Have you ever been hit by the suddenly un-bent end of a bungee cord that was overstressed? I highly recommend against it. Fortunately, it got me in the thigh, not the eye.
Blast from the past, when a neighbour kid did a Superman leap (cape and all) off the kitchen roof. He was lucky, only broke his arm. It was only one storey, but still. His mom was so scared she went quiet, it was the doctor who scolded him all the time he was setting and plastering his arm.
Reminds me of the Jeff Foxworthy bit about how they figure out how long to make the cord for the first bungee jump at a new place (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjXANUoTRhc it’s at 2:55)
I think this strip was made long before bungee jumping became popular or was even much known about. In fact i’d like to imagine that Watterson wasn’t even aware of it and just got the idea while using a bungee cord to help pack his car for a trip…“hmm, let’s see, what might Calvin do with something like this?”
I remember when most kids fell or jumped off a single-story roof at least once. We didn’t have bungee cords, just “Superman” sheet capes. Of course, now most kids would land on concrete and live in multi-story dwellings.
Don’t overlook Watterson’s brilliant use of perspective (and a certain amount of cheating on the size of Calvin and his mom compared to the house—enough to draw attention, not enough to be obtrusive).
BE THIS GUY about 4 years ago
It’s amazing Calvin’s parents have survived his childhood — so far.
Space_Owl on GoComics about 4 years ago
Oh come on! He’s properly prepared for this!
Prescott_Philosopher about 4 years ago
Moms can be so overprotective.
marilynnbyerly about 4 years ago
I’d be really tempted to get a large life insurance policy on that kid and let him at it.
Templo S.U.D. about 4 years ago
Maybe Mom is worried he’s not wearing a helmet which could save his noggin from fracturing into the pavement underfoot.
Sugar Bombs 95 about 4 years ago
I bet Dad would not only let him go ahead with it, but even allow him to bungee jump WITHOUT a cord.
codycab about 4 years ago
Where DID Calvin get that bungee cord?
SHIVA about 4 years ago
Hey, let him jump!! The failure will bring him back down to earth real quick!!
Concretionist about 4 years ago
Have you ever been hit by the suddenly un-bent end of a bungee cord that was overstressed? I highly recommend against it. Fortunately, it got me in the thigh, not the eye.
Renatus Profuturus Frigeridus Premium Member about 4 years ago
No doubt : Calvin is over-active .
Bilan about 4 years ago
Mom: But your bungee cord is too short. It should be four times as long.
su43dipta about 4 years ago
Why are you wearing a bungee cord? and where did you get a bungee cord?
orinoco womble about 4 years ago
Blast from the past, when a neighbour kid did a Superman leap (cape and all) off the kitchen roof. He was lucky, only broke his arm. It was only one storey, but still. His mom was so scared she went quiet, it was the doctor who scolded him all the time he was setting and plastering his arm.
rklynch about 4 years ago
Geez, mom. Stop being such a killjoy…
jpayne4040 about 4 years ago
Instead of the fake cord, Calvin should try a large inflated mat. People who jump off the roof in videos end up okay when jumping into those. :-)
Mr_Cool about 4 years ago
If at first you don’t succeed, bungee jumping is not for you.
jagedlo about 4 years ago
Reminds me of the Jeff Foxworthy bit about how they figure out how long to make the cord for the first bungee jump at a new place (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjXANUoTRhc it’s at 2:55)
BigDaveGlass about 4 years ago
And yet he’s afraid of a bicycle…
Gent about 4 years ago
Calvin the (mis) adventurer.
A Hip loving Canadian... about 4 years ago
The Darwin Award will just have to wait.
cubswin2016 about 4 years ago
I bet that Mom has a few gray hairs.
Whatcouldgowrong about 4 years ago
And the crowd on the sidewalk is shouting: “Jump, jump, jump!”
chick485 about 4 years ago
Back in the 50s, this was only one of many “adventures” we boys would be involved in.
ahem Premium Member about 4 years ago
I think this strip was made long before bungee jumping became popular or was even much known about. In fact i’d like to imagine that Watterson wasn’t even aware of it and just got the idea while using a bungee cord to help pack his car for a trip…“hmm, let’s see, what might Calvin do with something like this?”
vaughnrl2003 Premium Member about 4 years ago
Well, I suppose Darwin will have to wait a few hours to meet Calvin.
NRHAWK Premium Member about 4 years ago
John Pinette has one of the best comedy routines on the subject. Hell, I’m HALO certified and I refuse to trust my life to a rubber string.
colddonkey about 4 years ago
After being a long time reader of the Reddit WCGW section sadly there are many many kids in the world that would want to try this.
Otis Rufus Driftwood about 4 years ago
Another good move, Mom.
swanridge about 4 years ago
She’s obviously thinking that they don’t have dental coverage.
jel354 about 4 years ago
I guess Hobbes could not bear to watch (few strips he is not there).
jrankin1959 about 4 years ago
Col. Crittendon: “My mind is like a camera!” Cpl. Newkirk: “Yeah, but how’re y’ fixed for film?” ( Hogan’s Heroes )
ForrestOverin about 4 years ago
“All I ever hear from you is safety, safety, safety! What a horrible mother you are!”
Earnestly Frank about 4 years ago
Free bungee jumping lessons – no strings attached!
Troglodyte about 4 years ago
Calvin, now that we know that you survived, look up the phrase “jump to a conclusion”…your attempt may have made for a great example.
33Angel about 4 years ago
I love how Mom’s yelling at him in a silent scream while Calvin delivers his point. Priceless!!!
mistercatworks about 4 years ago
I remember when most kids fell or jumped off a single-story roof at least once. We didn’t have bungee cords, just “Superman” sheet capes. Of course, now most kids would land on concrete and live in multi-story dwellings.
VickiP123 about 4 years ago
that’s how those K-Mart Blue Light specials end up
BiggerNate91 about 4 years ago
The one panel strips are fun. Look at that art!
DanWolfie about 4 years ago
LOL at the mom, how it looks like she’s arguing and Calvin is talking over her!
That one random picture not on the internet about 4 years ago
Do you guys like the one panel strips or 4 panel strips?
Guy Steele Premium Member about 4 years ago
Don’t overlook Watterson’s brilliant use of perspective (and a certain amount of cheating on the size of Calvin and his mom compared to the house—enough to draw attention, not enough to be obtrusive).
gbars70 about 4 years ago
I did it off the garage! Luckily I had a cape on.
Boise Ed Premium Member about 4 years ago
With a brat like that, it would be tempting to just look the other way.
Stephen Gilberg about 4 years ago
I’d be less worried if he didn’t suck at math.
craigwestlake about 4 years ago
Mom’s gonna have grey hair by her thirties…
fix-n-fly about 4 years ago
Let’s see – two story house with about 10 feet per story – 20 foot jump. What could go wrong? :-)
STACEY MARSHALL Premium Member about 4 years ago
What could possibly go wrong?!
STACEY MARSHALL Premium Member about 4 years ago
Mom prevents Calvin from winning the Darwin Award!
JewelA.Lee about 4 years ago
In times of crisis: Calvin and Hobbes break.