The Complete Calvin and Hobbes

Big fan of Calvin and Hobbes. Bought collection for a friend’s children.

I recall, some years ago, a text discussing Creationism vs. Evolution, which, perhaps not surprisingly, used Calvin & Hobbes -- y'know, the kid and his tiger, not the other two who masqueraded in flesh with those names [what did *they* ever do that was important? ;)] -- to example *both* sides of the issue. I thought that stepped along line few were willing, or able, to edge-walk. The philosophy and genius of Bill Watterson was that, and so very much more. Seeing the eyes through a mischievous child's eyes, without the pedantic nor moralistic tone which has been enshrouded around so many "adults" revisiting childhood in prose and/or art, Watterson captured perfectly what it is to be n over-imaginative kid in a world that isn't geared for such minds. Through phantasic daydreams of outer space adventures, or dinosaur-era rampages, Calvin ventured far and distant vistas of elaborate construction; all as a means to avoid the mundane systems imposed upon him through learning a series of dates and places and calling it history -- or the basics of mathematic number systems. Calvin drags his best friend, Hobbes (a tiger who pretends to be a stuffed animal when anyone else is around), into grandiose journeys involving time travel, treasure-hunting, and racing downhill in a wagon or sled -- all the while discussing the merits and validity of pre-determinination. His mother tries not to kill him when he wakes her at 2am to ask if love is just a series of chemical impulses or something deeper and more spiritual. Nor can she understand why she finds a bowl of luke-warm tapioca pudding in the middle of the floor in front of the television (set there, of course, as an offering to a modern deity who turns our brains into such ilk as luke-warm tapioca). Through-out all of his adventures, this tiger and his human friend teach us about, not about life necessarily, but about the lens through which we view the paradox of our beauty and inadequacies in which we all live. And they do it with made-up games with ever-changing rules, poems of incredible complexity and profoundly simple subject matter... "Like delicate lace So the threads intertwine, Oh, gossamer web Of wond'rous design! Such beauty and grace Wild nature produces... Ughh, look at the spider Suck out the bug's juices!" ...or by turning a cardboard box into a "transmogrifier" device. Their dancing and singing philosophy spans the range of emotion and illuminates the everyday surroundings with light and humor to remind us of what is really important. In such a manner, as perhaps only Antoine de Saint Exupéry has done with "The Little Prince". Now, as for this fine collection: Everything is in here. Each incredible comic in the entire run of the series. All gorgeously rendered and bound in three volumes that as heavy as anything John Calvin and Thomas Hobbes published. Someone (I think it might have been G. K. Chesterton) once wrote that fine literature should, in hardcover form, be heavy enough to knock out a bugler. By that definition, this could well be the finest literature on a library shelf. By defining literature as something provoking thought and discussion of our world and the life in it, Calvin & Hobbes does that as well. Such a collection is likely to make other works on your bookcase envious, be they by Rumi or Hemingway, Sun Tzu or Gaiman, Milton or Hawkins. Fine other books in history have given such deep and vast views of philosophy and religion, disguised as a comic strip that can make you laugh with tearful joy.

If you have a Calvin and Hobbes fan in your life, this is the ultimate gift. You can't miss with this one. My husband has been a fan since he was young, and he absolutely loves this set. No complaints from him, so it was a great choice!

It was pristine when I arrived. The materials are high quality and it looks so cool. If you have the money it is so worth it

Okay, let's be real – "The Complete Calvin and Hobbes" isn't just a book set, it's a portal to pure, unfiltered childhood wonder. I remember reading these comics as a kid, and revisiting them as an adult is like finding a long-lost treasure. From the moment I opened the box, I was transported back to a time of imagination, mischief, and those deep, philosophical questions that only a six-year-old and his stuffed tiger can truly ponder. Bill Watterson's genius shines through every single strip. Calvin is, well, Calvin. He's a whirlwind of energy, a master of imagination, and a walking definition of chaos. He's the kid we all were, or wanted to be, at some point. And Hobbes? He's the perfect foil, the voice of reason, the ever-present companion who somehow manages to be both a stuffed toy and a wise, insightful tiger. What makes this collection so special isn't just the humor (though there's plenty of that!). It's the depth and intelligence behind the jokes. Watterson tackles everything from environmentalism and consumerism to the meaning of life and the nature of friendship. He does it all with a wit and charm that's both hilarious and thought-provoking. The artwork is stunning. You can see Watterson's passion and dedication in every panel. From the elaborate snowmen scenes to the wild, imaginative adventures of Spaceman Spiff, the visuals are just as captivating as the writing. Reading through these strips, I found myself laughing out loud, nodding in agreement, and even tearing up a little. There's a warmth and sincerity to Calvin and Hobbes that's truly timeless. It's a reminder of the simple joys of childhood, the power of imagination, and the importance of genuine connection. And, I'm especially excited because I hope to be able to share these stories with my son when he's a little older. He's only 7 now, but I can't wait for the day we can delve into Calvin's world together. I know these strips will spark his imagination, teach him about friendship, and open up some great conversations. I envision us laughing together over Calvinball, and discussing the deeper meanings behind some of the more thoughtful strips. I feel like I'm giving him a gift that will grow with him, and create lasting memories for us both. This collection isn't just for kids. It's for anyone who's ever felt the magic of a good story, the thrill of a wild adventure, or the comfort of a true friend. It's a 5-star masterpiece that I'll cherish for years to come. If you want a dose of pure, unadulterated joy, look no further. You won't regret it.

My initial impression is that this Box Set is a worthwhile purchase for almost any fan of Calvin and Hobbes. This set is Very Heavy. Take pictures of the shipping box in case there should be damage. This may not be suitable for children as each volume is so incredibly heavy. The children will enjoy the individual paperbacks far more. Beware the description paper attached to the top with booger glue. Use a hair dryer to soften it for clean removal. The box is sturdy cloth and paper. The books appear to well constructed. The pages are thick and an offwhite color. As the comic strip is ink on white, each strip pops out on the page. I like the effect. The offwhite also has a very subtle, fall themed mottling. Weekday strips are three to a page with the date for all three below the last strip. I don't see how you can regret this purchase.

I waited for the sale and then snatched this up. Calvin and Hobbes is indisputably one of the best comic strips ever. I am glad it ended when it did. Smart to end while on top and not drag things on forever. The quality of the whole package is beautiful. The pages are a good stock weight, the box for the books is sturdy. The individual books are very well constructed and should last a lifetime with careful handling, and maybe even as an heirloom? Yeah, good humour never goes out of style. And C&H is just that. Every strip, every story, every humourous memory I have preserved here in three volumes forever.

There are few comic collections that feel as essential as The Complete Calvin and Hobbes. This set isn’t just a book, it’s an experience. Every strip, every storyline, every bit of wit and heart that Bill Watterson ever published is here, beautifully bound and thoughtfully presented. The quality of the printing is exceptional: the pages are thick, the colors vivid, and the black-and-white panels have that crisp ink look that makes each one feel hand-drawn. The binding itself feels sturdy enough to handle years of revisiting (which you’ll absolutely do). Even after multiple reads, the books still hold up well which are clearly built to last as both a keepsake and a readable collection. Content-wise, Calvin and Hobbes remains unmatched. It’s funny, imaginative, and deeply reflective without ever trying too hard. Whether it’s Calvin’s wild daydreams or the quiet philosophical exchanges with Hobbes, it strikes that rare balance between humor and insight that resonates just as much with adults as it does with kids. It’s hard to call something perfect, but this comes close. For fans of comics, storytelling, or even just nostalgia done right, this is an easy purchase that deserves a permanent spot on the bookshelf.