Bill Watterson’s timeless Calvin and Hobbes ran for roughly 11 years and was read in over 2,400 newspapers. A new compact portable format is being published by Andrews McMeel Publishing for August 2023. Each set will include roughly two years of publishing. The publisher plans to print seven editions for old and new fans. Calvin and Hobbes is commonly cited as “the last great newspaper comic.” Bill Watterson’s classic always existed as a whole and never tampered with or any merchandise associated with the comic strip. The sets will be released between 2023 and 2026. The books will be available exclusively in print.” So no kindle or other versions.
The first set of books collecting Bill Watterson’s timeless Calvin and Hobbes comics in a compact, portable format designed to introduce the timeless adventures of a boy and his stuffed tiger to a new generation of readers. Featuring over 500 comics from the strip’s debut in November 1985 through March 1987, this is the first set in a planned series of seven.
“At some level, all American childhoods are the same, which probably explains our lasting love affair with Calvin and Hobbes.” —The Washington Post
Calvin and Hobbes are unquestionably one of the most popular comic strips of all time. The imaginative world of a boy and his real-only-to-him tiger first appeared in 1985 and could be read in more than 2,400 newspapers when Bill Watterson retired on January 1, 1996. This compact, portable new format is designed to introduce the timeless adventures of Calvin and Hobbes to a new generation of readers and will fit easily into backpacks as well as on the collector’s shelf. Featuring archival slipcases and cover art selected by the author, The Calvin & Hobbes Portable Compendium pays tribute to the strip’s origin in newspapers while appealing to both new and existing fans of Calvin and Hobbes.
This set is composed of two 144-page paperback books, including over 500 comics from the strip’s debut in Nov. 1985 through March 1987. It is the first of seven sets total to be released between 2023 and 2026.
Watterson selected the vivid, evocative cover and new interior art from original color separations from the syndicated feature. The art, in an accessible and transportable format, offers a whole new experience for readers to enjoy the timeless classic adventures of the comic strip … The entire series has a colorful theme of Calvin and Hobbes dancing across the spines of the volumes, which will be a welcome and exuberant addition to family bookshelves.
Fun Fact: Bill Watterson took two sabbaticals from the daily requirements of producing the strip. The first took place from May 5, 1991, to February 1, 1992, and the second from April 3 through December 31, 1994.