I started reading Calvin and Hobbes back in 1985, when it
started appearing in the newspaper I purchased daily. I very quickly became a
fan and looked forward to the daily fix. Over the following years I collected
the books, eager to read the stories again and be able to keep them on my
bookshelves.
What I enjoy about Calvin and Hobbes is the way the message
(sometimes a serious message) is passed on to the reader. We see a mischievous
child entertaining himself with his stuffed tiger, annoying his parents and his
neighbour Suzie. He gets into scrapes with his the school bully, told off by
his teacher, reprimanded by the headmaster, scolded by his parents and yet,
despite all the put downs, he still looks to go out and have fun. The lesson
being; ‘no matter what gets in the way, don’t stop doing what you enjoy’.
Clearly that’s not easy for all of us to do but I think it’s important not to
forget how to have fun.
Bill Watterson, the creator, is a man I admire. Not just for
creating Calvin and Hobbes but for his stand on commercialism. Over the years I
have seen many things change for the worse purely because of commercialism. The
English football league is a very good example (I could go on and on at this point about what I think about what has
happened to English football, but this blog is about what I like, so I will
abstain). I like the fact he refused to licence and merchandise his
creation. It keeps it pure. He could have made a fortune by doing so but decided
he wanted to keep control and not let them become monsters. I also admire him
for stopping 10 years later, when they were at their peak of popularity. Sure I
would have loved him to continue creating the stories but I do feel that some
things can go on too long and we begin to tire and, therefore, not think as
highly of them after a while. It’s good for that not to happen to Calvin and
Hobbes. They deserve to remain at the top.
For the record I pronounce Hobbes to rhyme with Hopes, I
hear others pronouncing the name to rhyme with Hops. To me the fact there is an
‘E’ suggests the former is correct. Anyone out there agree with me?
There are numerous websites out there for Calvin and Hobbes
enthusiasts and I’d like to end this article by offering you my personal
favourites: Zen Pencils, Calvin & Hobbes search engine, Digital Calvin and Hobbes and Calvin and Hobbes in real life (sort of).
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