The Complete Calvin and Hobbes Book Summary

The Complete Calvin and Hobbes is a beloved collection of comic strips that was created by author Bill Watterson. The collection follows the adventures of Calvin, a six-year-old boy who is full of mischief and has a unique perspective on life. Calvin’s best friend is Hobbes, a stuffed toy tiger who magically comes to life in Calvin’s imagination and becomes his loyal companion.

The comic strips are full of humor, wit, and charm that has captured the hearts of readers of all ages. Calvin is portrayed as a spirited young boy who is always getting himself into trouble. From playing pranks on his classmates to creating elaborate schemes to avoid doing his homework, Calvin is never short on excitement. Hobbes is his constant companion, sharing in all of his adventures.

The collection is a massive compilation of all 3,160 Calvin and Hobbes strips that were published between 1985 and 1995. It includes a foreword from Watterson himself, providing readers with a unique insight into the creation of the comic strips. The Complete Calvin and Hobbes has received critical acclaim and has won several awards, including the prestigious Eisner Award for Best Comics Collection.

Readers have praised the collection for its humor, relatable characters, and nostalgic feel. It has remained a favorite among fans over the years, and in 2020, it was listed as one of the top 125 books from the past 125 years by the New York Public Library.

Watterson’s unconventional approach to creating the comic is also notable. He refused to license the characters for merchandise, and he made the decision to end the strip after ten years, much to the disappointment of fans. Despite this, The Complete Calvin and Hobbes remains a beloved collection that continues to delight readers of all ages.

Character Analysis

Calvin is the main character in the comic strip, The Complete Calvin and Hobbes, and he is depicted as a troublemaker who is always getting into mischief. Despite his mischievous nature, Calvin has a unique perspective on life that allows him to see the world in a different way than most people.

His best friend Hobbes, a stuffed tiger, is portrayed as his loyal companion who helps him navigate through life. Although Hobbes is imaginary to everyone else except Calvin, he is an essential part of Calvin’s world, and the two share a strong bond that is evident throughout the comic.

Throughout the comic, Calvin and Hobbes’ relationship is explored in great detail, and their dynamic is at the core of the strip’s humor and heart. Calvin is often shown playing pranks on Hobbes, but it is clear that the two care deeply about each other and would do anything for one another.

The characters also serve as social commentary on the world around them. Calvin’s unique perspective allows him to see through the absurdities of modern life, and his observations often provide insight into the struggles of everyday people. Hobbes, on the other hand, represents a more innocent view of the world, reminding readers of the simple joys of life and the importance of imagination.

The characters are also relatable, as many readers see themselves or people they know in Calvin’s mischievous tendencies and Hobbes’ loyalty and innocence. The characters’ popularity has endured through the years, and they have become beloved icons in the world of comics.

Reviews

Critics have lauded The Complete Calvin and Hobbes for its clever humor, relatable characters, and engaging storytelling. The collection received numerous awards, including the prestigious Eisner Award for Best Comics Collection in 2006. The book has also been praised for its ability to appeal to both children and adults.

The humor in the strips often features Calvin’s misadventures and mischievous nature, which many readers find both charming and amusing. Calvin’s unique outlook on life and his philosophical musings have been praised for their depth and insight.

The characters in the collection are also highly praised, with many readers identifying with the spunky and independent Calvin or admiring the loyalty and wisdom of his best friend Hobbes. Critics have praised the development of their relationship over the course of the comic’s run, as well as the way it explores themes such as childhood, imagination, and the human condition.

The Complete Calvin and Hobbes has been recognized as a literary work of art, and it remains a fan favorite to this day. The collection has been noted for its ability to transcend generations and appeal to readers of all ages. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the comics or just discovering them for the first time, The Complete Calvin and Hobbes is a must-read for anyone looking for a laugh and a little insight into the human experience.

Details

The Complete Calvin and Hobbes is a must-read collection of comic strips that includes all 3,160 strips published between 1985 and 1995, capturing the essence of the mischievous six-year-old boy, Calvin, and his imaginary tiger companion, Hobbes. The collection is a treasure trove of original sketches, storyboards, and behind-the-scenes commentary, providing readers with an inside look into the mind of the iconic cartoonist, Bill Watterson.

the collection includes a foreword penned by Watterson himself. The author shares his thoughts on the characters, his inspiration for creating the comic strip, and the challenges he faced while bringing Calvin and Hobbes to life. Readers are treated to an insider’s view of the creation of the beloved comic strip, which is sure to delight fans of all ages.

Each comic strip is carefully curated and arranged in chronological order, allowing readers to follow the characters’ escapades in the order they were originally published. Readers can enjoy experiencing the progression of the characters and the art style throughout the course of the strip’s ten-year run.

Aside from its engaging content, The Complete Calvin and Hobbes is also a beautifully designed book. The hardcover edition comes in a sturdy slipcase that is adorned with the iconic comic strip logo. The pages are made of high-quality paper that ensures the strips’ vibrant colors are captured in rich detail. The book’s layout is simple and easy-to-follow, making reading and referencing a joy.

The Complete Calvin and Hobbes is a must-have addition to any comic book lover’s collection. The collection’s humor, unique perspectives, and relatable characters have made it a staple in popular culture. The book’s beautifully designed layout, behind-the-scenes commentary, and extensive collection of comic strips make this a truly unparalleled comic book experience.

News about The Complete Calvin and Hobbes

The timeless classic, The Complete Calvin and Hobbes, has remained a popular read among people of all ages since its publication. In 2020, the book received another accolade, as it was listed as one of the New York Public Library’s top 125 books from the past 125 years. The library’s ranking included books from various genres and categories, including fiction, non-fiction, children’s literature, and graphic novels. The fact that The Complete Calvin and Hobbes was selected for this honor is a testament to the book’s enduring popularity and cultural significance.

The collection’s widespread appeal can be attributed to its relatable characters, humorous storytelling, and poignant reflections on life, friendship, and imagination. Readers have connected with the mischievous Calvin and his imaginary best friend Hobbes on a personal level, making the book a beloved classic that can be enjoyed and shared by generations to come.

The Complete Calvin and Hobbes is not only a delightful read but also a valuable addition to any bookshelf. The weighty tome consists of over 1400 pages and contains all 3,160 comic strips created by author Bill Watterson between 1985 and 1995. Apart from the complete collection of strips, the book also includes a thoughtful foreword by Watterson, in which he reflects on the creative process behind Calvin and Hobbes and shares personal insights on his career as a cartoonist.

The book’s success is a testament to Watterson’s unique approach to cartooning and storytelling. He refused to compromise his artistic integrity by licensing the characters for merchandise and ended the series after 10 years while it was still at the height of its popularity. These decisions made The Complete Calvin and Hobbes a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that stands out in the world of comics and literature.

So if you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh, cry, and think deeply, The Complete Calvin and Hobbes is the perfect choice. Join Calvin and Hobbes on their wild adventures, and experience the magic of their unique friendship.

Ratings

According to Amazon, The Complete Calvin and Hobbes has an outstanding rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Readers rave about the collection’s humor and how it keeps them engaged. Not only is it entertaining, but readers also find the characters relatable, making it an enjoyable read for all ages.

The collection has been praised for its storytelling and how it doesn’t shy away from addressing more significant issues such as death and the meaning of life. The combination of Calvin’s mischievous nature and Hobbes’ philosophical conversations is what stands out and makes the collection unique.

Readers also appreciate the overall quality of the book, including the hardcover and thick pages that keep the strips well-preserved. The collection’s table of contents and index make it easy to navigate and find a specific strip or storyline.

• 4.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
• Readers praise the humor and relatable characters.
• It addresses significant issues while maintaining its unique style.
• The book’s quality is appreciated, including its table of contents and index.

The ratings for The Complete Calvin and Hobbes are impressive and well-deserved. It’s not just another comic book; it’s a unique and relatable experience that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end.

Book Notes

Watterson’s Book Notes: Bill Watterson, the creator of Calvin and Hobbes, was known for his unique and unconventional approach to creating the comic. He refused to license the characters for merchandise, which was a standard practice in the industry, and instead focused solely on the comic strips themselves.

Watterson’s decision was a reflection of his artistic integrity and his desire to avoid commercialization. He believed that the characters should exist only within the context of the comic strips, and he did not want to dilute their value by turning them into a marketing tool.

Another aspect of Watterson’s approach that set him apart was his decision to end the strip after ten years, at the height of its popularity. The decision was a surprise to many fans and industry insiders, but Watterson felt that he had said everything he wanted to say with the characters, and he did not want to repeat himself or become stagnant.

Despite the end of the strip, The Complete Calvin and Hobbes remains a beloved collection that continues to attract new readers and fans. The book contains all 3,160 comic strips published between 1985 and 1995, allowing readers to revisit the misadventures of Calvin and Hobbes at their leisure.

Many fans and critics have praised Watterson for his commitment to artistic integrity and the quality of his work. The Complete Calvin and Hobbes has a rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with readers commenting on the humor, relatable characters, and intricate artwork.

Watterson’s unconventional approach to creating Calvin and Hobbes has helped make it one of the most beloved comic strips of all time. The characters continue to resonate with readers, and the collection remains a testament to Watterson’s artistic vision and dedication to his craft.