Calvin and Hobbes Tribute Strip
Added 2019-07-08 05:59:35 +0000 UTC“Are you inspired by Calvin and Hobbes?” It’s a question I’ve heard more than a few times in my career. And for me, the answers is always an emphatic YES! Bill Watterson (among others) has been a huge influence on my comic drawing style. I like to think my art has its own distinguishing qualities by now, but it’s never that hard to spot an artist’s influences when you’re looking for them. The question doesn’t bother me, these days (though it did in my younger days). I think folks bring it up because it’s human nature to search for the familiar in a new thing. Others are just hoping to fill that Calvin and Hobbes shaped hole in their childhood that we all seem to have. Some (I think) even want to call me out for trying to “pass myself off” as the great Watterson. But, whatever the motivation, I always take the sentiment to mean my comics remind them, in some way, of something they really enjoyed. And that’s fine with me.
However...
If you want to see what it looks like when a hack like me actually TRIES to ape the brilliant style of Bill Watterson, here you go. I made this comic about six years ago. I’m still pretty proud of it (a rare case for art that old), but I think we can all agree, sweet babies. Bill Watterson, I ain’t. There will only ever be one.
Comments
Wow, this comic is such a tribute not only to Calvin and Hobbes, but also to the process of growing up, maturing, and leaving childhood behind. Very moving, way to go!
YaDuck90
2023-04-25 22:13:28 +0000 UTCThat's so cute and heart-warming. I love your personal style and your characters, but it was also so nice to meet c & h and you really nailed Watterson's tone in this one. What's Calvin's son's name? Surely a philosopher, too?
Paolo
2020-11-06 08:18:51 +0000 UTCHuh this was good! I just hoped to see hobbes being alive more haha, great tribute!
hussein
2020-07-15 17:20:12 +0000 UTCThanks folks. I was trying hard to mimic his style in the comic. Nothing shows you why the masters are called than better than actually sitting down and trying to copy them.
Tauhid Bondia
2019-07-09 12:58:49 +0000 UTCYou’re the best judge of your art, but I have to say you nailed the feeling of a Calvin and Hobbes strip.
Mattezhion Zane Corgan Campbell
2019-07-09 12:56:24 +0000 UTCThat's a solid piece man. We may not be able to BE Waterson but he inspired so many.
Matt
2019-07-08 11:05:32 +0000 UTC
