Have you chased Zargons across the galaxy? Have you asked profound questions about life, but realised that watching T.V. is probably more interesting? Have you ever thought that your principal was probably a space alien spy? Ah, welcome to the world of Calvin and Hobbes.
As one of the most loved and sustained comic strips, C & H needs no introduction. But just why do we love C & H ? Well, admit it. Calvin is the kid you always wish you were. He's curious, imaginative, rebellious, innocent, profound, funny and lazy, all at the same time. Calvin and his imaginative tiger friend Hobbes (both named after European philosophers) are a reflection of the world as seen from 6 years innocence and adult skepticism at the same time. Whether its war, religion, girls, or homework , Calvin's honesty of innocence shines in the way he questions everything with the simplicity only kids can conjure. He has no baggage of adult hypocrisy or complexity. And yet, hes a kid also in the way he's lazy, loves saturday mornings , loathes homework and lives in a world created by his own imagination; limitless and self-sufficient. In Calvin and Hobbes, not only has Bill Watterson created the magical realm of childhood, but he has also created a caricature of the world, seen with an innocence and curiosity, that for us adults is lost. And never has things so profound been said with such brevity.
But to me, the best thing about it is that it makes me laugh and think at the same time. And wish that i was a kid all over again. This one.
2 comments:
I read C&H at work everyday. Truly the most honest portrayal of childhood. Brings back bittersweet memories of childhood and also makes you wonder if growing up is really any good. The wonderfully innocent illusions of childhood are so much better than the cynical wisdom of youth. I'm glad i have a huge peter pan syndrome. :)
Dude nice post, I always wanted to write something about C & H but couldn't think something good enough which describe C & H.
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