Calvin and Hobbes is quite simply the best comic strip I've ever had the privilege of reading, for several reasons: it's philosophical without being obnoxiously preachy; Bill Watterson's artistic talents are amazing; and it's side-splittingly funny.

Calvin is a 6-year-old who, for the most part, seems to have been some kind of karmic punishment for his parents. Together with his inseparable sidekick, Hobbes, a stuffed tiger who has a life and personality of his own, Calvin gets into some of the most horrendous scrapes, as well as driving them crazy in other, smaller ways.

One of my favorite aspects of the strip is Calvin's rich and involved fantasy life. Whether it be the adventures of the intrepid "Spaceman Spiff," daringly fighting the tyranny of evil bug-eyed monsters such as Calvin's teacher, Miss Wormwood; or the rampages of a mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex munching cavemen like popcorn; or even a delicate song sparrow belting out "On top of spaghetti, all covered with cheeeese..." - the fantasies come to life with Watterson's comic-book style artwork and deft humor.

Another, more thoughtful feature of the strip is the philosophical debates carried on by Calvin and Hobbes. These often take place while the two, clinging to a sled, are hurtling at breakneck speed down a wooded slope, before landing in a pile at the bottom. Something tells me there's some deep meaning here... Through this means and others, the author manages to get some pretty profound messages across to readers without hitting them over the head with saccharin-sweet platitudes.

There are also the typical traits of any six-year-old boy - just magnified a couple of times. Calvin's attempts to trick his mom into giving him cookies - or, better yet, a new flame-thrower. His relationship with classmate and neighborhood kid Susie Derkins (whom Hobbes is always trying to smooch). His rebellion against such petty matters as cleaning his room or going quietly off to bed.

In all this, Calvin is quite a hellion, but so appealing that you can't help but love him (even as you feel sympathy for his parents, who seem to be wondering what on earth they have gotten themselves into here). Hobbes is the voice of reason, in contrast to Calvin's loose-cannon style. Superior and smug, he has a biting wit. Of course, he and Calvin are best friends, and some of the sweetest moments in the strip are those times when their friendship really shines through.

All in all, Calvin and Hobbes is the best comic strip I've ever read - and that includes such favorites as The Far Side and Fox Trot. I often regret that Bill Watterson retired at the end of 1995, meaning the end of Calvin and Hobbes; but at least I can still get a daily dose, at http://www.calvinandhobbes.com - the official website, where each day a Calvin and Hobbes strip is reissued 11 years after it first appeared. There are also numerous collections, beginning with this one, and I would highly recommend them all.



Recommended: Yes