Why Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes is a Timeless Classic
Calvin and Hobbes — An Introduction
I am a great fan of reading comic strips that act as the mirror of contemporary society. The comic strip “Calvin and Hobbes” created by Bill Watterson is certainly one of them and is indisputably my all-time favorite comic strip. I have read the entire strip from start to end several times since the first time I read it when I was about 10–12 years old.
Calvin and Hobbes is a comic strip that was created by American cartoonist Bill Watterson. It first appeared in newspapers on November 18, 1985, and ran until December 31, 1995. The strip follows the adventures of a precocious six-year-old boy named Calvin and his best friend, a stuffed tiger named Hobbes who becomes alive when Calvin is alone. The comic strip is known for its unique blend of humor, satire, and philosophical musings, making it a classic that continues to be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
An Introduction of Bill Watterson, the Creator
Bill Watterson is a reclusive figure who shuns the public eye. Despite this, his comic strip Calvin and Hobbes has had a profound impact on the world of comics and remains one of the most popular and well-regarded strips of all time. Watterson was born in Washington D.C. on July 5, 1958. He showed an early interest in comics and drawing, which eventually led him to pursue a career in cartooning. He studied political science at Kenyon College and later worked as a political cartoonist for a few years before creating Calvin and Hobbes. He is known for his creative and unique style and is considered one of the greatest comic strip artists of all time.
Calvin and Hobbes — A Satire on the American Culture
I believe Calvin and Hobbes is much more than just a comic strip about a boy and his tiger friend. It is a satirical commentary on American culture and society. The strip often pokes fun at the absurdities of modern life, from religion to politics, and consumerism and the fast pace of technology to the decline of traditional family values. Watterson’s sharp wit and humor provide a much-needed break from the daily grind, reminding readers to take a step back and enjoy the simple things in life. He used the comic strip to get his message across and to make his readers think about the world they live in.
Bill Watterson’s Uncompromising Vision
Just like Calvin, the protagonist of his comic strip, Bill Watterson was fiercely independent. He put all of his passion into his work, creating a world that people could easily relate to, without ever sacrificing his creative vision for profit. Watterson is well-known for his refusal to produce any licensed merchandise, even declining Steven Spielberg’s request to make a movie about his characters. He also fought fiercely for artistic control, pushing the limits of newspaper comics.
Thanks to Watterson’s unwavering determination, Calvin and Hobbes became a huge success. His protection of his ideas has ensured their lasting impact. Watterson was able to write candidly about life and love. Today, Calvin and Hobbes is still regarded as a masterpiece of art, not just a collection of simple tales about a boy and his stuffed tiger.
Relevance of the Comic Strip in the 21st Century
Despite being created in the 1980s and 90s, Calvin and Hobbes remains relevant even in the 21st century. The strip’s timeless themes and witty observations regarding childhood, imagination, individualism, environmentalism, and human nature continue to resonate with audiences of all ages. Its popularity has only increased with the rise of social media, where fans share their favorite strips and share their thoughts on the series. Calvin and Hobbes is a testament to the enduring power of comic strips and its place as one of the best ever produced.
Why You Should Read Calvin and Hobbes
There are numerous reasons why you should be reading Calvin and Hobbes without any further ado. Here are some of them:
The Masterful Storytelling
Bill Watterson’s storytelling skills are top-notch, with each strip having its own story, yet contributing to a larger narrative. The strip’s ability to tackle complex themes and issues, such as childhood innocence, the meaning of life, and societal norms, is remarkable.
The Artistic Brilliance, Imagination, and Creativity
Watterson’s illustrations are imaginative and vivid, perfectly capturing the whimsical world of Calvin and Hobbes. The strip’s use of color, imagery, and symbolism adds depth and meaning to the already masterful storytelling. The strip is filled with ingenious and creative storylines. Whether Calvin is creating his alternate reality or exploring the great outdoors, the strip is full of exciting adventures. The strip encourages readers to let their imaginations run wild and embrace their own creativity.
Character Development
The strip is unique in that it features two central characters who evolve and grow over the course of the strip. Calvin, the mischievous and dynamic six-year-old, and Hobbes, his teddy bear and best friend, are both lovable and relatable. As you read the strip, you will see the characters grow and change in ways that will surprise and delight you.
Laughter and Joy
It is an outright hilarious comic strip that brings joy to readers of all ages. The strip is filled with witty one-liners and entertaining stories that are sure to make you laugh out loud. Whether you are a fan of sarcasm, satire, slapstick humor, or dry wit, you will find something to enjoy in this comic strip.
A Reflection of Society
Calvin and Hobbes is a strip that provides a thought-provoking commentary on American culture and society. The strip often pokes fun at societal norms, human nature, and the world we live in. Reading Calvin and Hobbes is a great way to reflect on the world and gain a new perspective on life.
Life Lessons
Finally, it is a strip that teaches valuable life lessons. The strip covers a wide range of topics, from childhood innocence to the complexities of adult life. The lessons taught in the strip apply to people of all ages and provide a timeless message that will stay with you long after you finish reading.
Life-Changing Quotes from the Strip
It is too tempting not to share some of my life-changing favorite quotes from the strip, which are at times sarcastic and thought-provoking, and ROFL-worthy at other times:
1. “We’re so busy watching out for what’s just ahead of us that we don’t take time to enjoy where we are.”
2. “Sometimes when I’m talking, my words can’t keep up with my thoughts. I wonder why we think faster than we speak. Probably so we can think twice.”
3. “There’s never enough time to do all the nothing you want.”
4. “To make a bad day worse, spend it wishing for the impossible.”
5. “At school, new ideas are thrust at you every day. Out in the world, you’ll have to find your inner motivation to seek new ideas on your own.”
6. “It’s going to be a grim day when the world is run by a generation that doesn’t know anything but what it’s seen on TV.”
7. “It’s surprising how hard we’ll work when the work is done just for ourselves.”
8. “Your preparation for the real world is not in the answers you’ve learned, but in the questions that you’ve learned how to ask yourself.”
9. “Sometimes I think the surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us.”
10. “Becoming an adult is probably the dumbest thing you can ever do!”
Commentary from the Creator
Bill Watterson is known for his reclusiveness, but the few commentaries he has shared with the public offer a glimpse into his thoughts and perspectives. Here are a few of his most famous quotes regarding the strip and life in general that will certainly warm your heart:
1. “I think the success of Calvin and Hobbes has a lot to do with the fact that almost everyone can relate to being a six-year-old. Calvin’s imagination, his boundless energy, and his enthusiasm for life are qualities that I think most people retain, at least to some degree, throughout their lives.”
2. “Comics are easy to overlook, since they don’t have the raw impact of a lot of other art forms, but they have a power all their own. They’re a compact, visual language that can be a very effective way of communicating an idea.”
3. “Calvin and Hobbes is not just a comic strip. It’s a way of looking at the world.”
4. “I believe that despite its many flaws, the world is a beautiful and amazing place, and I’m glad to be a part of it.”
5. “I think that childhood is a magical time, and it’s important to cherish it and hold onto it as long as possible.”
6. “Life is a wild and wonderful adventure, and it’s important to embrace it with all of your heart.”
7. “I think we’re all hungry for a connection with something deeper and more meaningful than our daily lives.”
Calvin and Hobbes is a comic strip that should be read by everyone. Its humor, creativity, and life lessons make it a must-read for people of all ages. So why wait? Grab a copy of Calvin and Hobbes here and discover for yourself why this comic strip is one of the best ever produced.
Happy ROFL-ing!
End Note
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