Popular Comics never go out of style—and Calvin and Hobbes is proof. This comic/cartoon review celebrates 20 of the most clever, hilarious, and insightful strips from Bill Watterson’s legendary series. Whether it’s Calvin’s big philosophical thoughts or Hobbes’ dry, tiger-sized sarcasm, these classics mix childlike mischief with adult wit in a way that still feels fresh decades later. In this review, we’ve rounded up a selection of the most iconic Calvin and Hobbes strips that show off the duo’s signature humor, heartfelt moments, and occasionally savage truths.
The Genius of Bill Watterson
Bill Watterson is the reclusive genius behind Calvin and Hobbes, a strip that ran from 1985 to 1995 and redefined what comics could be. Known for rejecting licensing deals and Sunday deadlines, Watterson prioritized artistic integrity over commercial gain. His work earned him the National Cartoonists Society’s Reuben Award not once, but twice.
The heart of Calvin and Hobbes lies in its ability to balance slapstick with sincerity. Calvin, a wildly imaginative six-year-old, and Hobbes, his sardonic stuffed tiger (or possibly real tiger, depending who’s looking), tackle themes like existentialism, the absurdity of adulthood, and the chaos of childhood. All of it comes wrapped in Watterson’s clean, expressive artwork and timeless wit.
#1 The Crayon Crisis.
The excitement of a fresh box of crayons spirals quickly into existential despair—classic Calvin. What starts as a simple joy turns tragic as he imagines their inevitable destruction. It’s a comic that hilariously captures the fleeting nature of childhood wonder… with crayons as the metaphor. You’ll laugh and maybe cry.
#2 The Invisible Roadrunner.
Calvin’s diorama project shows off not only his laziness but his imagination. No Roadrunner? No problem—it “ran out of the scene.” Hobbes’ admiration for Calvin’s creativity is the cherry on top of this clever cop-out.
#3 Spaceman Spiff Gets Schooled.
In a brilliant mash-up of fantasy and reality, Calvin’s sci-fi alter ego, Spaceman Spiff, blasts alien scum—right as he’s whispering test answers in class. “Krakow!” becomes both a blast and a history fact. That’s A+ multitasking.
#4 Classified Dad Burn.
Calvin asks to borrow the classifieds—only to look for a new dad. The ad? Brutally specific and hilarious. This strip showcases Calvin’s uncanny ability to weaponize his imagination when he doesn’t get his way.
#5 Water Balloon Wisdom.
Playing a game with Mom goes sideways when Calvin tries to outwit her—only to discover she’s way better at “making decrees.” The final panel with Mom gleefully running off? Pure joy.
#6 Museum Mayhem.
A trip to the natural history museum becomes a legal arrangement—Calvin can attend, but he must promise not to bite anyone. Yep, that’s not a typo. Calvin’s prehistoric behavior is truly museum-worthy.
#7 The Doctor Visit from Hell.
A medical check-up becomes a comedy of horrors when Calvin’s doctor jokingly threatens him with a cattle prod. Calvin’s horror meets the doctor’s dry humor, ending in the classic Watterson punch: “Little kids have no sense of humor.”
#8 Morning Meltdown.
Calvin doesn’t want to go to school, and his existential rant hits harder than any alarm clock. Meanwhile, Mom isn’t having it—at 7 a.m., deep thoughts have no place in the kitchen.
#9 The Onion Drama.
Calvin is cast as an onion in the school play—and takes the role way too seriously. When another kid mistakes his role for fat-shaming, it ends in chaos. Classic Calvin: dramatic and easily bruised (like an onion).
#10 The Gender Debate.
Sports, stereotypes, and a healthy dose of childhood cynicism collide as Calvin breaks down gender expectations—with a surprisingly sharp social commentary. Also, he’s low-key annoyed he can’t be in a beer commercial.
#11 The Babysitter Escape Plan.
Rather than endure a babysitter, Calvin tries to ship himself to Australia. When his mom finds him and Hobbes boxed up like fragile cargo, it’s hard not to admire the commitment.
#12 Bat Report Breakdown.
Calvin’s school report describes bats as giant bugs with glowing red eyes—which earns him a classroom riot and a teacher summon. The misinfo is hilarious, but the delivery? Legendary.
#13 The Yearbook Reveal.
In one of the greatest dad burns ever, Calvin digs into his father’s college yearbook—and finds a keg pic and a “Party Naked” tee. The horror on Dad’s face? Priceless.
#14 Cartoon Commercial Confusion.
Calvin innocently (sort of) asks why men would pay to call scantily clad ladies on TV. The punchline? Mom ends up answering more questions than he asked. Parenting Level: Overwhelmed.
#15 Phone Call Gone Wrong.
Calvin tries to invite Susie Derkins to play—only to get busted by Mom mid-scheme. Turns out he wanted to trick her into catching his illness. Susie’s final question? Hilarious.
#16 Sleepytime Guilt Trip.
Calvin whines about having to go to school while Hobbes is still in bed. His over-the-top dramatics? Standard Calvin. Hobbes’ snappy comeback? Delicious.
#17 Principal Problems.
When Calvin and Susie get summoned to the principal’s office, it turns into a full-blown meltdown. Susie starts it. Calvin finishes it. Mr. Spittle? He just wants a new job.
#18 Alien Ransom Scheme.
Outer space invaders demand $10—and Calvin is happy to collect it on their behalf. The hustle is strong with this one. Also, laser potatoes? Hilarious mental image.
#19 Midnight Hobbes Rescue.
It’s almost midnight, and Calvin’s family is hunting for Hobbes. Once found, Hobbes gets tucked into bed. Calvin sleeps like an angel, but his mom’s comment—“only at night”—seals the laugh.
#20 The Dad Interview.
Calvin “interviews” his dad for a pretend job—one he clearly isn’t qualified for if college photos count. The line “party naked t-shirt” alone earns this strip a place in the classics.
In Summary
Calvin and Hobbes continues to be one of the most popular comics of all time for a reason. It’s not just funny—it’s smart, heartfelt, and daring. Bill Watterson’s strips blend childhood whimsy with grown-up wisdom, making them as enjoyable now as ever.
Credit: All comics featured are by Bill Watterson.
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