Reviews
watterson is a master draftsman. he limits his subjects so he can render them specifically, over again, born new each time. if you pay attention to each expression, the arc of each line when in motion, even the lettering, you'll notice an obsessive eye for detail. a prodigious talent really, it's a wonder realizing that he was immediately syndicated and just like this.
so the alternative question then is: why? for what purpose? why does he bring master craftsman energy to a cynical strip about the seemingly casual or surface dysfunctions of the nuclear family... there's some kind of koan in there that stays with me even when a strip doesn't land, or the humor is a bit dated. he is an excavator and an dramatist, a re-constructor trying to understand and represent seemingly natural behaviors and dynamics.
I guess growing up means I relate to calvin's parents. when I read this in high school, I still felt a streak of calvin in me. now I just look on, bemused at the little shithead. still very funny and joyous to read, if the magnetism of the work doesn't trip you up.
Man, it's been so long since I read these. The nostalgia was super strong for this one, though I am always partial to the Mutant Snowmen volume if memory serves. Still, you can't go wrong with a little Calvin and Hobbes. It's such a classic comic series.
Wow. Calvin and Hobbes is without a doubt the best comic book there ever was.
Essential childhood reading, in my opinion. Love this comic!
I adore Calvin & Hobbes and this collection didn't disappoint either. From funny antics to socio-political commentary, Watterson manages to nail it every time. 5 Stars and an A.
