The Magic of Calvin and Hobbes

In one strip, Miss Wormwood asks Calvin what state he lives in, and he says "Denial." He's not wrong. But now we ask that question: where does Calvin live? In this episode we'll examine all the clues, starting big and narrowing in!Here is a list of the comics mentioned this episode, along with their publication dates and the books where they can be found.We would love to hear from you! You can...

One of the staples of Calvin and Hobbes is Hobbes pouncing on Calvin. This episode explores all the different ways this happens, and we revel in the creativity. Come along for the ride!Here is a list of the comics mentioned this episode, along with their publication dates and the books where they can be found.We would love to hear from you! You can email us at MagicCandH@proton.meAnd you can join...

Bill Watterson said he thinks Rosalyn is the only person who intimidates Calvin (we think maybe also Moe). In this episode we talk about Calvin's terrifying baby sitter/swim instructor. Is it better to babysit with an iron fist or a more gentle touch? Find out in this episode!Here is a list of the comics mentioned this episode, along with their publication dates and the books where they can be...

One of the great things about Calvin and Hobbes is that Bill Watterson really knew how to draw. He also had (probably still has) a lot of opinions about what makes something "art." To help us discuss this, we are joined by Jenny Robb, curator of the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum, where most of the originals of Calvin and Hobbes are housed. We had a great discussion- come check it...

The most important relationship in Calvin and Hobbes is obviously the relationship between... well... Calvin and Hobbes. But the relationship between Calvin and his dad is arguably the second-most important. In this episode we look at all our favorite Dad-isms: building character, riding his bike, feeding Calvin absolute nonsense about how the world works, and so much more!Here is a list of the...

Calvin has several alter egos. Perhaps his most well know is the intrepid Spaceman Spiff! In this episode we talk about where Spiff came from, when he shows up in the strip, and what we love about him. Come join us!Here is a list of the comics mentioned this episode, along with their publication dates and the books where they can be found.We would love to hear from you! You can email us at...

There's no better toy than a cardboard box. Calvin loved to make fantastic inventions out of his big box, and this episode we discuss the transmogrifier- including its later incarnation as the transmogrifier gun. We also briefly look at another cardboard box invention, so come join us to hear all about it!Here is a list of the comics mentioned this episode, along with their publication dates and...

No other comic did Sunday strips quite like Calvin and Hobbes. They were such an important aspect of the strip that there are two books that feature only Sunday comics, Bill Watterson wrote an entire essay about them, and they became a driving force in the later years of the comic. Come join us as we talk about why these comics are so important to Calvin and Hobbes, and we highlight some of our...

In this episode we discuss the girl down the street, the only major character in Calvin and Hobbes with both a first and a last name- Susie Derkins. Does Calvin like her? Does she like Calvin? What drives their dynamic? We'll take a look at all of that!Here is a list of the comics mentioned this episode, along with their publication dates and the books where they can be found.We would love to...

In this longer episode we discuss all the Calvin and Hobbes books. Until the advent of the internet, the Calvin and Hobbes books were the only way to read the comics after their initial run in newspapers. There are 11 collections, 4 treasuries, and 3 commentary books, plus a few others including The Complete Calvin and Hobbes. Join us here to learn everything you ever wanted to know about the...