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It's amazing how you uncover just a bit more depth to Calvin and Hobbes every single time you read it. Reading it once again recently, I began to really see the
by Trasmatta 4y ago
It's amazing how you uncover just a bit more depth to Calvin and Hobbes every single time you read it. Reading it once again recently, I began to really see the subtle depth written into his parents.
They're generally seen from Calvin's perspective: super old, crabby, out of touch. But then you realize that's just how a 6 year old sees them, and that there's a lot more to their characters. They're likely only in their early 30's, and are honestly doing their best job as parents. There are all sorts of little hints towards how much they love their son (even though he can drive them crazy), their fears, their hobbies and interests outside of parenting, their relationship, etc. It's really beautiful.
- mcv 4y agoEver since I had kids, I started identifying a lot more with Calvin's parents. Sometimes more than with Calvin.
- Trasmatta 4y agoReading strips like this as a kid, it was easy to look at them slightly negatively: https://i.imgur.com/zBko5hB_d.webp?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium https://i.imgur.com/zBko5hB_d.webp?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&... Now, though, I get it. Parenting is hard, and it's not only thing going on in their lives. And despite it all, they put up with Calvin's behavior, encourage his imagination, keep him fed and warm, and comfort him when it matters. What more could you ask for?
- webkike 4y agoIt’s hinted at throughout the series that Calvin’s mom was a much more difficult child than even Calvin was, and I always appreciated that touch.
- avalys 4y agoReally? I think I've read all the C&H strips multiple times and never picked up on that. Notably, Calvin's parents are never given names, and the only relative ever featured as I recall was his uncle on his dad's side. Do you have a link to a strip where this is hinted at?
- webkike 4y agoHere’s a panel that references it https://calvinandhobbes.fandom.com/wiki/Calvin%27s_mother?file=1cac2d50d00c20ecca185f8b50dafbd5.jpg https://calvinandhobbes.fandom.com/wiki/Calvin%27s_mother?fi...
- WalterBright 4y agoThat's a bit more than a mere hint!
- creaghpatr 4y agoWow I never caught that!
- DizzyDoo 4y agoI believe it's this one: https://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/1987/07/31 https://www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes/1987/07/31
- madcaptenor 4y agoIIRC Watterson said that he had been planning to introduce more adult relationships to the strip, but he realized this would be difficult when Uncle Max couldn't address his brother (Calvin's father) by name.
- radley 4y agoIt's made clear both parents were naturally difficult too, which is part of the point. This panel probably had to be expressly stated since Mom doesn't encourage Calvin's (over) imagination like his father does.
- civilized 4y agoEven when I was a kid I thought the parents were cool. Other than perhaps Moe, Calvin is obviously the worst human being in the comic (although in a mostly funny and relatable way).
- glitcher 4y agoNow I want to go back and read all my old Calvin and Hobbes books again! Speaking to the depth of the comic strip, one of my favorite themes was the philosophical discussions about the nature of reality and meaning of life while they were barreling down a huge hill in the sled or wagon :)
- Trasmatta 4y agoI remember always skipping over those when I was 10 because I couldn't understand them. Now they're some of my favorite parts. Calvin and Hobbes is magic in how it seems to unlock new depth at every age.