I am always a firm believer that to be a truly happy person in life, you need to have the imagination and creativity in your mind of a child. A Child’s imagination is not restricted by man made mind blocks as in adults. He has the freedom to ask ’’ Why Not?’’ when you come across real world road blocks in life called ’’Why?’’
That is the reason, why my all time favorite cartoons have been Calvin and Hobbes. I really don’t know whether this toon needs a review in the first place. People who read it already, might just want to sit back and know my thoughts as a fan of Calvin , others who might not have read this toon , can go through a few sections of the comic (https://ucomics.com/calvinandhobbes/) and then revise themselves by reading this review.
Bill Watterson, says ’’Calvin’’ is actually named after a 16th century Theologian . He says Calvin is not based on memories of his childhood. I however doubt that. I am a firm believer that Calvin is a child that remains in all of us. It is there even in you. Tell me how many of you, would not mind having the freedom to behave like a child, ask questions where they are not appropriate etc. At least to me, when I read Calvin and Hobbes, I am transported for a few moments to a world without boundaries and with an eternally white canvas waiting to be painted.
Hobbes is the tiger, who is found in Calvin’s house. Bill Watterson does not agree with the fact that it is a stuffed tiger. I agree with him. For everything in this world, there is more than one opinion. After all tell me is there anything, any issue, in this world, where the opinion is uniform. No. So Hobbes is a live tiger sometimes and a stuffed one at some other times. His character is also well etched. He is Calvin’s reality guru and friend. The eternal cynic, who brings Calvin back to reality, everytime he goes on his idealistic sojourns.Hobbes also however joins Calvin in a few of his adventures, but only to a point. I feel , Hobbes is more of an adult. He has mind blocks and limits to his imagination.
Calvin’s Parents are like any other good parents. A loving father, he shows his feelings in a few strips , but is bound heavily by the real world. So full marks to dad. Mom is like any mom. She is the final place of rest after any mischief. She cares for him, though however tortures calvin by giving him baths and nutritious food (hahahahaha).This is one part I really like since, I guess in many ways , I was like Calvin when it came to our dislike for any thing remotely nutritious in childhood.
There are other characters : Miss Wormwood, Moe the Bully, Roslyn the baby sitter etc...but, how can I forget Dear Susie - the girl in Calvin’s life. Calvin vehemently denies loving the girl and is constantly playing pranks on her. But after all, how else would a six year old show feelings of love to her. I am restricting myself from writing a lot about Susie, since her strips with Calvin are to be relished by each one with memories of his/her own childhood (If you do have similar experiences)...
Another thing that plays a very important role in Calvin’s life is a old tree, which is considered a home away from home for him. It transforms into his club house and also as his fortress.
The sad part of this whole story is that Bill Watterson , the creator of Calvin and Hobbes has stopped the strip in 1996. He is considered a recluse and is almost never seen in public life nowadays. I don’t know what to say, but maybe good things in life - don’t last forever!
...and maybe that’s why childhood is such a short journey.
adios and hope you enjoyed my review...
Moonraker signing off
P.S : This is my first book review. Though I have a reasonably good appetite for books , this is my first book review at MS. Pl pen you comments , I would love to know how I fared on my first try ever.<i/>