You would be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t know about the Calvin and Hobbes comic strip. The majority of readers will also recognize Bill Watterson as the creator of the legendary series.
Owing to their popularity, the Calvin & Hobbes strips were compiled into book issues. In addition, Watterson authored several books with no connection to his famous heroes. This article will provide an overview of Watterson’s best works.
About Bill Watterson
Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio, Watterson, the elder son of a patent attorney, spent much of his school years immersed in comics. He was eight years old when he drew a cartoon for the first time, and his love for comic strips quickly grew into a genuine passion.
Fortunately, Watterson received encouragement from his parents to pursue his artistic ambitions. He continued honing his craft throughout his time at Kenyon College, where he studied political science. The earliest appearances of Watterson’s Spaceman Spiff took place during this period.
After graduation, Watterson attempted to find work drawing political cartoons for the Cincinnati Post. However, the job proved a poor fit and he moved on to a freelance career. Simultaneously, he was working on his own projects, which would become the predecessors of Calvin and Hobbes.
It’s interesting to note that Watterson named Calvin after John Calvin, the Protestant reformer. He borrowed the name Hobbes from the philosopher Thomas Hobbes, although the cartoon character’s personality and behavior were based mainly on Watterson’s childhood cat Sprite.
Watterson’s career launched in its own right when the Universal Press Syndicate agreed to publish his cartoon strip. It was initially published in 35 newspapers, only for that number to rise to 250 within a single year. Suddenly, the Calvin and Hobbes creator Bill Watterson became a household name.
As Watterson’s popularity grew with the fame of his newspaper comic, the cartoonist kept a firm rein on the commercialization and merchandising of his iconic characters. The author was against putting Calvin and Hobbes onto merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, or stickers. Watterson even called people who would capitalize on his characters “vandals.”
Watterson received numerous accolades, placing him among the giants of cartooning like Gary Larson, Dik Browne, Charles Schulz, and Chester Gould. However, he actively avoided public exposure, especially after retiring the Calvin and Hobbes comic in 1995.
In fact, when a documentary called Dear Mr. Watterson was made about him, the cartoonist didn’t make an appearance. Watterson’s speech at the Ohio State University from 1989 is a rare example of the author’s public appearances.
Best titles from Bill Watterson
Unsurprisingly, Calvin & Hobbes books represent the main part of Watterson’s output. Yet, the artist has produced several other works worth mentioning.
The Complete Calvin and Hobbes
Every true fan of Calvin and Hobbes would be thrilled to get their hands on this hardcover edition which features all of the Calvin & Hobbes strips. The collection spans all of the titular characters’ syndicated appearances over the course of a decade – from the first 1985 issue to the final adventure taking place 10 years later.
The Art of Richard Thompson
Although this book wasn’t written by Watterson alone, it’s a worthy addition to this list. A collaboration with Nick Galifianakis and David Apatoff, it sheds light on one of the most celebrated artists among cartoonists, Richard Thompson.
Pearls Before Swine (June 4, 5, and 6, 2014)
Pearls Before Swine is an ongoing comic strip by Stephan Pastis. However, the three issues from June 2014 were illustrated by Watterson, representing the author’s unexpected yet brief return to the cartooning scene. While the comic strip is well-respected in its own right, these issues are significant for Watterson’s fans worldwide.
The Mysteries
Published by Andrews McMeel Publishing and distributed by Simon & Schuster, The Mysteries is a new book by Watterson and the caricaturist John Kascht. The title, a result of the reportedly “unusually close collaboration” between the two artists, represents a graphic novel for grown-ups. In the book, a king attempts to investigate the calamities happening in his realm by sending out an expedition from which only a single knight returns.
Find hugely entertaining titles on Speechify Audiobooks
Calvin and Hobbes are beloved not only because of Watterson’s unique drawing style. Their exciting, fanciful, and hugely entertaining adventures provide much of the strip’s charm. If you’re searching for titles that can rekindle that sense of wonder, joy, and fun, Speechify has plenty to offer.
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FAQ
What is Bill Watterson doing now?
The famed cartoonist recently stepped out of the shadows to publish his book The Mysteries.
Why is Bill Watterson so reclusive?
Watterson never seemed interested in claiming his celebrity status. His reclusive behavior allows him to lead a more relaxed life and pursue his other interests outside of the public eye.
Why did Bill Watterson stop making Calvin and Hobbes?
According to the artist himself, Watterson stopped making Calvin and Hobbes for two reasons: to avoid slipping into repetition and to devote more time to painting.
What is the name of Bill Watterson’s brother?
Bill Watterson’s brother is called Thomas Watterson.
What was Bill Watterson’s childhood like?
Watterson’s early life was reportedly peaceful, as he was a mild-mannered and quiet kid.
