40 years ago, Calvin and Hobbes' raucous adventures burst onto the comics page
2 days ago
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- Calvin and Hobbes debuted on November 18, 1985, featuring a 6-year-old boy and his imaginative tiger companion.
- Creator Bill Watterson combined humor, fantasy, and deep themes, captivating readers for a decade before retiring the strip at its peak.
- Lee Salem, the strip's editor, praised its fresh, funny, and artistically strong qualities, highlighting its relatable and archetypal portrayal of childhood.
- One memorable strip shows Calvin learning from a soap opera while sick at home, sparking both laughter and controversy among readers.
- Calvin and Hobbes often engaged in philosophical discussions, with Hobbes serving as Calvin's alter ego and providing balance to his wild adventures.
- The ambiguity of Hobbes' reality—whether a stuffed toy or a living companion—added depth, reflecting a child's vivid imagination.
- Watterson ended the strip in 1995 to pursue other creative endeavors, leaving behind a legacy of wit and introspection.
- Lee Salem, who championed the strip, passed away in 2019.