There are some comic strips that just make you laugh, and then there is Calvin and Hobbes. For millions of people around the world, this wasn’t just a funny part of the newspaper; it was a big part of growing up. Created by the brilliant and famously private Bill Watterson, the strip ran for ten wonderful years, from 1985 to 1995. It introduced us to the wild world of six-year-old Calvin and his wise, furry best friend, Hobbes .
If you are new to the world of collecting, or if you are a long-time fan who finally wants to own every single strip in one place, you have come to the right place. The good news is that Bill Watterson has made it easy for us. Unlike some characters that get sold off to different companies, Calvin and Hobbes remains pure and untouched. This means there is really only one “ultimate” collection to look for. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to bring this piece of comic history home.
10+ Calvin and Hobbes
Image Credit : Pintrest.com
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Why the “Complete Collection” is a Must-Have
Before we dive into the different versions, let’s talk about why this collection is so special. Back in the day, if you wanted to read Calvin and Hobbes, you had to buy the small paperback books like The Revenge of the Baby-Sat or Yukon Ho! . These were great, and they let you carry Calvin’s adventures around in your backpack. However, they only collected a few months’ worth of strips at a time. To get the full ten-year experience, you would need a whole shelf full of books.
That is where the Complete Collection comes in. It is exactly what it sounds like: every single comic strip Bill Watterson ever drew for the newspapers, collected in one heavy box set. We are talking about 10 years of daily strips (the black and white ones) and Sunday strips (the beautiful full-color ones) .
But it offers even more than just the comics. The collection includes extra material that fans absolutely love. For example, there is a rare and personal introduction written by Bill Watterson himself, where he talks about his early days as a cartoonist and how Calvin and Hobbes came to life . You also get to see the special illustrations and poems he drew for the covers of the old collections. For anyone who loves the strip, owning this set feels like owning a time machine back to your childhood.
The Two Main Editions: Hardcover vs. Paperback
When you start looking for the complete collection, you will notice there are two main types: the hardcover edition and the paperback edition. They both contain the exact same comic strips, so you don’t have to worry about missing anything. However, the way they look and feel is quite different, and your choice really depends on how you plan to enjoy them.
First, there is the original Hardcover Box Set. This version came out in 2005 and is considered the “collector’s” item. It is big, heavy, and beautiful. The set comes with three large hardcover books stored in a sturdy cardboard slipcase . The pages are thick and high-quality, and the Sunday strips are printed on nice, glossy paper to make the colors pop. If you are buying this as a treasure to keep on your coffee table for special occasions, this is the one you want.
Then, in 2012, the publisher released a Paperback Box Set . This one splits the strips into four books instead of three. The main reason for this version was to make it more affordable and portable. It is lighter and easier to pull a single book off the shelf to read in bed. However, because the books are softcover and the pages are thinner, they are a little more delicate. If you are buying this for a teenager to enjoy, or if you just want to read the comics without worrying about damaging a super expensive book, the paperback is a fantastic choice.
What to Look For (And What to Watch Out For)
Now that you know which edition you might want, let’s talk about the collecting part. Since these books are heavy (the hardcover set weighs over 20 pounds!), they can sometimes get damaged during shipping or just from sitting on a shelf for years . If you are spending your hard-earned money, you want to make sure you are getting a copy that will last for generations.
First, pay close attention to the condition of the slipcase. For the hardcover version, the slipcase is what holds everything together. Sometimes, the corners of these cases get crushed or torn. Also, check to make sure the images of Calvin and Hobbes on the front of the slipcase are printed well and not peeling off .
Next, look at the book binding. This is the most important part of a heavy book. Open the front cover gently and look at the spine. You want to make sure the pages are securely attached. Some collectors have reported issues with the glue in some printings, where pages start to loosen . While this isn’t super common, it is something to be aware of, especially if you are buying a used copy online. If you are buying new, make sure the books are wrapped in plastic to ensure they are fresh and haven’t been sitting in a dusty warehouse for years.
Tips for Finding the Best Deal
Collecting doesn’t have to break the bank. While the Complete Calvin and Hobbes is an investment, there are smart ways to buy it without paying full price. Because this is such a popular set, it is sold almost everywhere: from local bookstores to massive online sites like Amazon .
Your first stop should be local bookstores. There is something special about walking into a shop and seeing the box set in person. You can check the condition of the slipcase right there, and you get to support a local business. However, they will likely charge the full retail price.
If you want to save money, check online. Websites like ThriftBooks or eBay often have used copies in “Very Good” condition for a fraction of the price . Just make sure to read the seller’s reviews and look at the photos carefully. Ask them specifically about the condition of the spine and whether the slipcase has any damage. Since this is a beginner’s guide, starting with a gently used set is a great way to start your collection without spending a fortune. Once you fall in love with it, you can always save up for a brand-new, sealed box set later.
Enjoying Your Slice of Nostalgia
Once you finally get your hands on this collection and place it on your shelf, the real fun begins. There is a unique joy that comes from reading these strips in order. When you read them in the small paperback books, the timeline can feel a little mixed up. But in the complete collection, you get to watch Bill Watterson’s art style grow and change. You see the characters become more detailed and the jokes become deeper .
For many collectors, this set is more than just a book; it is a connection to the past. One reader mentioned that even after 20 years, the memories of reading Calvin and Hobbes as a kid came flooding back the moment they opened the box . It reminds us of the importance of imagination and friendship. Whether you are reading about Calvin turning himself into a dinosaur to avoid taking a bath, or sharing a quiet sled ride with Hobbes at the end of a long day, these stories still feel fresh and meaningful today.
It is also a great way to share your childhood with your own family. Parents can introduce their kids to the “timeless” world of Calvin—a world without cell phones or the internet, where a cardboard box was the best toy ever . It is a beautiful, simple world that everyone should experience.
Conclusion
Starting a collection of the Complete Calvin and Hobbes is a wonderful decision. You are not just buying books; you are buying a library of happiness, wisdom, and laughter. Whether you choose the sturdy, luxurious three-volume hardcover or the lighter, more affordable four-volume paperback, you are getting the complete vision of a true artist who never sold out .
Remember to check the binding, keep the slipcase safe, and most importantly, take your time reading them. Don’t rush through the strips. Let Calvin and Hobbes remind you that every day is full of possibilities. So go ahead, find the set that speaks to you, and get ready to go exploring with a six-year-old and his tiger. You won’t regret it.
