Calvin & Hobbes

[Ottmeister X]

The wife surprised myself and my two boys for Xmas with the new Calvin & Hobbes hardbound collector's edition that collects everything that was in print, including any special inserts into the regular paperback collections. Also, a ten page or so foreword by Watterson describing pre-C&H days up to what he's doing now. Three large tomes and over 1300+ pages of one of the greatest comic strips ever. Sheer bliss.

[JeffreyWKramer]

This was one of my Xmas gifts, and by far my favorite.

[Gordon Smith]

The wife surprised myself and my two boys for Xmas with the new Calvin & Hobbes hardbound collector's edition that collects everything that was in print, including any special inserts into the regular paperback collections. Also, a ten page or so foreword by Watterson describing pre-C&H days up to what he's doing now. Three large tomes and over 1300+ pages of one of the greatest comic strips ever. Sheer bliss.

I envy you. I think I managed to find and read most of the Calvin & Hobbes strips over the years, but I have never owned any of the various collections.

[bitplayer]

My nephew has a fat book of calvin and hobbes. I swiped it when he wasn't looking. But he figured it out and I had to give it back.

:D

[Inkthinker]

You know, I could never understand why Watterson hasn't embraced webcomics... he could easily stride in and become a major hitter instantly, and it's a format that offers him the complete creative freedom he always desired.

All I can figure is that A)his years with the syndicates burned him out and/or 2)he's just not a tech adapter... he used traditional tools to create his strip, and he's probably never gotten into the whole "Internet thing".

Goddamn shame though... he could really blow up the world of webcomics, and that'd be a good thing, I think.

[Mike Pothier]

I SO want that book, but the price always turned me away.

[JeffreyWKramer]

You know, I could never understand why Watterson hasn't embraced webcomics... he could easily stride in and become a major hitter instantly, and it's a format that offers him the complete creative freedom he always desired.

All I can figure is that A)his years with the syndicates burned him out and/or 2)he's just not a tech adapter... he used traditional tools to create his strip, and he's probably never gotten into the whole "Internet thing".

From his own statements in the forward to the collected edition, it doesn't seem Watterson is particularly interested in comics at the moment. He's focusing on painting. That said, if he was focusing on comics right now, my impression is consistent with your point 2), i.e., I don't think he'd get into the whole webcomic thing.

[Nate C.]

Well, that, plus he's filthy nasty wealthy.

[Drifter]

Great strip, cant wait to get that book for myself

[LoneWolf21]

I got the book for my birthday, and man it just takes me back. Great, great stuff.

One thing that amuses me is that some people believe the main character in 'Frazz' is the equivalent of a grown-up Calvin.

[Domo Goddess]

I used to like C+H. My cats were named Calvin and Hobbes ! :)
Mom has the big book and I never noticed !

[Ottmeister X]

I SO want that book, but the price always turned me away.

Ha, me too! Now I'm in debt with whatever method of payment my wife decided to use. Oh well, probably would have never bought it on my own, just like that big Far Side book that collects all of Larson's zany strips.

[Ottmeister X]

Today's Foxtrot. Looks like Amend is a big fan also.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d134/ott70/Foxtrot.jpg

[Deathstroke]

Today's Foxtrot. Looks like Amend is a big fan also.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d134/ott70/Foxtrot.jpg

I saw that this morning, and burst out laughing.

[Ottmeister X]

I saw that this morning, and burst out laughing.

Let me tell ya, that was one of the heaviest Xmas gifts I ever opened so Amend is not too far off.

[LoneWolf21]

Yea, the collection is I think twenty-some pounds, if not more. When I got it, my Mom had put it in the trunk, still in the Barnes & Noble bag it had been put in, it was too heavy for her to lug around any of other way. Heck, I'm suprised I was able to carry it up to my room.

[Gilda Dent]

I got this one for Christmas, also. The first printing is already sold out at the distributor level; whatever's in store stock is all that there is right now. They're gearing up for a second printing to be shipped in April, I think.

It weighs in at 22.5 pounds, which is nearly at the upper limit of my ability to lift an object. I don't think I'd even attempt to carry the whole thing up the stairs.

This is good news for those of us who are fans of newspaper comics. The Far Side, this one, Peanuts being republished in deluxe hardbound two year volumes two per year, and Hank Ketchum's Dennis the Menace in the same manner.

It's a good time to be a fan.

Gilda

[Doodle Bob]

IThis is good news for those of us who are fans of newspaper comics. The Far Side, this one, Peanuts being republished in deluxe hardbound two year volumes two per year, and Hank Ketchum's Dennis the Menace in the same manner.

It's a good time to be a fan.



dont forget the hardbound release of Gasoline Alley and Little Nemo, both of which I got for Hanukah.

[Lubichev]

He is a permanant fixture on me. Calvin will be with me 30 days after I die. Guranteed.

[JeffreyWKramer]

dont forget the hardbound release of Gasoline Alley and Little Nemo, both of which I got for Hanukah.

I don't suppose there is a TERRY AND THE PIRATES hardcover somewhere out there, or planned for release in the near future?

[Gilda Dent]

dont forget the hardbound release of Gasoline Alley and Little Nemo, both of which I got for Hanukah.

You lucky SOB! Emily tried to get me the newest version of Little Nemo in Slumberland: So Many Precious Sundays (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0976888505/102-9159818-8291308?v=glance&n=283155), but it was sold out everywhere. I have The Best of Little Nemo in Slumberland already, which has more than double the reprint pages, but it's 18 x 12, which is half the original size. So Many Precious Sundays is full size. I saw the preview edition at SDCC and was positively drooling over it.

The original Little Nemo strip was Sunday only, and was a full page--one strip occupying the entire page with complex panel structure that was decades ahead of its time. It's nice in the "oversized" hardcovers that have been produced, but still doesn't capture the beauty of what is perhaps the greatest newspaper comic of it's type ever.

I don't suppose there is a TERRY AND THE PIRATES hardcover somewhere out there, or planned for release in the near future?

There is a two volume deluxe hardbound set of Milton Caniff's Terry and the Pirates (http://www.pacificcomics.com/), reprinting the entire run from '34-'36. There were only 300 printed, though, and that site isn't updated very often, so it's a good idea to call and see if they have any in stock.

Also good for fans of vintage newspaper reprints are the hardbound reprints of Alex Raymond's Flash Gordon Sundays (in color, about 2 years at a time) and Mac Raboy's subsequent run (black and white softcover, but you get 5 years at a time).

Little Orphan Annie and Alley Oop are also being reprinted in the same format as Mac Raboy's Flash, and for those who like a more consistent dose, Comics Revue reprints classic newspaper adventure strips about a month per issue. Modesty Blaise is their anchor strip, but you'll get Alley Oop, Little Orphan Annie, Steve Canyon, and a variety of others. If I had to keep just one comic subscription, this would be it.

Gilda

[Nate C.]

You lucky SOB! Emily tried to get me the newest version of Little Nemo in Slumberland: So Many Precious Sundays (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0976888505/102-9159818-8291308?v=glance&n=283155),Gilda


ooooh, I want that.

[Ed Cunard]

Let's not forget George Herriman's Krazy Kat (http://www.fantagraphics.com/classics/krazy/krazy.html), either.

It's a good time to be a comic strip fan, indeed. And if you want to buy used, the excellent Smithsonian Collection of Newspaper Comics (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0810916126/qid=1135817035/sr=8-2/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i2_xgl14/103-5247156-0915049?n=507846&s=books&v=glance) is available from one seller at Amazon for the crazy low price of $14. I picked up a copy used in Pittsburgh last year, and as beat up as it is, I wouldn't trade it for anything--it's a great overview, particularly for the classics (considering it was printed in the late '70s, there's obviously not going to be anything newer).

[Gilda Dent]

I love Fantagraphics.

And, for obvious reasons, Krazy Kat is a favorite character of mine.

perhaps one of the greatest artistic things ever, and certainly one of the deepest newspaper comics.

Hee hee. Even within the comic enthusiast niche, we fans of classic newspaper comics are a niche. Fantagraphics, Kitchen Sink, Ken Pierce, and the like are a godsend for classic comics nerds.

Gilda

[Sabrinaset]

My Grandpa over Christmas introduced me to Little Nemo in Slumberland, as well as Rube Goldberg, and it is awesome! I had no idea that stuff like this existed!

BTW Gilda, I don't care how many times you change your avatar, you'll still be a couple of feet to me! :)

[Inkthinker]

Winsor McKay is incredible... once you've consumed all of the wonderful Little Nemo in Slumberland, check out Tales of a Rarebit Fiend.

[Mabels Folly]

You know, I could never understand why Watterson hasn't embraced webcomics... he could easily stride in and become a major hitter instantly, and it's a format that offers him the complete creative freedom he always desired.

All I can figure is that A)his years with the syndicates burned him out and/or 2)he's just not a tech adapter... he used traditional tools to create his strip, and he's probably never gotten into the whole "Internet thing".

Goddamn shame though... he could really blow up the world of webcomics, and that'd be a good thing, I think.

Quite simply because if he did so his stuff would be stolen left, right, sideways and upside down just like every other artist who has stuff on the Web.

That's one of the reasons that Watterson never allowed any merchandising of Calvin & Hobbes, because it would open the door to theft of his product even wider.

He was already supremely pissed off about all of the mooks who were stealing his drawing of Calvin acting pissed off and changing it so that Calvin was pissing.

And your comment about him not being a tech adapter is the single most condescending thing I've read in nearly 18 months, especially since you have no evidence to back up your claim.

Oh, and here's a piece of info for you genius, every other cartoonist who has their stuff up on the web creates their cartoons using traditional media, ie paper, pencil and ink. They don't use computers.

[Gilda Dent]

Quite simply because if he did so his stuff would be stolen left, right, sideways and upside down just like every other artist who has stuff on the Web.

That's one of the reasons that Watterson never allowed any merchandising of Calvin & Hobbes, because it would open the door to theft of his product even wider.

The primary reason was that he felt that merchandising detracted from the artistic integrity of the artwork.

Which is a slightly different reason than opening the door to theft. Merchandising might have actually reduced theft by giving the makers of the derived items a legitimate resource that Watterson would have profited from.

He was already supremely pissed off about all of the mooks who were stealing his drawing of Calvin acting pissed off and changing it so that Calvin was pissing.

Yeah, and who can blame him. He was pissed off about anyone using any image from any of his artwork, as to do so is stealing from him.

Gilda

[Sabrinaset]

Gilda, would Watterson be this generations version of Walt Kelly (Someone else Grandpa introduced me to)?

[Gilda Dent]

Good catch! I'd put him a bit closer to Herriman in the way he played around with the nature of relationships and reality, but Kelly's a good one.

Which reminds me, when do we get Pogo hardback reprints, huh?

Gilda

[Tadhg]

And your comment about him not being a tech adapter is the single most condescending thing I've read in nearly 18 months, especially since you have no evidence to back up your claim.

He wasn't making a claim so much as he was offering a possibility.

Oh, and here's a piece of info for you genius, every other cartoonist who has their stuff up on the web creates their cartoons using traditional media, ie paper, pencil and ink. They don't use computers.

Please do try to be less antagonistic. And not every cartoonist uses pencil and paper, many in fact DO use computers to create their strips.

[Headhunter]

Yea, the collection is I think twenty-some pounds, if not more. When I got it, my Mom had put it in the trunk, still in the Barnes & Noble bag it had been put in, it was too heavy for her to lug around any of other way. Heck, I'm suprised I was able to carry it up to my room.
Amazon sent mine with a bright red warning sticker, proclaiming the dangers of lifting its 50 pound immensity. :p

[Tadhg]

Amazon sent mine with a bright red warning sticker, proclaiming the dangers of lifting its 50 pound immensity. :p

I didn't get such a warning, but then, I made sure to Pre-order from them so I'd get it with free shipping since as soon as they realized how heavy it was, they cancelled the free shipping.

Also, it seems that the book is temporarily out of print. I guess it was a big hit at Christmas. Amazon says it won't be available until April.

[Grant]

I didn't get such a warning, but then, I made sure to Pre-order from them so I'd get it with free shipping since as soon as they realized how heavy it was, they cancelled the free shipping.

Also, it seems that the book is temporarily out of print. I guess it was a big hit at Christmas. Amazon says it won't be available until April.

Yeah I really wanted one for X-Mas but didn't get one (I got a video iPod instead so I can't complain). I'll keep it on my Amazon wishlist for next year though. I'm glad they going into a second printing.

[Solaris]

The wife surprised myself and my two boys for Xmas with the new Calvin & Hobbes hardbound collector's edition that collects everything that was in print, including any special inserts into the regular paperback collections. Also, a ten page or so foreword by Watterson describing pre-C&H days up to what he's doing now. Three large tomes and over 1300+ pages of one of the greatest comic strips ever. Sheer bliss.


Wow. You and Jeffrey and everyone else who got it are so lucky!!! That's an awesome collection. Calvin and Hobbes is one of my favorite strips; having all of them in one place is too cool. :) Congrats!

[Jonathan Bogart]

Which reminds me, when do we get Pogo hardback reprints, huh?
Fantagraphics says they (and Thimble Theatre) are on the way.

Woo hoo!

[Gordon Smith]

I just bought this set as my Christmas present to myself. Got it on sale to boot.

[JeffreyWKramer]

I just bought this set as my Christmas present to myself. Got it on sale to boot.

Congrats! That's a big bundle of goodness right there.

I've been rereading my set lately. Such wonderful stuff.

[Gordon Smith]

Congrats! That's a big bundle of goodness right there.

I've been rereading my set lately. Such wonderful stuff.

Thanks. I find reading them to be somewhat physically challenging, though. Even one book from the set is extremely heavy and difficult to hold.

[Ottmeister X]

Merry Xmas to you!

Thanks. I find reading them to be somewhat physically challenging, though. Even one book from the set is extremely heavy and difficult to hold.

I agree. Being a comic book collector, like most of us, I'm pretty anal about bindings. I get nervous leafing through these books in fear that the glue in the binding is not going to hold!

[Sir Tim Drake]

I agree. Being a comic book collector, like most of us, I'm pretty anal about bindings. I get nervous leafing through these books in fear that the glue in the binding is not going to hold!

My copy of Ulysses (the oversized edition with the gray, red and blue cover) fell apart while I was in the middle of reading it. I hope you have better luck.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Well, that, plus he's filthy nasty wealthy.

I always respected Watterson's stance on merchindising C & H. He could have made a shitload of money but he always declined it. I heard he had so many offers for cartoons of C & H he turned it down numerous times since he couldn't picture the right voice for it.

[Dragondragonfly]

I just got this set, Marvelous!!!! I enjoy laughing, Calvins facial expressions are just hilarious.

[bluetyson]

A massive complete edition? That sounds very cool.

[JeffreyWKramer]

A massive complete edition? That sounds very cool.

It is. It's among my most prized possessions.

[Gilda Dent]

Thanks. I find reading them to be somewhat physically challenging, though. Even one book from the set is extremely heavy and difficult to hold.

I can't hold mine for more than a couple of minutes at a time. I have to park it on a table and sit there to read it.

Merry Xmas to you!



I agree. Being a comic book collector, like most of us, I'm pretty anal about bindings. I get nervous leafing through these books in fear that the glue in the binding is not going to hold!

This is my biggest gripe, the glued binding. I wonder how much more expensive a sewn binding would have been?

[twilight]

I've got a few of the previous collected editions kicking around so I've held out on getting this but it's call is too strong.

Probably get it next time I've got money.

[Headhunter]

This is my biggest gripe, the glued binding. I wonder how much more expensive a sewn binding would have been?
It's not like they sold it at a discounted price due to lower quality binding, either. If there was ever a collection to go all-out on, this was it.