[Charles Henrickson]

Bill Watterson, creator of the syndicated cartoon strip 'Calvin & Hobbes' is shown in this Feb. 24, 1986 file photo at his home in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. (AP Photo/The Plain Dealer, C.H. Pete Copeland)

[Charles Henrickson]

"Calvin and Hobbes" is my favorite comic strip of all time. ("The Far Side," for a single-panel cartoon.)

[gondramB]

There is something really admirable about somebody who creates something wonderful and then doesn't seek attention for the rest of his life or try to milk his creation for every last dime.

[Hexenhammer]

As a long time devote of Calvin and Hobbes, I thank you for posting this article.

[Flux Capacitor]

Bill Watterson is a hero of the comic strip medium, in the same strata as Charles Schulz and Walt Kelly. CALVIN AND HOBBES is nothing less than one of the five greatest comic strips of the last half-century, and Watterson's genius is matched only by his artistic integrity: So steadfast was he against Universal's attempts to merchandise his so-obviously-merchandisable strip, he threatened to shut the whole thing down if Calvin and Hobbes showed up on so much as a single Burger King cup. And in the end, he won.

The man is simply great. Thanks for the memories, Bill.

-Dan

[Charles Henrickson]

Thought you C & H fans would like to see this thread.

[caryatid]

... the funny pages haven't been the same since ...

It was like the death of a dear friend ...

Their all-encompassing bond of friendship — being able to share joy and have fun together, yet get angry and frustrated with one another — was another reason for the strip's success.

This could almost describe the success of Free Republic, as well ...

[gilor]

http://www.ucomics.com/calvinandhobbes/

beware of popups, but most of them are here.

[Turbopilot]

Truly a comic great. I think I've read every single Calvin and Hobbes strip, and I still find them instances of utter brilliance.

There is a comic who has superceded Bil Watterson's genius. However, his work is not suitable for families. The first strip (which is family friendly, but not particularly funny on its own) can be found here. I must warn forum readers; Achewood is frequently and generally not family-friendly fare. However, if one reads it from the beginning (i.e. my first link), which is almost required to truly become a fan of this strip, and one is an adult, able to put comic vulgarity and/or obscenity into context, one will realize that this strip shows the same utter brilliance and artistic commentary that made C&H so beloved.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Absolutely the greatest comic strip of all time. Why? Because it's pure Americana. It brilliantly captures the essential childhood, the fantasies, the nightmares, and the carefree attitude of kids growing up, all from the child's perspective. There'll never be another strip like it. Peanuts can't hold a candle to it. The only other comic that comes close is maybe The Far Side.

If a Calvin & Hobbes movie is ever made it'll easily be a box-office hit. I admire Watterson's privacy and not being corrupted by Hollyweird, but he should seriously entertain a motion picture deal.

[martin_fierro]

"Pearls Before Swine" is growing on me, though it's a little angry.

(speaking of angry, did you get the impression from the strip that Calvin's parents weren't too wild about each other -- or about him?)

[Dajjal]

BTTT

[Stand Watch Listen]

FYI...to enjoy again...

http://dlazechk.dl.funpic.org/subjects.html -- Calvin and Hobbes theme repository subjects

i.e.

[bootless]

Bill Watterson is one of my everyday heroes. I love Calvin & Hobbes - I had no idea he was so young (i.e., my age).

There's treasure everywhere.

[Squantos]

Calvin & Hobbes, Bloom County, Peanuts were always my source of grins from the funny papers.......Red and Rover has kinda replaced Calvin and Hobbes these days......Non Sequitur is my favorite along with the surviving peanuts strip.

The movie second hand lions kinda involved the strip from bloom county didn't it ? Or at least the strip creator BB....???

[mysto]

[mysto]

[WestVirginiaRebel]

[trubluolyguy]

Calvin and Hobbes

Garfield

Outland

Blondie

[Samurai_Jack]

"After "Calvin and Hobbes" ended, Jim Watterson and his son would paint landscapes together..."

I wouldnt mind having one of his landscape paintings. The rich colorations of his comic characters was always impressive. Perhaps it translated into his other work.

[aberaussie]

bttt