All Comics

Calvin and Hobbes

By Bill Watterson

Since its introduction in 1985, "Calvin and Hobbes" has been a timeless worldwide favorite. The beloved comic follows the richly imaginative adventures of 6-year-old Calvin and his trusty tiger, Hobbes. Whether you enjoyed it as a child while expanding your vocabulary, as an adult in the newspaper, or now as you reacquaint yourself with these cultural icons, "Calvin and Hobbes" will continue to astound and delight you.

**Available in print outside of the U.S. territory only.

Daily Daily
Sunday Sunday
Daily & Sunday Daily & Sunday
Digital Digital
Print Print
Strip Strip
Available in Color Available in Color
Available in Spanish Available in Spanish
Family
Kids

Editor's Picks

Comic strip featuring Calvin and Hobbes, where Calvin plans to rescue Rosalyn with a balloon. A babysitter intervenes, introducing the Cartoon featuring Calvin and Hobbes discussing the excitement of getting new things versus the boredom of having them. Calvin expresses his belief that getting is better than having, while Hobbes humorously adds his motto about waste and want. The comic highlights themes of childhood curiosity and consumerism. A humorous comic strip featuring a child asking to use a vacuum cleaner, while a parent expresses concern about their age and capability. The child insists they are old enough, leading to a playful exchange about chores and responsibility. The final panel shows the child vacuuming with a worried expression, hinting at mischievous intentions. Calvin and Hobbes comic strip featuring Calvin expressing frustration about school, while Hobbes suggests staying home. The characters showcase their playful dynamic and the theme of childhood imagination. Comic strip featuring Calvin and Hobbes discussing the nature of color in old photographs and paintings. Calvin questions why old photos are black and white while paintings are in color. His father explains that the world didn't turn to color until the 1930s, leading to a humorous conversation about the complexities of reality. The comic captures the playful and philosophical essence of the beloved characters.

About Bill Watterson

Bill Watterson was born in Washington, D.C., in 1958. His love of art began at an early age, and early influences included Charles Schulz ("Peanuts"), George Herriman ("Krazy Kat"), and Walt Kelly ("Pogo").

Watterson developed his artistic talent while in high school in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and later at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, where he studied political science. His career as a political cartoonist for The Cincinnati Post following his graduation in 1980 was brief—because he was fired.

Watterson's numerous daily comic ideas were all rejected until he created "Calvin and Hobbes," the engaging chronicle of a 6-year-old's psyche. The strip was signed by Universal Press Syndicate and debuted on Nov. 18, 1985. By the end of its run on Dec. 31, 1995, the award-winning "Calvin and Hobbes" was carried in more than 2,400 newspapers.

"Calvin and Hobbes" has gained worldwide appeal: All 14 book collections have sold millions within their first year of publication. The most recent collection, "The Complete Calvin and Hobbes," was published in 2005 by Andrews McMeel and became the most expensive book to make The New York Times best-seller list. In 1986, Watterson became the youngest person to win the prestigious Reuben Award for "Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year" from the National Cartoonists Society. He won the award again in 1988.

Watterson, who has always shunned the spotlight and rarely gives interviews, lives in Cleveland, Ohio.

A cartoon character sitting at a drawing table, looking frustrated while covering their face with their hands. A lamp illuminates the workspace, and a small dog peeks out from the side, adding a humorous touch to the scene.

Cast

Cartoon character with spiky yellow hair and a red striped shirt, smiling with arms outstretched against a green background.

Calvin

Calvin is a typical 6-year-old who hates baths, school, and his babysitter. His imagination often gets him in trouble. He's an avid comic book reader and a troublemaker who doesn't always grasp the concept of consequences. He has several alter egos and is named for the theologian John Calvin, who believed in predestination.

Cartoon tiger character with orange and black stripes, playfully running against a purple background, representing a whimsical and adventurous spirit.

Hobbes

Hobbes is a tiger, though whether he is real or stuffed is up for debate. Hobbes is Calvin's big, furry best friend and partner in crime who gets the blame for many of Calvin's exploits. Hobbes is smart, patient, and a skilled pouncer who was named after the philosopher Thomas Hobbes, who had a dim view of human nature.