The Magic of Calvin and Hobbes

Calvin loves comic books! Strangely, Bill Watterson does not. In this episode we discuss the comics that Calvin loves, Bill Watterson's grievances with them, and which of the two we agree with. Come join us to learn all about Captain Napalm and his thermonuclear league of liberty! Here is a list of the comics mentioned this episode, along with their publication dates and the books where they can b...

Everyone pukes. It's part of being a person. In this episode, we take a look at the surprisingly many stories and strips in Calvin and Hobbes involving someone being sick. We also look at Calvin's relationship with his doctor, which is probably best described as "adversarial." Come join us as Calvin gets down with the sickness! Here is a list of the comics mentioned this episode, along with their...

This episode is all about camping... and stuff... We start by talking about other family outings (the stuff) like trips to the museum, zoo, or beach, and we end with the camping. Everyone in Calvin's family loves camping, except for Mom and Calvin. And Hobbes. But other than that... Here is a list of the comics mentioned this episode, along with their publication dates and the books where they can...

Calvin loves summer! Everyone loves summer! Join us this episode as we discuss long days spent doing everything, from wagon rides to water fights, or even nothing. Maybe even especially nothing! 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.me And y...

Happy Dinosaur Day! Calvin loves dinosaurs, and so do we! In this episode we are joined by Garret and Sabrina of I Know Dino and Will and David of The Common Descent Podcast . We spend most of the episode nerding out over dinosaurs and the dinosaur art in Calvin and Hobbes. It was such a fun conversation, and we hope you will enjoy it! Here is a list of the comics mentioned this episode, along wit...

Time flies! Especially if you have a cardboard box! In this episode, we discuss the second of Calvin's cardboard box inventions, the Time Machine. We visit the Jurassic period twice, and the future once (or maybe a couple times, if the wagon trips count). Apologies for the slightly weird audio on this one- there were some recording issues, but it still works. Here is a list of the comics mentioned...

We've reached the halfway point of our podcast, and to celebrate, we're discussing Calvin's favorite game. No sport is less organized than Calvinball! That's what makes it better by far! In this episode, we start by exploring the lesser sports, which are all such a bore, seeking to get to Calvinball. Come along and play with us! Here is a list of the comics mentioned this episode, along with their...

In this episode, Calvin asks the big questions: What's the point of human existence? Whence do we come? What are we? Where are we going? (He came from his room, he's a kid with big plans, and he's going outside) There's a surprising amount of philosophy in Calvin and Hobbes, and Bill Watterson manages to make it both poignant and entertaining. Come join us as we discuss the philosophical musings o...

From the GROSS clubhouse password to musings on a sleeping Hobbes, from verses on T. rex eating folks to A Nauseous Nocturne, Calvin and Hobbes is full of poems! Some of them are even clearly songs. Join us as we talk about poems in Calvin and Hobbes, and give you our renditions of the musical ones! Here is a list of the comics mentioned this episode, along with their publication dates and the boo...

Who is that masked man? And why has he never been photographed with handsome 6-year-old millionaire playboy Calvin? In this episode we discuss the masked man of might, Stupendous Man! Come join us to learn about his muscles of magnitude, the villains he faces, and the hazards of zippers for superhero costumes. Here is a list of the comics mentioned this episode, along with their publication dates...

A few episodes ago we talked about Calvin's dad. An equally important topic is Calvin's relationship with his mom. In this episode we discuss who she is, what we know about her backstory, and why, despite all the aggravation Calvin causes her, she's a good mom. 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 foun...

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 e...

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.me And you can jo...

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 fo...

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 out! H...

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 c...

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 Magic...

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 fa...

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 he...

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 Calv...

Merry Christmas everyone! As we all know, Calvin loves Christmas, mostly because it means he gets "loot." In this episode we explore his relationship with loot, Santa, Christmas trees, and more. 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 MagicCandH@p...

In this episode we discuss the four S's: Sledding, Snowmen (and snow art), Snowballs, and Shoveling. Come join us to hear about Rigor Mortis Ridge, the virtues of anatomically correct snowmen, and the recipe for the perfect snowball! 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...

In this episode we are joined by guest Nevin Martell, author of "Looking for Calvin and Hobbes." We have a meandering discussion mostly centered on Calvin's relationship with food: Chocolate Frosted Sugar Bombs, squid eyeball sandwiches, stewed monkey heads, etc. Join us as we discuss these and other topics! Here is a list of the comics mentioned this episode, along with their publication dates an...

In this episode we discuss Calvin's best buddy in the whole world, Hobbes. Who is Hobbes? And what is Hobbes? Is he a real tiger, or a stuffed animal? Or does it even matter? Come join us as we discuss these and other topics about our favorite tiger! 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...