Calvin and Hobbes Garbage Pail Kids

After years of nobody ever believing that Hobbes was a real tiger, Calvin finally went insane. Certifiable Calvin from Brent Engstrom, via Super Punch.

If that seems practically sacrilegious to the memory of Bill Watterson's characters, the reclusive comic strip creator did his first (brief) interview in over 20 years with the Clevland Plain Dealer. From the exchange:

With almost 15 years of separation and reflection, what do you think it was about "Calvin and Hobbes" that went beyond just capturing readers' attention, but their hearts as well?

"The only part I understand is what went into the creation of the strip. What readers take away from it is up to them. Once the strip is published, readers bring their own experiences to it, and the work takes on a life of its own. Everyone responds differently to different parts.

I just tried to write honestly, and I tried to make this little world fun to look at, so people would take the time to read it. That was the full extent of my concern. You mix a bunch of ingredients, and once in a great while, chemistry happens. I can't explain why the strip caught on the way it did, and I don't think I could ever duplicate it. A lot of things have to go right all at once."   

It really was a remarkable strip and it's nice to have a small reminder of that time.

Previously on Popped Culture...
Weirdos From Another Planet!
Calvin and Hobbes on Ritalin
Scientific Progress Goes 'Boink'