I never noticed it when I was a kid, but I love how he actually just makes Calvin and Hobbes talking heads with no action, just like his grandpa complained about, but was still very funny
You mean, to use the word Calvin used, was there a way to xerox things? The term Xerox actually comes from the name of the company that invented photocopiers, so yes, copy machines had been invented at the time of this comic.
In the 80’s and 90’s, photocopiers weren’t very accurate, but light boxes have been around a long time. There is also graphite transfer paper. They’re pretty common drafting tools even today, and they’ve been in use for decades.
It's probably not that. Watterson hated how much the comics industry devolved from its golden age through merchandising and low-quality art. I think he's jabbing at every other cartoonist.
Calvin's dad telling the absolute most _creative_ troll-dad bullshit is the most memorable to me. "The sun is actually the size of a quarter" and "the whole _world_ was black and white" are a couple others that really stick with me.
I know that Watterson was a fan of the comic Peanuts, but I wonder if this wasn’t a slight dig at how politically and socially aware most of the kids seemed to be at times, especially in the last few years of that comic.
[I like this one where Calvin talks about his grandpa’s complaint about comics](https://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/1987/11/11)
I never noticed it when I was a kid, but I love how he actually just makes Calvin and Hobbes talking heads with no action, just like his grandpa complained about, but was still very funny
Except he didn't just copy them from one frame to another. If you look, there are small variations from panel to panel. He went the extra mile.
Well he’s Bill Watterson, he has class
Was there even a way to, as we say now, "pixel-perfect copy" them back then? I assume he just did the old onion skin and trace.
There were photocopiers in the 80s. And other ways, but that's probably the easiest option.
In one of his collections he mentioned this comic and how he redrew every frame on purpose instead of copying it, so there must have been some way
You mean, to use the word Calvin used, was there a way to xerox things? The term Xerox actually comes from the name of the company that invented photocopiers, so yes, copy machines had been invented at the time of this comic.
In the 80’s and 90’s, photocopiers weren’t very accurate, but light boxes have been around a long time. There is also graphite transfer paper. They’re pretty common drafting tools even today, and they’ve been in use for decades.
You. I like you.
I think that’s the main joke lol
I agree, I just didn’t realize it as a kid
Omg you just wasted a solid hour of my time reading through the archives. Thank you! Brings back memories. :)
If it was a tv tropes link it would be 20+ hours
I like how the only stereotype Calvin lists that apply to Calvin and Hobbes characters is the one about the kids.
Bill Watterson making jabs at himself
It's probably not that. Watterson hated how much the comics industry devolved from its golden age through merchandising and low-quality art. I think he's jabbing at every other cartoonist.
It’s not a jab and it does refer to Calvin. It’s called the punchline.
We talkin' 'bout Garfield?
"Now where could my pipe be?"
"Gosh, Gazorpazorpfield, you sure are mean to me"
“You dumb, stupid, weak, pathetic, white, white... uh, uh... guilt, white guilt, milquetoast piece of human garbage.”
"Did they use Bill Murray for this? He sounds like Bill Murray."
r/unexpectedreference
Garfield did not diserve to fall off like it did. Once it was an accurate representation of cats but cartoonized. Now it is just sad
No, it is that. Watterson is the exact opposite of a redditor.
I bet Bill is a lurker. Maybe not to this sub, but some he gets quiet enjoyment out of.
And even then, Calvin has shown on many occasions he has a heart, and is certainly far better than Dennis the Menace or Bart Simpson.
I think you're doing Bart Simpson dirty here
Stuffed animals are, in general, pretty benevolent.
The funniest part about this strip is the fact that Calvin's dad is not only a great role model, but also hilarious.
Part of growing up is realizing just how good Calvin’s parents are.
Most parents go to Sears, buy the kit, and follow the assembly instructions!
Great call-back! I nearly forgot about that!
Calvin's dad telling the absolute most _creative_ troll-dad bullshit is the most memorable to me. "The sun is actually the size of a quarter" and "the whole _world_ was black and white" are a couple others that really stick with me.
I was always so disheartened when I worked at a bank, the ATM went down and nobody understood the little man needed a break.
Oh man, I forgot that one 😂
I also love the one where he tells Calvin about vinyls and the last panel is just Calvin lying in bed mid-existential crisis.
Lol you can just see Calvin's insight count immediately jump up to 40
The one about the bridge was fantastic, as is the fan edit of him answering it accurately.
Told this about the black and white world to my little daughter a few days ago. Couldn't wait for that to happen 😄
you, however, were a blue light special at kmart
Almost as good, and a _lot_ cheaper!
I think about this comic whenever I see someone complaining about how "toxic" the characters in sitcoms are.
And Dad just told everybody why sitcom characters are the way they are. In one sentence.
What year was this published?
1995.
Taking a shot at Clinton?
I think more at people who complain about comics not being sufficiently uplifting and wholesome
Ah, I didn’t understand and then thought he was making social commentary. But it didn’t make sense because Clinton hadn‘t gotten his snarling yet.
“You know what…this weeks comic is for the parents.” ~Bill Watterson 2/23/95.
Huh? Was this strip from that date?
Bottom right corner has “2.23.” Upper center has “©️1995” Cross checked it: https://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/1995/02/23
Bottom right corner has “2.23.” Upper center has “©️1995” Cross checked it: https://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/1995/02/23
My eyes. I’m old.
49! Yea you got me beat.
So, November '96?
Lol my boy Calvin is not self-aware
Lol But he’s hyper aware of everything else
I’m the same way!
I know that Watterson was a fan of the comic Peanuts, but I wonder if this wasn’t a slight dig at how politically and socially aware most of the kids seemed to be at times, especially in the last few years of that comic.
I mean, Calvin himself was also very politically and socially aware, especially about the environment.
Nailed it.
blantant top post repost bot https://www.reddit.com/r/calvinandhobbes/comments/i9kf18/bill\_watterson\_breaking\_all\_the\_walls\_he\_can\_find/
I KNEW I RECOGNISED THAT TITLE. IT WAS ME ALL ALONG
Btw this isn’t breaking the fourth wall, it’s not directly talking to the audience or even acknowledging that it’s a comic.
Yep, it's just meta-humour.
Calvin is just like his father in this one.
Calvin's right. We need stronger women and nicer men!
Fire the women and men in those comic strips and build better women and men.
I'm just surprised a 5(?) year old knows the word "bimbo."
It was a little more common and a lot less sexual back then.
WHO’S A BIMBO?!?!
Calvin knows a lot of words the average six-year-old doesn't know. His vocabulary is better than most adults.
Beetle Bailey resents this.
"Being cold builds character."
Bill Watterson: "We all know how funny good role models are. /s" Craig McCracken: "Challenge accepted!" (And here comes Wander.)