Whether Calvin and Hobbes are blasting off on another interplanetary
adventure or approaching warp speed on a downhill wagon ride, their
capers consistently charm and refresh their readers' days.
In the world that Calvin and his tiger Hobbes share, treasures can be
found in the most unlikely places, from the outer regions where Spaceman
Spiff travels to the rocks in the backyard--this curious duo roams their
world in search of fortunes (and misfortunes!) to be experienced.
On his own, Calvin is prey to the insidious killer bicycle, is the
arbiter of the Dad poll, is the creator of a legion of snowmen who
provide an incisive social commentary, and Hobbes is always there as the
perfect companion.
Watterson's talent is evidenced by the range of thought-provoking
emotions the strip encompasses in addition to the laughs it induces: the
loyalty and friendship between Calvin and Hobbes, the challenge of
being a patient parent, and the sardonic viewpoint of a cynical
six-year-old ("I'm a 21st-century kid trapped in a 19th-century family,"
laments Calvin) combine to make this one of the best-loved strips in
cartoon history.