Techmeme Ride Home: Calvin And Hobbes – With Daniel Kibblesmith (December 25, 2024)

Host: Ride Home Media
Guest: Daniel Kibblesmith, Writer and Comedian

1. Introduction

In the December 25, 2024 episode of Techmeme Ride Home, Ride Home Media delves into the iconic comic strip Calvin and Hobbes with special guest Daniel Kibblesmith, a renowned writer and comedian. The episode explores the enduring legacy of the strip, its creator Bill Watterson, and its profound impact on generations of readers.

2. Calvin and Hobbes Overview

Calvin and Hobbes, created by Bill Watterson, ran from November 18, 1985, to December 31, 1995. At its peak, the strip was featured in over 2,400 newspapers worldwide, with Calvin and Hobbes books selling 45 million copies globally. The comic follows the adventures of a six-year-old boy, Calvin, and his stuffed tiger, Hobbes, whose true nature oscillates between a mere toy and a sentient companion.

Daniel Kibblesmith describes the strip as "universally beloved by anybody who's encountered it" ([03:09]). He emphasizes that Calvin and Hobbes stands out among other long-running comics for its consistency and relevance, maintaining high quality throughout its decade-long run.

3. Influence on Gen X and Pop Culture

The episode highlights how Calvin and Hobbes played a pivotal role in shaping the worldview of Gen Xers. Kibblesmith notes, “Calvin and Hobbes had an almost spiritual, philosophical role in shaping Gen Xers and how we think of the world” ([02:56]). Unlike contemporaries like Peanuts, which reflected the sensibilities of an older generation, Calvin and Hobbes offered a fresh, relatable perspective that resonated deeply with younger audiences.

Brian McCullough, the host, adds that the strip's ability to reflect real-life dynamics without talking down to its readers was a cornerstone of its appeal ([05:04]). This created a unique bond between the strip and its audience, fostering a sense of recognition and validation.

4. Bill Watterson's Background

Bill Watterson, born in 1958, grew up in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, an idyllic Midwestern town that inspired many of the strip's settings. During his time at Kenyon College, Watterson aspired to be a political cartoonist, drawing early creations like Ram Fahr Rolf and Spaceman Spiff. However, these initial attempts did not gain traction, leading him to refine his approach ([09:15]).

5. Creation Process and Syndication Battles

The journey to syndication was fraught with challenges. Watterson submitted various strips, including Spaceman Spiff, Critters, and Doghouse, none of which were initially successful. His breakthrough came in July 1985 when Universal Press Syndicate picked up Calvin and Hobbes, marking a turning point in his career ([09:15]).

Watterson’s creative process was intense and meticulous. He often spent hours ideating, with some ideas being discarded entirely if they didn't meet his high standards. He stated, “The quality of a strip is determined by the quantity of ideas in the wastebasket” ([55:01]), highlighting his commitment to excellence.

6. Licensing and Selling Out

One of the most defining aspects of Calvin and Hobbes was Watterson's staunch opposition to licensing. Despite immense popularity and lucrative offers, he refused to allow merchandise beyond the official books and calendars. When approached with prototypes, such as Hobbes dolls, Watterson famously burned them, stating, “I’m convinced that licensing would sell out the soul of Calvin and Hobbes” ([65:55]).

This resistance to commercialization preserved the strip’s integrity but also limited its financial potential. Kibblesmith explains that while syndication provides some income, true profitability lies in licensing—something Watterson deliberately avoided to maintain artistic purity ([26:24]).

7. Watterson's Personality and Departure

Bill Watterson was known for his introverted and reclusive nature. He distanced himself from the public eye early on, valuing his privacy over fame. His discomfort with publicity led to minimal interviews, with his last major one occurring in 1987 ([78:07]). Watterson viewed fame as a "nuisance" that interfered with his creative process and personal life ([90:06]).

In the early '90s, facing mounting pressures from syndicates to license his creations, Watterson negotiated control over his intellectual property. By 1991, he secured a contract ensuring that Calvin and Hobbes would remain under his sole ownership, preventing further commercialization ([91:17]).

8. Legacy and Comparisons

Calvin and Hobbes is often compared to other legendary strips like Peanuts and The Far Side, but it holds a unique place due to its philosophical depth and timelessness. Kibblesmith argues that while Peanuts introduced cynicism into mainstream culture, Calvin and Hobbes offered a more open-ended, humanistic perspective ([34:43]).

The strip's ability to blend gag lines with narrative arcs, such as Calvin's various alter egos and fantastical adventures, set it apart from its peers. This versatility allowed it to explore complex themes while maintaining accessibility and humor ([48:42]).

9. Conclusion

The episode concludes by reflecting on the unparalleled artistry of Calvin and Hobbes and Bill Watterson's unwavering dedication to his vision. Kibblesmith shares a personal connection, stating, “Calvin and Hobbes spoke to me in my own language” ([97:37]). The discussion underscores the strip's enduring relevance and the profound impact of its creator's commitment to artistic integrity over commercial gain.

Calvin and Hobbes remains a benchmark in comic artistry, celebrated for its emotional resonance, intellectual engagement, and timeless charm. Bill Watterson's legacy is a testament to the power of creative authenticity and the lasting influence of a well-crafted story.

Notable Quotes:

• Daniel Kibblesmith ([03:09]): “Calvin and Hobbes is one of the very few sort of like consensus choices of a perfect thing to be created in society.”

• Brian McCullough ([05:04]): “Yeah, it did an incredible job of reaching you without talking down to you.”

• Bill Watterson ([55:01]): “The quality of a strip is determined by the quantity of ideas in the wastebasket.”

• Bill Watterson ([90:06]): “I clearly miscalculated how popular it would be to show Calvin urinating on a Ford logo, but later added, long after the strip is forgotten, they are my ticket to immortality.”

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the Calvin and Hobbes episode, providing insights into its creation, cultural significance, and the artist behind it, making it accessible and informative for those who haven't listened to the podcast.