Calvin and Hobbes

By Bill Watterson

Book Overview

Meet Calvin--a chaos-loving six-year-old--and Hobbes, his witty tiger friend. This first collection launches the iconic strip and friendship with snowball fights, time travel, philosophical musings, and original humor that captures the magic of childhood.

This is only the beginning The very first volume of Calvin and Hobbes introduces the world to the most unforgettable duo in comics: Calvin, a wildly imaginative six-year-old, and Hobbes, his sharp-witted tiger companion who springs to life when no one else is watching. Together they mix everyday childhood events with adventure, rebellion, satire, and laughter--whether they're building mutant snowmen, outsmarting babysitters, or pondering life's biggest questions under the stars.

Originally published in newspapers between November 1985 and August 1986, these early strips showcase the humor, heart, and razor-sharp wit that would make Calvin and Hobbes a global phenomenon. This debut volume also features exclusive original content with a foreword by Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Garry Trudeau.

Highlights from this collection include:
The cardboard box as spaceship, time machine, and invention labCalvin's epic dinosaur daydreams interrupting schoolworkMonsters lurking under the bed (with Hobbes playing along)Snowball fights, sledding crashes, and bizarre snow sculpturesCalvin's ongoing battles with homework, babysitters, and classmate and neighbor Susie Derkins.Philosophical banter on everything from free will to the environment.
With expressive artwork and storytelling that balances chaos with insight, Bill Watterson transformed the antics of one mischievous boy and his tiger into something timeless. Both laugh-out-loud funny and quietly profound, this debut collection captures the spark that made Calvin and Hobbes a fan favorite from the very beginning.

For longtime devotees and brand-new readers alike, this first volume is more than just a comic strip--it's the beginning of one of the most beloved and imaginative worlds ever created.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0836220889
• ISBN13: 9780836220889
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.67 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.4" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Calvin rules

This was one of the first books my son started reading. While Calvin has a little bit of an attitude, some of the jokes went right over his head. I think it's a safe, fun way to encourage a child to start reading, and tolook at life in a fun, humerous way.

Oh, Nostalgia

I picked this one up after far too long an intermission. Calvin's adventures remain timeless, his antics winsome, his spirit soaring. The book that started it all, with all its poignant observations, philosophical ruminations, and side-splitting hilarity. I really hope Bill Watterson spends his much deserved free time egging the houses of the guys who write "Boondocks" and "Family Circus."

The very first Calvin and Hobbes

This is the first Calvin and Hobbes collection, which is clearly obvious when you flip through the first few cartoons and seen that our heros look a little less polished than they would later on. Nevertheless, Bill Watterson's genius was clearly evident from the start. He wastes little time introducing his characters, and merely assumes that we understand that Hobbes will only appear as a real tiger while Calvin is alone. Watterson is a comic genius whose reclusive presence has been sorely missed on the funny pages since his retirement. All we have left are his books. And this is the first of a fantastic series.

THE BEST COMIC BOOK THIS CENTURY!

This book was great with fun filled pages. It was a great book to read, and read over again. Calvil and Hobbes was a fun book to read after reading the other books from Bill Watterson. It gives you a great look at how the whole thing began. The first pages show how calvin and hobbes met, and throught the book you run into many crazy ideas and funny jokes. This book was good because I could relate to a lot of the things mentioned in it. After reading the book I wanted to read all of the other books. Since then I have bought every one of Tim Wattsons, Calvin and Hobbes books. I suggest that you too join in on the fun.