I am amazed at how many people think that the only adult talk was that “wa wa wa” thing. Schulz never used it in a strip, but off-panel adults spoke many times throughout the strip. Sometimes, it was parents, but I remember Linus’ grandmother talking, and of course the adult clerk in the ticket booth at the movies.
The “wa wa wa” was a less-creative accommodation used to make the transition to TV, and it cost the strip points in originality (though it’s still the greatest).
One reason, of many, that Watterson stopped “Calvin and Hobbes” was the continual pressure to go the TV/Movie route, and what it would have done to the Hobbes mystery.
“It’s sad how over protected, over medicated and over entertained the kids are now days.”
In fairness, they were probably saying that in the 1950’s, too. And the 1850’s. And maybe even 50 AD, too. It’s pretty common sport to comment on how kids have gotten soft, although that’s probably more true now than ever. They’re not bad, but fewer and fewer are prepared to deal with the real world. My own grandkids are due for VERY rude awakenings when they get older.
Once the fire has gone out is the BEST time to roast things (over the red-hot coals)..Now, as for soft kids and safety: 1) Remember, Charlie Brown is 4 years old in this strip; 2) My brother was a boy-scout (and I was, as well), but we still managed to start a fire and accidentally ignite my pants. Three months of hospitalization, skin-grafts, and physical therapy later, I was BETTER than new: had a few scars and a HEALTHY respect (fear) of fire!
Templo S.U.D. over 9 years ago
Did the boys even have adult supervision when having made that campfire?
JohnFarson19 over 9 years ago
There was a couple Sunday strips (1954, I think), where Lucy entered a Golf tournament that actually showed adults, from the waist down.
tripwire45 over 9 years ago
Kids were much more independent in the 1950s.
Darryl Heine over 9 years ago
How can you roast corn over a campfire?
Godfreydaniel over 9 years ago
Let’s roast firewood!
Max Starman Jones over 9 years ago
I am amazed at how many people think that the only adult talk was that “wa wa wa” thing. Schulz never used it in a strip, but off-panel adults spoke many times throughout the strip. Sometimes, it was parents, but I remember Linus’ grandmother talking, and of course the adult clerk in the ticket booth at the movies.
The “wa wa wa” was a less-creative accommodation used to make the transition to TV, and it cost the strip points in originality (though it’s still the greatest).
One reason, of many, that Watterson stopped “Calvin and Hobbes” was the continual pressure to go the TV/Movie route, and what it would have done to the Hobbes mystery.
neverenoughgold over 9 years ago
You guys wasted too much time making a decision, so now you’re toast…
Guilty Bystander over 9 years ago
“It’s sad how over protected, over medicated and over entertained the kids are now days.”
In fairness, they were probably saying that in the 1950’s, too. And the 1850’s. And maybe even 50 AD, too. It’s pretty common sport to comment on how kids have gotten soft, although that’s probably more true now than ever. They’re not bad, but fewer and fewer are prepared to deal with the real world. My own grandkids are due for VERY rude awakenings when they get older.
Tandembuzz over 9 years ago
Once the fire has gone out is the BEST time to roast things (over the red-hot coals)..Now, as for soft kids and safety: 1) Remember, Charlie Brown is 4 years old in this strip; 2) My brother was a boy-scout (and I was, as well), but we still managed to start a fire and accidentally ignite my pants. Three months of hospitalization, skin-grafts, and physical therapy later, I was BETTER than new: had a few scars and a HEALTHY respect (fear) of fire!
Shikamoo Premium Member over 9 years ago
That is the hard way to learn a respect for fire. Glad it turned out okay!