Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes books reviewed
You may not think that a simple comic strip could become a cultural phenomenon. But with the Calvin and Hobbes comics, cartoonist Bill Watterson struck on a formula that took the United States by storm.
His strips were in syndication between 1985 and 1995, rivaling Charlie Schulz’s Peanuts and The Far Side as one of the greatest Sunday strips ever. The popularity of the comics was such that they spawned several books. This article reviews the best of those books.
About the author of Calvin and Hobbes
Bill Watterson’s journey into the world of comics started as a child. He contributed comics to his school and college magazines and doodled his artwork on his papers.
After graduating from Kenyon College, Watterson landed a cartoonist position at The Cincinnati Post. His early work was unremarkable, but he harbored a desire to draw comics based on his creations, Calvin and Hobbes.
The cartoon about a boy and his imaginary toy tiger would offer him plenty of avenues to explore his unique sense of humor. After he’d worked on the comic for a while, Universal Press Syndicate picked it up, and Watterson was off to the races.
A ten-year run followed in which Watterson decorated the world of Calvin and Hobbes with many interesting characters.
The likes of Spaceman Spiff, Calvin’s parents, Calvin’s babysitter Rosalyn (Roz), and school friends like Susie Derkins all helped to form a comic book world that was as much for grown-ups as it was for children.
Calvin and Hobbes blew up in popularity, spawning merchandise and a host of Calvin and Hobbes collections. The popularity of the characters endures to this day, even though Watterson stopped creating the comic strip in 1995.
Watterson received the National Cartoonists Society’s Reuben Award just one year into the comic’s run. The fact that this is the most prestigious award in his industry tells you exactly why Calvin and Hobbes was so special.
Watterson isn’t done yet, though. He’s currently collaborating with caricaturist John Kascht on a new project called The Mysteries.
An overview of Calvin and Hobbes books
Whether you want to experience Calvin and Hobbes in graphic novel format or discover some of the spin-off books, there are plenty of titles to discover. The following are some of the best titles published involving Calvin and his best friend Hobbes.
Calvin and Hobbes
Starting with something simple, Calvin and Hobbes is the first of many collections of Watterson’s comic strips. Released by Andrews McMeel Publishing, the collection features strips published between 1985 and 1987.
Available on Amazon, the collection is a great introduction for anybody who wants to discover what makes these comics special.
Something Under the Bed is Drooling
Another collection of comics, Something Under the Bed is Drooling is a good companion piece to Calvin and Hobbes.
Published in 1988, the strips feature the titular duo in new adventures. There are also appearances by Calvin and Hobbes’ growing collection of supporting characters, such as the school bully Moe.
Yukon Ho!
The third collection of Calvin and Hobbes strips, Yukon Ho!, came out in 1988. The book’s title comes from a story in which Calvin secedes from his family, with the entire selection of strips from that story appearing in the collection.
It also features several strips about the snowmen Calvin likes to create. However, those strips would become more prominent in later years.
The Essential Calvin and Hobbes: A Calvin and Hobbes Treasury
Yet another collection, this book combines Calvin and Hobbes with Something Under the Bed is Drooling. However, there’s more than meets the eye.
The Essential Calvin and Hobbes also contains 12 pages of new strips. Still, it’s one for the collectors. It’s something of a duplicator of early work. And later collections feature the new strips, plus far more.
The Indispensable Calvin and Hobbes
The 11th collection of the comic strip features yet more of Watterson’s work. This time, you’ll find stories including Revenge of the Baby-Sat and Scientific Progress Goes Boink.
Calvin’s alter egos are also more prominent in this collection.
The Days Are Just Packed
More alter egos come to the fore with this 12th Calvin and Hobbes collection. Many of Calvin’s imaginary friends, such as Stupendous Man and Spaceman Spliff, put in appearances.
Readers also discover the interesting game of Calvinball, where you make up the rules as you play.
The Complete Calvin and Hobbes
This collection is for you if you want everything Calvin and Hobbes wrapped up inside a cardboard box.
Published in 2012, it contains every strip in the series. Consider this the definitive literary museum of Watterson’s work.
It’s a Magical World
The final standard collection of Calvin and Hobbes isn’t quite a tenth-anniversary book. It came out in 1996, one year after the comic ended.
Still, it charts the final strips Watterson ever created. Though somewhat bittersweet, as you see a beloved comic come to a close, it’s essential for fans of the series.
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FAQ
Is Calvin and Hobbes about schizophrenia?
The original Calvin doesn’t have schizophrenia, even though he has a magical stuffed tiger named Hobbes. But in her book Calvin, Martine Leavitt writes about a schizophrenic teen named Calvin who has schizophrenia.
Why did Bill Watterson stop making Calvin and Hobbes?
Watterson stopped writing the popular comic because he felt he’d achieved all he could with it. You can learn more about why Watterson ended the series in the book Let’s Go Exploring: Calvin and Hobbes.
What age is Calvin and Hobbes appropriate for?
Many Calvin and Hobbes books are rated for ages five to seven. However, adults can get just as much joy out of them as children.
How does Calvin get to school?
Calvin gets to school using the school bus in the newspaper comic.