvin. They have shocked the neighbors with their own demented snowmen and so many of the lines are family jokes. When my son started reading our copies of the books we told him "you can't do anything Calvin does unless we say so".
Bless you Mr Watterson and enjoy your retirement. You earned it.
We also named one of our cats after Hobbes!
Loved both Calvin and Hobbes and The Far Side. The comics have never been the same since they both left. I am excited about the stamps – can't wait to see them.
I named my Orange Tabby Cat "Mr. Hobbes." I like to think that HE thinks he is a tiger, but only when I am around.
Some of my most wonderful memories are of sitting with mydaughter in her early teens reading and laughing to Calvin and Hobbes. It was a particular connection between us and the strip that we enjoy to this day. My wife never "got" C&H, but said she could always tell when we were reading it together because of the gales of laughter. We both look forward to reading the treasured collections with her sons/my grandsons now 6 and 8. Calvin and Hobbes will live again through them and, I'm sure, through many other families.
Recently one of my 11 year old daughters friends was carrying a C&H anthology, "Something is drooling under the bed". I had to take it for a while and read it. I couldn't stop laughing like a fool. It was like seeing an old friend again. I miss the strip, but am glad he stopped when he did. It carries so well even today. Thanks Bill.
Calvin Explains my life. We share the same imagination. Bravo, Mr. Watterson!
Thank you, Mt Watterson for the wonderful ending of the strip.
I understand why you felt you needed to end it but the way you did end it lets us fans think of Calvin & Hobbes as still out there, playing together forever.
To paraphrase the old saying, "'tis better to have loved and lost [Calvin and Hobbes], than to never have had them to love at all!" Thanks again, Mr. Watterson!
reading where Obama just cut the Constellation program at NASA and was hoping it was "opposite day!!" Loved the strip... thank you.
I love Calvin & Hobbs as a kid. Every year I would make Calvin inspired snow men, much to the dismay of my mother.
I have an 8 year old named Calvin. He was not named after the comic strip and is not (thank goodness) as mischievous......my 4 year old is a different story. I loved the comic strip when I was in high school and now that I am a mother to two boys, I cherish it even more. I love to sit and read our Calvin and Hobbs books with my Calvin and on many occasion I have heard "I wish we could do that. It would be awesome!". Thank you Mr. Watterson for giving me a heads up on what raising little boys would be like and for giving our family something special to share.
Hands down, the funniest one for me was when Hobbes cut Calvins hair.. Best comic ever. Period.
15 years? Wow. Imagine all the places Calvin and Hobbes have explored..... May they do so forever.
Thank goodness for Mutts – characters AND amazing artwork – to fill the void!!
He ended the strip to make room for fresher, livelier strips but what he doesn't realize is that the new strips blow in the worst, ugliest way. They stink out loud...
i THINK IT IS TRUE THAT THIS STRIP WAS AND REMAINS HIGH ART. iT IS ALSO ONE OF THE FUNNIEST IN HISTORY. wE'RE LUCKY TO HAVE HAD IT, BUT I TAKE EXCEPTION TO THIS RULE OF OPTING OUT ON TOP. wHO WOULDN'T WANT JUST ONE MORE bEATLES RECORD OR ONE MORE pOGO? aNYTHING THAT UNITES US–LIKE HUMOR, LIKE ART, LIKE MUSIC–IS A THING TO BE CELEBRATED. iT KEEPS US GOING–AND IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. cALVIN AND hOBBES SPOKE TO US IN THE TRUEST OF PLACES AND SERVED AS A CONSTANT REMINDER TO LIGHTEN UP AND ENJOY WHAT WE'VE GOT. iT'S A SHAME THAT IT'S DONE AND GONE, BUT I UNDERSTAND–IT WAS A STAR PASSING IN THE SKY. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL TO BEHOLD. tHE FACT THAT IT ALSO PASSED THROUGH IT'S OWN CREATOR IS SAD.
C&H is my favorite strip of all time and I own every one of them in a three-volume set. I greatly admire Watterson for going out on top and being so steadfast with his feelings on the licensing.
I would love it if he licensed a few very limited items, though. I'm not sure what those items could be, but they could be wonderful and nostalgic. Not t-shirts or childrens' backpacks or anything like that. But something whimsical. A few figurines perhaps. One with the snowmen, one on the wagon...
I've always remembered the series about Calvin finding the baby chipmunk or raccoon that eventually dies. There is a very touching strip where Calvin's mom finds herself talking to Hobbs (Hobbs of course looks the way he looks to the rest of the world). I've always wanted a little Hobbs in that "phase" just because of that strip.
But, if he never licenses a thing (most likely), he'll certainly still have my admiration and respect.
Reruns of Calvin & Hobbes and Bloom County would be miles ahead of the "fresher, livelier" crap that litters the comics pages these days. Now when I get my Sunday paper that section goes straight into the recycle pile with the sale fliers.
Deeply miss Calvin & Hobbs, as well as Bloom County. Two wonderfully written strips.
One of the best comics ever – my younger son could have been one of Calvin's "duplicates", so I definitely related to Calvin's mom! It was refreshing to see a strip that wasn't afraid to use words of more than two syllables (usually in Calvin's poems) and could still be hilarious enough for a young kid to enjoy. I think I'll have to go out and play a rousing game of Calvinball...
Had one clipped out on my wall for years till it crumbled. The one where they are standing in the stars talking about the expanse of the universe and then go in to watch TV. Thanks Mr. Watterson.
One of the few artists whose work I bought the instant it was released. Bill Watterson gave me some of my all time favorite quotes:
– "The surest sign of intelligent life in the universe is that none of it has ever tried to contact us."
– (In response to "What's that? Will it hurt?") "It's a cattle prod. It hurts a little less than a branding iron."
Thank you Mr. Watterson for making me laugh when I wanted to and cry when I needed to.
My opinion – overrated
This past December, I saw a snowman with x's where the eyes should be, laying on it's side. I immediately thought of Calvin, and burst out laughing. Thank you so much, Mr. Watterson. BTW, I also have a sister-in-law with 2 cats...names? Calvin and Hobbes.
I still have every Calvin & Hobbs book printed. Will always be my favorite character.
Thanks for years of awesome entertainment and laughter. Still have many books that continue to keep a smile on our faces.
My favorite comic of all time was a single panel Calvin and Hobbes that said "The surest sign there is intelligent life elsewhere in the Universe is that none of it has tried to contact us". C&H was an absolutely inspired creation.
Mr. Watterson - you helped me write a college paper many moons ago. In a medival lit class I picked the topic about love as a medical condition (sickness). My inspiration? When Calvin first met Susie and Hobbes was explaining love - medically speaking that is. I even included that strip as an intro to my paper. My prof got a kick out of that..
Thank you! Thank you! I still remember my first "grown-up" word from your strip - panache.
Love C&H!!!! If you get a chance search for the Robot Chicken Claymation short of Calvin and Hobbs on google!
Loved C & H dearly. Partly glad that Mr.W stopped when he did, a surfeit of a good thing is not always for the best. An aside; how cool is the fact that my twin brother and I share our birthday with Calvin & Hobbes! (Assuming the day of the strip's debut marks their birthday.)
I remember Calvin and Hobbes. It was the best. Check out Get Fuzzy. It's a riot.
Dad and I didn't bond much growing up, but Calvin and Hobbes was one of the few things we had in common. In fact, he still calls me Calvin. Mr. Watterson, thank you so very much for giving dad and me a riot and a chance to bond over something so very precious. I miss the insight, the study of human nature and the knowledge that came from accepting there is mischief in each of us and a great big world out there to go explore.....
Sometimes I wish it would snow down here in Miami...just so I could make monster snowmen!
Calvin & Hobbes was, and still is, a fantastically funny strip. I have all of the collections and for my kids, it's like "Hamster Huey and the Gooey Kablooie"...there are often screams and shrieks at bedtime for "CALVIN & HOBBES DAD!! CALVIN & HOBBES!!"
Im currently a freshman at college and I have to say that Calvin and Hobbes is one of the most inspiring and unique comic strips I have ever read. Mr.Watterson is a creator that I not only respect but aspire to become. It is has been an honor to read his work.
I sure hope Suzie Derkins found a competent therapist.
I loved Calvin and Hobbs. That was one of my favorite comic strips of all time. I also love Curtis, Non-Sequiteur (very funny), Zits, Pearl Before Swine and Baby Blues!!!! To Mr. Watterson, thanks for the wonderful memories of Calvin and Hobbs. Please enjoy your quiet retirement. Maybe just, maybe you can surprise us one day by bring back Calvin and Hobbs someday!!!
I introduced my son to Calvin and Hobbes when he was five. He has dog-earred all of my collection of anthologies, and I firmly believe the irony and wit of the series has made my son (now 8) much more clever and funny than he would have been. (Plus, I am pretty sure he is the only kid in his class to regularly use the word 'transmogrify' (and in context)).
Calvin & Hobbes has been the only comic strip that makes me laugh with both my heart and my mind. My collection has brightened up many a dull day over the past decades.
I still find myself reaching out for one of the books whenever I can, when all I want to do is relax and chuckle!
I know my wife loves me when she gave me the C&H hardbound collectors edition for christmas. Going through Navy boot camp when I was younger, parents and friends would send me cutouts, shared with everyone for a good laugh. Have to hold onto the comic books a little bit longer so the youngest wont get into too much trouble.
Thank you very much Bill Watterson!!!!
It was introduced to me back in '90 and now I have all the books and I've loved them all for quite some number of years now. Thank you also for knowing when to stop. It would pain me deeply to see such a work of art jump the shark.
All the books, all the memories, all the tears of laughter will last a lifetime. You are a cartoon hero to me like Charles M Schultz.
I own the three volume bound set. My grand daughter and her friends love it. I want it back.
Great comments and tributes here to a great enterprise.
I love C&H to this day. With all the mentions of comparisons, the only other strip that gets me laughing, thinking and the deja vous all over is Dilbert. Thank God they're still around and with new technologies coming out of the woodwork everyday, new trends etc.., they'll have plenty of material for a long time.
Thanks for the interview/update...it was great to be reminded about this wonderful body of work – Calvin & Hobbs. I have most of the books and still skim through them when I can find time. They are as funny now as they were when the strips ran in the paper. This was my dads favorite strip, unfortunately he wasn't around long enough to really see where you took Calvin, but he enjoyed every strip he read – his laughter got me started on it many years ago. AND, finally, thanks for not going all commercial with the strip characters – coffee mugs, dolls, etc., it has truly made me appreciate more what a gem it is, even today. Thank you.
Thanks for the interview/update...it was great to be reminded about this wonderful body of work – Calvin & Hobbs. I have most of the books and still skim through them when I can find time. They are as funny now as they were when the strips ran in the paper. This was my dads favorite strip, unfortunately he wasn't around long enough to really see where you took Calvin, but he enjoyed every strip he read – his laughter got me started on it many years ago. AND, finally, thanks for not going all commercial with the strip characters – coffee mugs, dolls, etc., it has truly made me appreciate more what it gem it is, even today. Thank you.
C&H touched many people in many ways. My daughter, now 20, learned to read using C&H. This past Christmas, she was home from University and had been out late. When I got up in the morning I found on the kitchen table a cup, spent tea bag and Calvin and Hobbs. Nothings replaced it. Thank you Bill.
Simply, the greatest comic strip ever written. I say we slip Watterson a micky to get him to give up his rights on the strip in order to get a full length movie made based on Bill’s original work. Come-on, you know there is a 6-old boy out there greedily wringing his hands in agreement!
ummm.....transmogrifier anybody?
It must have been around the mid-nineties when sarcasm took the place of reasoned philosophy in American entertainment.
Animaniacs ended, Spongebob Squarepants emerged.
The Cosby Show disappeared, reality TV began.
Star Trek:TNG ended, Ghost Hunters began.
The Discovery Channel now tries to pass The Deadliest Catch as edutainment.
How rare it is now to find good money behind a socially redeemable project.
Calvin and Hobbes shows that if you are a great cartoonist you creation lives forever....the strips are as relevant today as they were in 1995.
I have all the books. The humor is timeless.
This may seem trite but, after much frustration trying to get my boys to learn to read, especially on their own....I got them hooked on the Calvin and Hobbes collections and, once hooked, they could not put them down. So, thanks for the years of humor and helping me get my kids to enjoy reading.
I wore a C & H themed Grateful Dead t-shirt when I bungee jumped 288 ft in 1992.......it just seemed appropriate
Here's the true testament to the genius of Watterson: In todays cynical society, not one person has left a negative comment here. Bravo!
Calvin and Hobbes brought me to a place where everything was happy and bright in my Childhood. If I am ever down, I pick up a book of strips and lose myself again in that good place.
When I was in college in the late 80s my girlfriend started sending me "C&H" collection books. I was into "Bloom County" at the time, but after being convinced by her to give "C&H" a chance, I became a fan.
This was one of the last strips that was just laugh-out-loud funny, though it's not quite as much so when you actually become a parent and learn that Calvin is not terribly unlike most children his age. But that's also what makes the strip so great, as there's nothing quite like a child's imagination.
Hi Mr. Watterson,
It's so ironic that I read this article on Feb.2. My autistic 8 yr. old son is in love with the strip, especially the Spaceman Spiff. We have 4 or 5 of your books. What's ironic is I promised him a Hobbes for Valintines Day and that's all I hear about everyday, how he wants it now and/or for me to just buy it and not give it to him just so he knows it's in the house. There is even a message over his bed, "Welcome Home Hobbes" with a real picture of a tiger. Thanks for your work. Although I wish you had all the mugs and stuffed animals. It would bring delight to my son but truly understand, I'm a fine artist.
I was introduced to Calvin and Hobbs in my 40's by my father – I'm now 71. He sent me a strip showing Calvin and Hobbs in bed, with Calvin wondering about the meaning of life and asking "why are we here?" – to which Hobbs, opening one eye, responds "Tiger food". The last frame shows Calvin wide-eyed, rigid and fully awake next to a sleeping Hobbs, who is wearing just a hint of a smile.
My father's comment was "This guy (Watterson) really knows small boys".
I still have that strip in a safe place.
Calvin & Hobbs brought me much needed laughter during a very sad and lonely period of my life. When it was discontinued, it was like losing friends. I had the last strip laminated and still have it. I will always be grateful to you Mr. Watterson. And no, as much as I try, I can't get my face to freeze in a horrible scowl either.
Whenever I think of Calvin and Hobbes i remember the imagination of a little boy who can bring a rambunctious smart aleck tiger to life. My favorite strip is of Calvin doing his homework and then the book comes to life with teeth and eats his homework. The next morning he is trying to explain to his teacher that the book ate his homework. Something similar happened to my daughter when she was in 8th grade and our Amazon parrot ate her homework. She even took it to school to prove it to the teacher. She had already made a clean copy however but she wanted full credit. I always loved how that tiger ambushed him every day when he got home from school and in the next frame his parents are in the room and Hobbes is just a floppy toy stuffed tiger in his arms. The imagination that Watterson has has given us all hope for the child in us to live on.
A great carttoon for sure.
I personally like Tim Burton's work, and wrote a thing about how doodling can lead to art (in Tim's case, a whole career) Here's the article: http://www.vortexpuddle.com/
Thank you , Bill for not pulling a "For Better or Worse" or "Garfield". Jim Davis and Lynn Johnston could learn from your knowing when to call it quits.
Siiiiiiiigh.
Dec. 31, 1995 was the last time I read the comic section of a newspaper.
We named our now-18-year-old son Calvin after this strip. He has certainly lived up to his name! Thank you, Bill.
Calvin's exploits have always been my favorites and my kids love their books as much as I do. Thank you Bill Watterson!
As an aside, husband and I think that Jeremy in the Zits comic strip is channeling a bit of Calvin's spirit! Check it out.
Tried to think of a favorite piece....but how could I possibly choose one giggle over another? Although, to this day, after almost every sneeze, as I pull my hand from covering my mouth, I feel like I should look into my palm and say...."whew, no brains".
Wow, not an unkind word in the lot! There was no second best. I would check out Herman and the Lockhorns, but when C&H went, I stopped reading the newspaper. I hope for his parents' sake the strip wasn't too autobiographical. I still greet my niece with a big "KAPOW"! My favorite moment is Calvin's face when he realizes Hobbes is dreaming about food.
My 11 year old son, not a fan of reading, absolutely LOVES Calvin & Hobbes! He has a couples book of the comic strips and will check it out at the school library regularly...Thanks for making a reader out of him!
Cool deal, he went out on top (see Kurt Warner) instead of milking it to death. (see Doonesbury)
When Calvin and Hobbes stopped running something died within me, my life tanked out completely. I have since been divorced twice and now I live in a card board box just outside of town. Bill Watterson crushed my dreams when he decided to abandon his mission to the world.
"Whats the point in wearing your favorite space ship underwear if no body gets to see them?"
Thank you for making us laugh and look into ourselves. From one of my many favorites:
Ring ring, it is four o' clock in the morning do you know where your kid is? Calvin escapes his room with the knotted bedsheets.
I've loved Calvin & Hobbes since I was too young to understand the jokes. I now love it even more that I get them. I'm glad he retired it before it got repetitive, and didn't sell out.
Growing up in the 80s my parents helped teach me to read with Calvin & Hobbs books. Genuinely brought up with it... thanks for not sucking Bill.
What's interesting is that Calvin and Hobbes was so popular when it often gave subtle voice to atheistic themes. I wonder if Christian readers just failed to pick up on these.
I remember first being introduced to Calvin and Hobbes through a friend, who is a die hard fan. I immediately took to the two characters and knew I'd found a way to keep me in stitches even on my worst day. When word got out that the comic strip was ending, so was my everyday as i knew it. At some point down the road, maybe real soon I hope Mr. Watterson will become extremely bored of his daily routine and decide to bring a new and much anticipated life back to the dynamic duo! Im glad i got to know them before they went exploring! Thanks! Mr. Watterson for making this 42 year old's days a helluva lot more manageable. Tell 'em I said hello and that I hope retirement is boring for them.
I have never been a fan of comics of any sort, except for Calvin & Hobbes. There was just something about the way the boy's imagination took over and opened up so many different worlds for him. I absolutley will forever be a fan. Well done Mr. Watterson, and thank you. Brilliant!
Calvin and Hobbes remains one of the all-time great works IMHO. I have always loved it, and have passed that love onto my son who has a stuffed zebra that reminds us both of Hobbes. My son can't get enough of Calvin and Hobbes, and even makes comments like, "that's what Calvin would have said" when he cracks a particluarly witty joke or comment. Watterson, we miss your work but are thankful all the same for what you gave us! Congratulations and God bless!
Always loved the strip and I purchased all of the C&H books.. As a matter of fact, I found those books the other day, and started going though them again. I actually have a tattoo of Hobbes about to pounce on Calvin as he is running away... Actually a tattoo that I am not afraid to explain to my kids... lol
Thanks again Mr. Watterson for the joy that you have brought me and millions of others with your stories of a boy and his pet tiger... It was truly a blessing..
I like to think that Zits is Calvin as a teenager. It hasn't got the depth of C&H, but that way I can keep in touch. Sort of.
Is the greatest book ever published the Complete Calvin & Hobbes or the Complete Far Side. I can't decide.
Thank you Mr. Watterson for giving us a little boy with a wonderful imagination. I enjoyed reading his adventures everyday. When our paper quit putting the strip in the comics, my grandmother would cut them out and mail them to me. I loved getting that envelope with a week's worth of the strips. My granny loved Calvin as much as I did. I would read them and then call her to talk about them. I always said I wanted a little boy just like Calvin and I got my wish. My son is just as creative as Calvin and though it's not a tiger he carries around it's close enough for me.
Like so many young parents trying to reach their children, 15 years ago both my sons learned to read – by my reading aloud "Calvin and Hobbes" comic strips to them. The collections were perfect – the illustrations the most honest, funny and enriching material that my sons could relate to. Many thanks to the author. Now both my boys attend college and are writing their own works – and THRIVING!
I can't say I'm a die-hard fan who has all the books or read the strip religiously, but I do have a particular C&H strip (no need to mention which one) that I cut out of the paper and will keep in my wallet until the day I die. I carry around plenty of profound quotes in my head, but nothing tops the the wisdom of a particular 6 year old boy and his stuffed tiger.
I miss the witty repartee, but I will reread C&H forever.
The best of all, though, were the snowman comics. The humor on display when Calvin makes snowmen ... I smile just to think about it.
Mr. Watterson, we love you - AND Calvin. AND Hobbes.
loved calvin and hobbes! i had a few books when i was young, saved them, and now my 8-year-old son reads them all the time. such a classic strip. i still laugh over so many strips that were written.
I'll never forget setting up a tent in my parent's backyard and reading C&H books all night long with a flashlight.
Thank you Mr. Watterson for all of the great hours of my youth spent reading your comics.
I still miss Calvin & Hobbes. I have all the books and introduced my own kids to them. They both love it.
Sigh... I wish Calvin and Hobbes would come back from their exploring and report their adventures!
It still angers me every time I see a pickup truck with Calvin urinating on some other auto brand.
I love Calvin and Hobbes cartoons. I also have some of the books. I am a mother of 3 and my middle daughter (10 yrs old) reads your comic strips and books constantly – over and over again. Thank you for creating the characters and inspiring us all!
I can't pass any snowman (even a "normal" one) without thinking of Calvin and Hobbes!
The humor of Calvin & Hobbes overshadowed the brilliance of the the drawing. That level of creativity, technical talent and subtle detail applied to comics will not likely ever be duplicated. His ability to depict movement and action in a static image was absolute artistic genius.
I was privileged to graduate high school with Bill Waterson (our school mascot was a tiger, and Bill developed his tiger drawing skills sketching for the school paper) and I'm the proud owner of a signed yearbook covered with his early artwork.
I can assure you all that the humble yet insightful comic wisdom you read in C & H strips accurately reflects their creator. Even as a teen Bill's quiet brilliance shone through, with a healthy dose of whackiness.
My most vivid image is of Bill circling the roller rink with a length of rope securing a large pillow to his hindside....
His art may be history but his view of the world lives on
I have never posted on this site, but cannot let this story pass without sharing my favorite strip. Calvin runs around trying to catch a butterfly in a jar. When he finally gets it, Hobbes comments that man would put a rainbow in a cage if they could. Calvin then releases the butterfly.
My brother is a huge C&H fan. He said he wants a Calvin & Hobbes cartoon on his gravestone and the words "The Days Are Just Packed!" engraved on it. I think its a great plan. Growing up, we both read the paper everyday & would always read C&H together & laugh over the daily cartoon strip. I cried when the strip ended.
My husband and I loved C&H, and we bought all of the collections as they came out. Once our kids were old enough to read, they were just as drawn to these collections as we we still were. The stories were fun, exciting, endearing, and the art was breathtaking!
I wasn't even into comics when that strip came out. Now I have every book of it and it is by far my favorite comic. It shows the joy of childhood and a hysterical guideline to how the 6-year-old imagination really works. I do wish that Bill would come back and write more of the series, though.
A treasure, i will share the collections with my children. I was sad when it ended but I am glad it wen tout on top and in the creative direction the cartoonist wanted. Bravo.
Mark
Best. Comic. Ever.
Thank you so much.
Frankly, Watterson is mentally ill. I find his so-called reasons for not continuing the strip to be puerile. Wateterson is justifying his inability to relate to society by taking a very pretentious and fatuous position about why he ended Calvin and Hobbes. I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't ahve a mild form of autism.
Watterson is clearly a control freak and not taking an artistic stand. He wants the world to relate to Calvin and Hobbes only how he, Watterson, defines how we should relate to Calvin and Hobbes.
Well, I got some bad news for Watterson, I teach kids and none of them have ever heard of Calvin and Hobbes. This is a trend taht will continue. Calvin and Hobbes WAS a great strip, but without continued fresh material and marketing it will quickly slip away and fade from the culture. In anotehr 20 years the only people who will know of Calvin and Hobbes will be some nice elderly baby boomers who can't quite recall anything from the strip, as we can do with PEanuts or even Blondie I dare say.
I say we stop venerating Watterson over his decision to end Calvin and Hobbes. he's obviously a very disturbed person who wants us all to believe his mental illness is a valiant and moral artistic stand.
It's a cartoon! Get over yourself Watterson!
I loved, loved, LOVED the strip, and last year, my sister, her husband and I built two snowmen, one across the driveway with a cannon, which had shot a hole through the other snowman across the driveway–you true Calvin and Hobbes' fans know the ones! People slowly drove by for DAYS and took pics! I miss C & H!
Loved Calvin and Hobbes, sad to see it go but I understand why he stopped, especially after reading the Tenth Anniversary book. I would like to see Mr. Watterson do some new strips written for a collection only, kind of a at his own pace type of thing.
LOVED, LOVED, LOVED C&H!!!
The Transmogrifier and the snowman hall of horrors.
That strip was pure genius – it was so easy to really connect with the characters – Calvin, Hobbes, his parents, etc.
I'm going to go home and dig out my C&H books and read them again!
I admire Watterson for his philosophy against the monstrous syndicate. He'd rather let C&H die than commercialize C&H. In these days and ages, how many men out there whose dignity can't be bought by money?
I also enjoy Dilbert but I feel cheap. In C&H, I see the ingenuity and purity.
Always a fan, thanks. Oh and I'm glad no one made this political, at least from the few posts I saw.
I quit reading the comic after C&H went exploring.
I had a professor in college who started every class off with a Calvin and Hobbes adventure. He had the best voices for Calvin and Hobbes as he read them to us. It was a little bit of fun we all enjoyed before diving into our studies for the day. I think some of the students had too much fun with the strip because during the winter you would occasionally see recreations of Calvin's snowmen on campus. Calvin and Hobbes brings back so many great memories.
My Asperger's son loves these books, and thier wisdom has helped me appreciate his individuality, be a better parent to him, and has helped him relate to the world. This "comic" is great literature.
Calvin & Hobbs was pure art and humor mixed to perfection.
Yes, I miss it badly but it had a great run and is pure in our hearts & memories.
Better that than fading like so many others.
Face it, Doonesbury should have been killed off 25 years ago...
I'm content glancing at old collections once in a while and knowig that C&H are still out there finding new adventures in our imaginations.
Enjoy your life, Mr. Watterson, you added much to ours.
I'm a twelve-year-old, and I love the intelligent yet laugh-out-loud funny discourse that Calvin and Hobbes have–it isn't "dumbed down" at all. It's not just funny dialogue, though–it's the drawings, the way the words sound, the emotions that play out on characters' faces (especially when Calvin scowls). One of my favorite lines from Calvin and Hobbes is when Calvin asks Susie Derkins, "What's it like being a girl? Is it like being a bug?"
Watterson knew when to quit. Unlike other 80's cartoonists (cough Berkeley Breathed cough.)
My son learned to read to Calvin and Hobbes, and I have priceless memories of the countless nights I spent reading these to him.
I started reading Calvin and Hobbes in 2nd grade and love the comic to this day. My favorite is when Calvin says:
Here I am, happy and content.
But not euphoric.
So now I am no longer content, I'm unhappy.
I need to stop thinking while I'm ahead.
Calvin helped me improve my vocabulary with his big words.
I would read you every day...I have all your books...and loved it all...but I have to say my favorite was when Calvin makes a few faces and says..."Don't you just hate it when your boogers freeze"...That strip was priceless and I still have it on my desk...Thank you Mr. Watterson...you still put a smile on my face...
Ok every one...try to say "Hello Kitty" and not smile...the simple things in life are really the best....Smile....
To this day. Whenever someone asks me. "What ya got for lunch." I reply, a cross section of a Dachshund.
I'm a 40 year old cynic with a Master's Degree who's read Calvin & Hobbes since I was a kid. Now, the very first book my 9 year old happy go lucky son chose to buy, with his own saved allowance, was Calvin and Hobbes so we could laugh and cry and scream and talk when we read it. Thank you. Words aren't enough. Every panel has been a gift.
Calvin and Hobbs was enjoyed by millions. It had an appeal that was shared by family members young and old. People saw themselves in Calvin and Hobbs. Revisit the strips today and the humor is timeless. How many undertakings can say that and be universally accepted?
I am sure that there are generations of small boys who learned to read and find themselves through Calvin and Hobbs. Deborah, who lost her Son in 2002, has a special place for Calvin and Hobbs.
Bill Watterson had ( likely has) a unique gift. This is the ability to see life's experiences and express them through the imagination of a boy and his closest friend.
While the author is miles away from his 30's.... these miles are filled with experiences and humorous insite that are much in need now.
Today was not a particulary good day for me (I work on the Constellation Program [ http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/space/02/01/nasa.budget.moon/index.html ]) but I instinctively headed for one of my favorite C&H books for some solace involving Spaceman Spiff and a fuzzy tiger. Then, I saw this article about Bill Watterson later in the same day. It's a bit rough, and not hard to get sentimental about this, you see, but they have the ability to pull me through, an ability for which I am very grateful.
Oh, and I still read comics, especially Frazz and Zits, two strips which have many of the same qualities as C&H.
Thank you, Mr Watterson. You helped not only shape my sense of humor and appreciate my childhood imagination, but you have given me something to pass on to my children. In fact, i have just gotten my twins' whole 3rd grade class hooked, and the library can't keep them on the shelf. Fortunately for my boys, they have the whole collection at home. It's their turn to go exploring.
I actually had wanted to teach my entire philosophy class based on this brilliant comic strip. I have a number of collections in my classroom.
My favorite is when Calvin gets a paint by number set. When Hobbes notes he isn't using the right colors, or staying in the lines, Calvin angrily replies "Then I would get the picture on the box!"
I have all my students really think about that one!
A brilliant work, every strip. When I was 15 I just thought it was funny. I am now closer to Calvin's dad than Calvin, my 6 year old son and 4 year old daughter love my collection and I realize it is insightful genius.
This strip has inspired a love of books and reading in generations, and helped kids understand (at least come to uneasy terms with) their parents and vice versa. Who says comics can't achieve the status of art in every admirable sense of the word? Well done to you sir...
But having kids, I realize that the insight Bill had can only come from true experiences. Even if he is miles from his 30's, would love to see ( and may need to learn) his insights from a different stage of life
I first read Calvin and Hobbes when I was 8, I was moving to Connecticut from Jersey and my best friend gave me the Essential Calvin and Hobbes. That book was my best friend for years. I still read it from time to time.
Since my kids were little (they're in their late 20's now) I've had posted on my refrigerator the classic Calvin "Another day, another gray hair for mom" Thank you Bill for all the classic humor. The only thing that comes close now might be "Zits" or "Frazz", which is how I see Calvin 15 years later.
I`m from southern part of India, where Calvin and Hobbes is still published in news papers. I love that comic strip and have subscribed it online too. I get a daily dose of Calvin witticism and enjoy his quote. We are honoured to have Bill Watterson created one of the best comic strips even a 30+yrs person can relate to.
Thanks, Bill Watteson. Have a nice day!!!
"Calvin and Hobbes" and "Bone" completely different cartoons in style (daily vs graphic novel) but they are the ones that spoiled me to all other cartoons. I can not read any other cartoon without comparing it to those.
My son is 11 and he loves Calvin and Hobbes. He's used his own money to buy the books. Calvin's view of the world is something most of us miss when we grow up.
It is inspiring that just about every comment on this article is so positive. It shows the positive force that Calvin and Hobbes was and still is. There isn't another topic that would be agreed upon as much as this one.
Nothing like some "fuzz therapy" to bring everyone together.
I always found a wonderful sort of tranquility in Calvin's and Hobbes' friendship. That's why I bought a bengal tiger on the black market. He looks at me funny.
My 5-year old son has discovered Calvin, and reads our books while he's in the bathroom! His discovery of our books has prompted us to re-read them too! THere'll never be another like it...
Calvin and Hobbes was the greatest. Thanks Bill for all the good times!
Eternally grateful for the staple of my childhood. My earliest exposures to philosophy and art. I've always respected Bill for staying true to his ideals and leaving his beautiful creation untouched for the sake of marketing.
When my grandson was learning to read, I would take him along to the library. On one of those trips, he discovered one of the C&H books and was instantly enchanted. They were the only books he would read for several years. Can't remember how many times I had to renew them so that we could take them home and read them again...and again. Thanks for so many lovely memories.
We had three cats.......we named them Calvin, Hobbes, and Moe.
I loved this Cartoon, and i have all the books.
It's been a few years since i've read the books, but I still remember two of Spaceman Spiff's blaster settings: Deep Fat Fry, and Shake & Bake!
More than a cartoonist, Watterson is a true artist. He is to print cartoons what Chuck Jones was to animation. I stopped subscribing to a daily newspaper almost 5 years ago, but I still get my daily comic fix by subscribing to three popular Internet distributors. Fortunately, one of them (gocomics.com/) still runs C&H daily. They're timeless and still easily one of the best strips available. Although I miss new C&H strips, I'm grateful for what I have, and both admire and respect Watterson's integrity.
Calvin and Hobbes was my favorite growing up and I bought all of the books from Walden Books before they left the mall. Now my kids enjoy them and I'll be keeping them for my grandkids too. They may not be continuing, but they are continuing to be a favorite. "I pledge allegiance to Queen Frag....and her mighty state of hysteria...."
I really loved C&H, I have their collectible (compiled) comic strips, I still have them – great humor!... I will ask my son Luke to read them and enjoy!
Harv February 1st, 2010 6:00 pm ET
I finally have a reason to become a stamp collector. Can you imagine what Pixar could do with a C&H movie?
That's a movie that's not coming had they let Mr. Waterson develop the Calvin and Hobbes animation show we would have something lasting like Charlie Brown specials.
Yet there is always Robot Chicken version of Calvin and Hobbes.
I absolutely loved Calvin and Hobbes and still do!! The strip taught me how to enjoy both my daughters childhoods even more than one would naturally. My favorite two tricks to play on them were: 1) I would tell them that could see right through their heads. They of course would not believe me so I told them that I could prove it to them. I would put one of my eyes up to one of their ears and hold up two or three fingers by the other ear and say "I see three fingers". They would slowly turn their head and count the number of fingers and I could say "See, I told you so", and offer repeat performances. 2) I would tell them that I could make rain stop and start on command. When driving on the highway during a rainstorm as I would see an overpass up ahead over the roadway I would summon my "powers" and as we paeed under the Overpass I would say in a commnd voice"Rain stop" then as we exited from underneath the overpass I would say "Rain start" and it would magically start to rain again.
They would most likely butcher it Harv.
Bill made it clear that he never wanted anyone to make a cartoon or movie.
He doesn't want to choose a voice actor for all of them.
He was a true "Artist" of the comic community, he had no problem with losing money, getting canceled, or any of that, it was all for the sake of the art..
Of cou
Was prevented from naming my son Calvin by the good sense of my husband, but he's still Calvin to the bone. Both my children have read and re-read the anthologies and totally understand my love for the character.
And didn't we all want our own Hobbes, at least a little? Too many of us can still use a Hobbes as a voice of reason when the 6 yo takes over.
I love this comic strip!
Seize the day! I remember that particular strip.
How funny, but at the moment I am writing this, my sons ages 6 and 8 have spent the afternoon snowed in reading Calvin and Hobbes. We recently introduced them to the strip and they love it. The strip has definitely stood the test of time and is still delighting all ages. Thank you, Bill Watterson.
I admire Mr Watterson for not comercializing the strip. It truly is one of the most endearing and loved creations I have ever read. I own the omnibus 'collection' and enjoy flipping through the favorites from time to time. I am saving it for my children to dream and giggle over someday. And while he may be many long years away from the peroson he was when he created 'Calvin & Hobbs' I am never far from being the child at heart I am when I happily return to his master work.
Always better to have a strong ending to a wonderful story than have something deteriorate into mediocrity.
Thank you, Bill!
I always loved Calvin and Hobbes, the parents are hilarious! I read it all during my teen years, kind of forgot about ( although I have EVERY book) and now that my son is 6 i'm amused to see how Calvin like he is. He has a monkey though, not a tiger... Thank you
In 1990 I was stationed overseas with the Marines and my mother would send me (by request) every Calvin and Hobbs book that was in print. It was a great mental break from the pressure of being so far from home and I shared them with my friends who felt the same. Thank You Bill, whenever I think of my time in the Marines I can't help but think of Calvin's daily adventures as well. I'll miss those two like I would any old buddy from back in the day too.
C & H is my favorite comic strip. I've passed all of the anthologies down to my sons, and they read them repeatedly as I did (and still do–but I have to sneak the books out of their rooms!). I need to buy the bog, boxed anthology for myself. Calvin and Hobbes live on!
Teacher: "Calvin, what is the difference between two eggs and three eggs?". Calvin: "That's what I say, what the heck is the difference!". Classic.
WOW! Just seeing the names "Calvin and Hobbes" after all these years brings a smile to my face. I remember all those good laughs my Dad and I would have together as we would "get the joke" in the story... It sure was a good time while it lasted..
After reading the main headlines, I always open the comics section and read Calvin and Hobbes before anything else.
That comic got me through a VERY dark depression. when nothing else made me feel 'normal' C&H rescued me. I love Bill for that....thank you for your amazing gift!! i STILL read and RE-read all my books.
I teach 3rd grade, and my students this year are OBSESSED with Calvin and Hobbes. They were shocked a couple weeks ago when I brought in my huge and much loved collection of Calvin and Hobbes books.
Boy, everyone loves the snowmen! We've had worst winter in 25 years here and when we got our 12" snowfall, we made both an igloo and some of the evil snowmen from Calvin.
Favorite strips: Calvin stole his Dad's glasses and walked into the living room and said "Calvin, do something boring, being miserable builds character" and another where after seeing a weight limit sign on a bridge asked his Dad how they arrived at the number and Dad said " They keep driving heavier and heavier trucks across the bridge and when it fails, they put up a sign and rebuild the bridge". And Mom goes off on him....Priceless
Love you, Bill, thanks for understanding everything. I reread and reread the books of strips. So does my son. Now my grandkids have met Calvin and Hobbes too. And the beat goes on....
"I wanted to get a Dachshund, but Noooo..."
When Calvin and Hobbs ended I stopped reading newspaper comics. All others pale in comparison.
Im a little sick of those peeing Calvins on ugly trucks and street cars. People have no class or originality. Other than that Calvin and Hobbs was a lot of fun and probably the last cartoon I really followed.
When Universal Press Syndicate in KC used to work with him, my brother got to meet and talk to him in 1993 I think. He knew he wanted to end it even then and already had plans to hike and mountain climb (unless he was just playing with him). So I knew ahead of time it was gonna end and I still miss what I think's the best comic strip every day.
I just wish he'd license some stuff. I have and treasure a t-shirt from a FL bar, another with a comic on it translated into Swedish (I think) and my mouse pad which I am looking at as I write this. Yes, they're knockoffs but his social and political views would be fun to see as much as I love Calvin as Spaceman Spiff and even more as cubist Calvin. Never was surrealism so much fun.....
After enjoying the strip throughout my own childhood, I'm thrilled that I can pass my books on to my daughter now. She's only three and can't read yet, but she's already hooked. I can't wait until she can enjoy the snappy dialogue as well as the hilarious artwork. Thank you for the everlasting treasure, Mr. Watterson.
All hail the greatest comic strip of the late 20th Century!
I loved Calvin and Hobbes and do to this day. It was the first comic strip I ever really got into. I'll never forget the terror snowmen...or Susie and Miss Wormwood...or when he learned about death after finding the sick raccoon. As the cliche goes, "It made me laugh...It made me cry...It made me think." I hope to share C & H with my own kids someday. Thanks, Mr. Watterson.
I just miss it so much. Thank you for Calvin and Hobbes.
I finally have a reason to become a stamp collector. Can you imagine what Pixar could do with a C&H movie?
My wife and I have been calling each other "Bitsy Pookums" and "Snuggy Wuggy" for years, always with a laugh and with never a word of explanation. Our 13 year old jumped out of bed with a EUREEKA! moment recently, and had to stick Hobbes' blissed and Calvin's tortured faces under our noses. He gets it, he really gets it.
No other comic ever has or ever will come close to Calvin and Hobbes. It is nice to see it get some well deserved recognition.
Can he maybe talk to the Rolling Stones?
Am 14 and have loved the strip since I was 10. My teacher got me reading by suggesting Calvin and Hobbes. Thanks for the many laughs!
I have passed the torch to my 12 year old son and he is hooked. He has the books and when he needs a pick me up, goes to his room where I find him reading Calvin and Hobbes. A true classic! At 55, my son and I make evil snowmen every year.
i have never met a single person who did not enjoy calvin and hobbes. well, in fairness, anyone who reads comics anyway. quite possibly the greatest achievment in print since "peanuts" and last time i checked, both strips were still run in certain markets. nuff said!
It was Calvin's father that taught me to have fun with my young children by regaling them with stories of the untrue. "Bad Kid Land" was a creation inspired by that man, and to this DAY I can still tell my children that the sun sets in Arizona with a straight face.
Truly an entertaining and fun comic strip. I will always miss it.
Oh my, what memories. I said just the other day that I can identify my life stages by three comic strips. When my son was young, I read Calvin every day; it helped me keep my sanity. I loved those snow men and the one where Calvin hammered on the coffee table and when his Mom lost her cool and hollered, "Calvin, what are you doing?" He replied, as he kept on hammering, "Is that a trick question?"
Then, when my children were older and we moved toward the empty nest stage, I moved toward For Better or Worse, which has now retired. It dealt with so many issues–family struggles, working moms, elder care, abuse, homosexuality, and just the plain ole struggles of raising children.
And now–and I just don't know how it happened–I identify with Pickles, about Grandma and Grandpa and their grandson Nelson. Thanks to all of those creators. I love every one!!
My brother and I have every Calvin and Hobbs book. I'm fortynine, he's
fiftysix! His favories are definately the snowman figures, mine anything. And as Alice stated, I can't believe it's been fouteen years! WOW! The far side was the second best. M younger brother and I got our sense of twisted humor from them both. Thanks guys!!!
Like so many others, I absolutely adored this strip and mourned its passing. But I applaud and agree with Mr. Watterson's decision and integrity for not commercializing the daylights out of his work.
Still...... I'd pay through the nose for a signed serigraph or something to that effect.
I too loved all the funny ones (especially the snowmen), but my favorite one was where Calvin was dealing with death. I think he was sitting by a creek with Hobbes, saying that he understood that all thing must eventually die and that things changed. That was followed by a panel of the too of them just staring at the water and finally by a panel of Calvin hugging hobbes saying "just don't you go anywhere".
Priceless.
Thanks for such a wonderful ride...
Glad to see someone else thinks Pearls is so good. It's the only strip that comes close to C&H. Thanks, Mr. Watterson, for the greatest comic ever. Interesting to see, too, that no one that's posted here has anything nasty to say. Seems like every other comment section, no matter the subject, deteriorates into negativity. Says volumes about Calvin & Hobbes.
Kudos to you for Mr. Watterson for allowing us to visit Calvin and Hobbes world. When my son was younger we spent many wonderful hours with Calvin, Hobbes, Spaceman Spiff, Susie and everyone else. Not only do you have my gratitude and respect, but also that of a 14 year old boy who is extremely impressed with the fact that Calvin & Crew never "sold out". It's a good lesson for all of us.
Absolute best!! I love reading my Calvin & Hobbes book collection.
I grew up reading C&H and still have all the books to this day. Thank you, Bill, for creating not just the greatest comic strip of all time, but for helping shape the person I have become. Your creation really hit a personal note with me. I never felt such a connection to anything else I ever read. I miss opening the newspaper to the newest strip, but I'm glad you stopped it when you felt the time was right. At least I have the books and the memories. Thanks.
Killer Monster Snow Goons!
There were the best comic strip out there even comparing to Peanuts, I have all the books and hard cover analogy.
Looking forward to the stamps, going to buy quite a few sets of them.
Everyone needs to go out exploring at the top of their lives.
Our very own Calvin-like son started reading Calvin & Hobbes last year, when he was 7. He's still just as crazy about them this year.
He'll take one of the books (he's got all of them, lol) and read it at the grocery store, or at his after school program, etc. I've even caught him at night, under the covers with a flashlight, reading C&H and giggling like mad.
Such is the power of a classic!
Mr. Watterson – – do you ever plan to reveal the nature of the Noodle Incident?
I have favorite memories of my son, as a small boy, reading Calvin and Hobbes aloud to me. He read the strip everyday, built a transmogrifier from a large cardboard box, and built disturbing snowmen of his own.
He was so sad when Bill Watterson stopped drawing the strip, but he had all the books to read until they were tattered. I lost him in 2002, but the memories are forever. Thank you Bill.
One of the few cartoonists who knew when to bow out. Calvin & Hobbes was a brilliant strip, but Mr Watterson did the right thing in stopping when he did. Would that many of the cartoonist today who are wringing every cent out of a dead 'one joke' strip share Mr Watterson's insight and move on to other things.
There's nothing I like better than hearing my son chuckle as he reads through all my old Calvin and Hobbes books after I tuck him in to bed.
When I need an infusion of clever humor and artistic playfulness, it’s the Calvin & Hobbes collection I turn to. Watterson says, "but I wrote 'Calvin and Hobbes' in my 30s, and I'm many miles from there." I totally get that. Good for him.
Bravo for Calvin and Hobbs.
Though I greatly miss the comic strip, I'm glad it went out in top form.
It was a big honor when my (then) staff said that I looked like Calvin's father and put an enlarged image of C's dad on my door. I was deeply touched.
Calvin and Hobbes will live on as one of the greatest comic strips.
I passed along my C&H's collection to my son, who, like his father, breaks out in hysterical laughter at one misadventure after another
In June 2008, I adopted a new cat that I decided I was going to call 'Hobbes'. Well, I really got Hobbes in all his feline glory. And every day he makes me smile and laugh just like the cartoon.
It's good to be 6 again even it is just for a few moments a day.
Thank you – Bill.
My favorite:
Calvin was about to jump off the roof holding a sheet for a parachute. Hobbes said: "Did you ask your mom if you could do that?"
"Questions I know the answers to I don't need to ask," he replied.
I was thinking of that little "bologna loaf" Calvin, Hobbes and their creator just yesterday, gratefully recalling their spirit and especially Hobbes' assertion, "True happiness can only be found in the wanton indulgence of animals." (My animal companions are grateful too.) Mr. Watterson gave us all much to treasure forever.
Calvin and Hobbes is still my very favorite comic strip. I named my cat Hobbes. He doesn't attack me when I get home from classes, though.
They were the best! I miss them!
I hope Bill Watterson gets that, like with the Beatles, each generation will bring him new fans and keep Calvin & Hobbes alive forever. In 4th grade my son came home from school with a C & H book from the school library. I went to a storage container of books I'd saved, pulled out my Calvin & Hobbes collection, and a new C & H enthusiast was born. Sitting together, we've read them all repeatedly. Three years later, all of my son's friends are huge Calvin & Hobbes fans.
To comment on a previous posters comment:
I still DO make terror snowmen. And I'm approaching 30.
I hope that whenever it is I have children, I can introduce them to Calvin and Hobbes and they can be as inspired and enthralled as I was. Thank you, Mr. Watterson for creating such a timeless treasure that has definitely withstood the test of time.
I read Calvin and Hobbes to my son when he was very young. He was 5 when the strip stopped being published in 1995. In 1999 we bought him a dog. He named him Hobbes and I firmly believe the spirit of Calvin and Hobbes lives on in their relationship.
I loved that C&H was fun enough to hold my attention as a kid, but it never insulted my intelligence, and like other posters here, I can attest that my vocabulary grew leaps and bounds from reading.
My family still says "Must be a barge coming through!" after somebody lets out a particularly resonant belch.
My sincerest thanks to you, Mr. Watterson.
When we were growing up, we loved reading Calvin & Hobbes. They were such favorites that we named our cats after them.
I purchased the daily paper JUST to read Calvin and Hobbes!
Calvin: "I'm not playing with a full deck"
My family so enjoyed your strip that when our firstborn came along we used to read it to him. He loved the comedy, the plotlines, the adventure and he could relate to all the characters. He was able to read at an early age by his love of this and his own curiosity. He is now in a graphic arts college, hoping to someday have that same profound effect on others. Thanks for helping.
I'm hoping that the stamps have evil snowmen on it.
Please please please please.
So great was Calvin and Hobbes, that to this day, I still can't enjoy current strips because of the high standard that was set. To me it is (and always will be) the measuring stick for ALL comic strips. The moment I start reading the "funnies" I either consciously or unconsciously compare it C & H. Thanks to Watterson for all the years of allowing us to share your creation, and raising the bar for what comics can be.
We have been faithfully reading his repeats, and loving it.
During the winter season, ben thinking about Calvin & that evil snowman.
Love that he's just a regular guy who under the surface has an enormous intellect and talent. I always have a deep respect for the greats that at the top of their game, give their respective industry cash-grabbing marketing machines the middle finger, and walk off.
"It's always better to leave the party early."
like a boss.
Right now the best strip going is Lio.
Awesome work. I have to get the anthology for my nephew.
I was the boy in the red wagon. Just didn't have a stuffed toy only my cuz was flying in the air with me at the end of what ever we could find to ride down.
Calvin and Hobbes snowmen .. an absolute classic. My favorite strips of all time.
I used to look forward every morning for my Calvin & Hobbs fix. It was always a good way to start out my day. I no longer have that pleasure. The comic strips they put out today are crap.
I love the strip and was sad when it stopped. I am happy that this gem of a strip went out on top. Calvins life was a reflection on every kid in America, choclate frosted sugar bombs.... classic !
Also wanted to mention that he was no match for his babysitter Roz. She may have had her hands full with all of Calvin's shenanigans, but yet she kept coming back for more.
I sure wish the papers could re-run the strip so we could all enjoy it again on a daily basis. I would also like to see animated TV specials but that is always a very tricky translation. Excellent work Mr. Watterson!
I got a great vocabulary lesson from this strip! I was in my early, early teens when I began reading and would bug my mom whenever I got to a word I did not know. Thanks for the wonderful, expressive faces you created on your characters!
I have to agree with the other posters that C&H and Farside were some of the best comics around. My early teens also connect with his strips in his collected works.
I have to wonder though, if he is "...many miles from there", shouldn't a man with his insight into humanity have some new ones to pass along from "there"? I'd suggest Bill pick up the pen again and see what flows out. Not necessarily through C&H, but perhaps another avatar.
Thanks again, Bill.
I stopped reading comics when Calvin & Hobbes ended! 🙁
Bill, you helped me get thru parenting my own Calvin. Now that we both have a few more decades behind us I would like to have your take on the "afterlife", family life continuing after the kid grows up. The angst of meeting his fiancee, the anxiety of dealing with the young parents and the grandchild. Dealing with a world that had turned us invisible. Humor, philosophy, bewilderment. Oh please give us some more. Even if it is a different set of characters.
Love and respect from Claire
I received a Calvin and Hobbes comic book as a kid, when I was laid up in bed sick. My mom's best friend bought it for me, and the book was titled "Something Under The Bed Is Drooling". I fell in love with the book, and each time I'd open the newspapers and read the comic, I'd start laughing, and run to show my mom. I was heartbroken when it ended it's run, but I understand why Bill stopped writing it. That cartoon was one of the funniest and heartfelt ones I've ever read. Hobbes always made me laugh, especially when he'd be waiting for Calvin to come home, and he'd pounce on him. And Calvin with his Spaceman Spiff was a riot. The parents were hysterical (reminded me of my parents), Miss Wormwood just never seemed to get a handle on Calvin, and Suzie was Calvin's equal. And I agree with Pat James, Calvin's snowmen are a legend ! I sure do miss Calvin, but that's why I'm glad I have the comic books.
Loved Calvin and Hobbes. We named out cat Hobbes in "his" honor !
I think Pearls Before Swine is a great strip, I think Calvin & Hobbes fans will enjoy it. Cow & Boy is good, too, kind of a twisted version of C&H with a cow instead of a tiger.
My kids love Calvin & Hobbes and I love them reading it – clever, funny, smart well-drawn cartoons that resonate with children & adults alike. The glory days of Peanuts comes closest to these marvellous cartoons....but unlike C&H, Peanuts ran too long and lost some of the magic.
PS Our favorite is when Calvin tells his Dad he trapped a wild tiger and was wondering what to do with it. His Dad barks (and I paraphrase) "I'm busy Calvin. Why don't you take it and stuff it!" The next frame shows Hobbes hanging upside down in the kitchen as Calvin makes him another sandwich and Hobbes says "No, really, I couldn't eat another bite..."
Calvin and Hobbes was wonderful. It was right up there along with other brilliant comic strips such as Opus, Pogo, and the Far Side (and early Doonesbury). They were always well written, timely, clever, entertaining, and thought provoking–and will always be classic. Now we get so much bland and politically correct tripe.
I know I left out other great strips, but can't remember them off the top of my head. Suggestions...?
Thanks so much, Mr. Watterson. Calvin and Hobbes is gone but not forgotten.
My fav that I remember every year, though I may not get the exact wording (or characters) right:
Hobbes: Are you making any New Years resolutions?
Calvin: Same as last year, I'm just going to wing it and see what happens.
In a world where second- and third-rate efforts are lauded as brilliant, "Calvin & Hobbes" was and remains a joyous and inspiring work of art. As much as I missed them when they went "off exploring," how sad I would have been to see them suffer the same decline the once-great "Simpsons" have exhibited the last 8-plus years.
Mr. Watterson gave us 10 years of his very best; we should be nothing but grateful. I'm glad he has no regrets, and I'm glad I have my happy memories of "Calvin & Hobbes."
No. No. No. Jump into that transmogrifier and bring good old Calvin back for one more book, or one movie, or one animated cartoon. I just need one more visit from the boy and his tiger.
Calvin and Hobbes was not just entertainment, it was art. I greatly enjoyed it and wish more modern cartoons were like it.
Calvin and Hobbes Stamp
I miss Calvin and Hobbes still to this day, Calvin's snowman buildings were classics!!!!!
I don't know... but I would guess you are a Calvin & Hobbes fan....
I miss this comic strip very much even though my husband bought me the bound edition set for Christmas a few yrs ago. Hobbes ALWAYS made me smile.
Enjoy your retirement and thanks for working as long as you did.
Kelvin and Hobbus was OK, but lots of cartoons have aged gracefully, look at Family Circus and Garfield. They are both as witty as ever! That 'Billy meanders all over the yard dashed-line path' cliche still gets me every time.
Bloom County was another great one, fwiw.
Legendary cartoon. His Spaceman Spiff and the various snowman cartoons were by far the most inspiring to me as a youngster. It is wild to think it's been so long since it stopped!
An aunt pointed out the similarities between myself and the mischevious side of Calvin when I was in my early teens. I still have my books and my collection of my cut-outs of every Sundays color strip in the Chicago Tribune.
And those stickers on the trucks.... Kind of makes me want to either throw a rock through the window of it or at least use a "transmogrifier" pistol to eradicate it.
Find a fan that doesn't have images of Calvin's "terror snowmen" every time you see a snowman in the winter!
Thanks for the memories, Mr. Watterson!
I was, and am still, sad that "Calvin and Hobbes" ended but I am glad to have had it in the first place and I agree, it was better to leave when he wanted to rather than regret not doing it sooner and C&H becoming a rerun of itself every day.
I have all the books and still read them. I hope to pass the interest on to my son, who is seven, but he's already Calvin-style mischievous as it is, I don't need to be giving him more ideas! So maybe I will wait a few years, until he mellows out, ha.
We still have anthologies, which is where my 12-year old daughter found out about C&H.
She loves them! This should say a lot about Mr. Watterson's talent. It still holds up after all of these years. Pure Genius!
After watching "Peanuts" go into a 20-year doldrum of Peppermint Patty and Marcy, it's easy to see why he quit.
"Calvin and Hobbes" was and is my favorite comic strip. Most of us have a little Calvin in us, and it is fun watching his devious mind at work. Some of it cuts close to the bone. Watterson combines a philosophical study of human nature, a rare comedic sense, and marvelous artistry (e.g., portraying Calvin's many moods in spare, dead-on facial expressions).
I wish he was still producing the strip. But since he is not, I am grateful that he gave us 10 years of his remarkable talent.
I too miss Calvin & Hobbs and will also miss Opus/Berkeley Breath which has now been retired to lay naked in the perrwinkle patch, LOL..
Mr. Watterson,
Thank you. Thank you so much. I would not be where I am today if I lived in a world without Calvin and Hobbes. Have fun, enjoy life, and go explore. Thanks again.
I haven't read the comics regularly since Calvin & Hobbes went away.
WOW...i can't believe it's been 14 years since C&H stopped...
I'm 27 and I can honestly say that Calvin and Hobbes was the first strip I've ever read, and I still do to this day. Haven't heard from Watterson in awhile, good to see he doesn't have any regrets with going out on top.
I loved reading Calvin & Hobbes and still miss it to this day! I have a few books that I glance at every once in a while. It was a classic cartoon. Would love to see a movie made!
Calvin & Hobbes = brilliance.
Personally, I miss it and Far Side in my daily newspapers. The stuff that is in there now generally is depressing, trite, or just stupid. I understand that its tough to make a connection, comedic or otherwise, with your audience in four panels but Watterson proved that it could be done.
I give him props for ending it while he was on top of his game. I'd rather see it go out at its height than wither away into obscurity.
Thanks Mr. Watterson for so much humor, pathos, and poignancy. I miss it...
Bravo for Mr. Watterson and sticking to his guns. I admire his conviction and ability to say no to the many I am sure who have pressured him over the years to come back, probably at great sums. If only more people had this character, we would not be subject to the onslaught of inferior products that capitalism brings.
Watterson's Calvin and Hobbes remains a genuinely inspired creative treasure, instructing us about the power of classic themes and the joy of life. Thank you, Bill, Calvin, Hobbes, and the rest of the gang, for forever lifting us up.
Calvin and Hobbs, the Far Side, now Cathy....so many good strips that end too soon. It's a new breed of writers that lure us in, get us to buy bother figuretively and literally into their universe and then drop us because they want to do something else. Sure, you have the freedom to do so. But look at the real comics that have been going on for over 60 years. Blondie and Dagwood, Hi and Lois, Beetle Baily, the Phantom, just to name a few. They have been with us day in and day out. Dennis the Menace is still making me laugh. Some TV shows hang on too long, some movies should never have sequels. But a good comic strip is a lifetime of joy. Sadly, we continue to lose them and have them replaced by those not as clever, not as dedicated, and sadly....not as funny.