It's (Still) A Magical World, Hobbes, Ol' Buddy: Selections of Original Art and Strips of Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes, 1985-1995

Nearly forty years after its inception, does anyone still remember Calvin and Hobbes? The answer, if you ask any UO undergrad–not to mention faculty and administrators–is a resounding YES! From the moment that a six-year-old successfully caught a tiger with a tuna fish trap to their final sleigh ride a decade later, Calvin and Hobbes has been one of the most beloved comic strips of all time. Drawing upon the comprehensive Calvin and Hobbes collection held by the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum at Ohio State University, the JSMA is proud to present the first exhibition of original Calvin and Hobbes art displayed outside of the Billy Ireland Museum itself. Calvin and Hobbes creator Bill Watterson donated the collection to the museum and personally accepted and approved the JSMA’s proposal for this exhibition.

Through its portrayal of childhood imagination and friendship between the mischievous Calvin and his anthropomorphic, philosophically inclined tiger companion, Hobbes, Watterson’s daily comic strip resonated with readers of all ages, and still does. Watterson’s mastery of both drawing and storytelling elevates the comic strip to a form of artistry, with intricate illustrations and poignant narratives that tackle social, cultural, and existential themes in an approachable and humorous manner.

Curator Kate Kelp-Stebbins, Associate Professor of English in Comics and Cartoon Studies, has chosen strips from every year of Calvin and Hobbes’ 1985-1995 run. Her selection highlights both the narrative brilliance and hilarity of the adventures of a small boy and his tiger as well as the formal innovations that made Bill Watterson one of the most celebrated comics artists in history. Whether by sleigh, red wagon, time machine, transmogrifier, or spaceship, Calvin and Hobbes will take museum visitors to the far reaches of their imaginations and remind them that, “It’s a magical world out there…let’s go exploring!”