The bullies at my school, some of them were certainly morons, but others have gone on to be successful in their lives.
So no, as much as I would like to be the source of some karma, perhaps via a baseball bat applied liberally to their heads until they are unrecognisable (illegal as much as I’d like a personal exemption), karma is unlikely to create consequences for people like it should.
Jesus said blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. Also blessed are the bullies and go-getters for they shall inherit the Upper Decks, penthouses, and luxury mansions of the world.
And then Calvin gets put in a prison cell WITH Moe, because Moe said Calvin was his Partner-In-Crime. So for Moe: A DREAM COME TRUE!!!!! ENDLESS TORTURE FOR CALVIN!!!!!! And for Calvin: A DREAM TOTALY FLUNKED!!!!! ENDLESS TORTURE FOR ME!!!!!!
My son went to a small private school where he played football. Small school means small football team. Parents sent their kids there to get an education.
Their main rival was a school noted for it’s football team. The roster normally varied depending on who could make bail. Parents would hold their kids back so they could play there. So instead of facing 16-19 year olds, our kids faced guys who should have been playing in college.
At halftime, instead of going to the locker room, this team would send the players outside the fence to graze. I have a downfield photo shot taken behind their defensive team. You couldn’t even see our team behind the mass of megafauna in football uniforms.
Nonetheless our son’s school did beat them once in the four years they played.
There was on particular play where our team caught their team off guard. It was a two-point conversion. The snap count was, “It’s alright, it’s OK, you’re gonna work for us someday.”
My elementary school bully (well, the worst of them by far) is now in prison, for brutally murdering his own mother for money to buy drugs. He managed to avoid going to prison for it for over twenty years (though he did do time for other unrelated offenses, like drugs and assault). The police long considered him a suspect, but never had enough evidence to press charges, until a couple of old girlfriends told the police he had told them he killed his mother.
He’s had one appearance before the parole board, and maintained his innocence, despite the board advising him that his guilt was established, and their purpose was to determine his fitness for release despite that and continuing to insist his was not guilty did not help his case.
I’ve also seen his become affiliated with Aryan Nations while in prison.
So, yeah, Calvin, as someone who is successful and happy while his school bully rots in prison, go ahead and gloat.
Mo reminds me of some bad experiences with bullies. Later they became verbal bullies, which are less obvious and often authorities. I could have used some lessons from Lyndon Johnson at Calvin’s age.
I love Calvin and Hobbes. I read the strip when it was around the first time and I enjoy reading it again. That being said, I think it’s time to retire Mo and the bully strips.
A few years ago, I did a Google search on the name of a childhood friend, who really was a juvenile delinquent. He got me into trouble more than once, and one of his escapades even got me grounded for the whole rest of the summer (he was “out” just a couple of days later). One of the hits was a guy who was in prison and was now a “scared straight” type of motivational speaker. I don’t know if that was my old buddy, but it could have been…
I think it was Robert Heinlein that said something to the effect of, “Time wounds all heels” and, “The best revenge is living well.” He might have stolen those – but I try to live them.
Calvin is sure to grow up with all kinds of mental issues (and he’s manifesting some already). The way his dad treated him yesterday, now the bully today… no wonder his tiger is his only solace. The kid’s going to need years of therapy — assuming he doesn’t shoot up his school first.
this happened to me in school but i didn’t get off the swing. I wasn’t tough enough to win the fights but I was tough enough to make them last long enough for me and the bullies to get caught. after a while they learned there was no profit in going for me and looked for other targets.
Robert4170 over 4 years ago
Successful at what?
codycab over 4 years ago
For Moe to be in prison (or at least in juvie), someone actually has to catch him. When will that happen, we don’t know.
rshive over 4 years ago
Boo on Moe. Just for a sidelight, my elementary school had no swings. Our recreation at recess was just running around playing tag.
Concretionist over 4 years ago
Calvin has just discovered future-perfect Schadenfreude.
BigDaveGlass over 4 years ago
Often wondered what happened to the bullies I had at school, did karma catch up with them?
chuckcork1 over 4 years ago
The bullies at my school, some of them were certainly morons, but others have gone on to be successful in their lives.
So no, as much as I would like to be the source of some karma, perhaps via a baseball bat applied liberally to their heads until they are unrecognisable (illegal as much as I’d like a personal exemption), karma is unlikely to create consequences for people like it should.
admiree2 over 4 years ago
Calvin, never forget what the Chairman said.
Success is the best revenge. —- Frank Sinatra
dcdete. over 4 years ago
Jesus said blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. Also blessed are the bullies and go-getters for they shall inherit the Upper Decks, penthouses, and luxury mansions of the world.
jpayne4040 over 4 years ago
Calvin, even if you have matured you could always make an exception.
Kaputnik over 4 years ago
I don’t know Calvin; I don’t see you as being in prison for the same kind of crime as Moe, but you do have some criminal tendencies.
Roblox Lover! :P over 4 years ago
And then Calvin gets put in a prison cell WITH Moe, because Moe said Calvin was his Partner-In-Crime. So for Moe: A DREAM COME TRUE!!!!! ENDLESS TORTURE FOR CALVIN!!!!!! And for Calvin: A DREAM TOTALY FLUNKED!!!!! ENDLESS TORTURE FOR ME!!!!!!
dflak over 4 years ago
My son went to a small private school where he played football. Small school means small football team. Parents sent their kids there to get an education.
Their main rival was a school noted for it’s football team. The roster normally varied depending on who could make bail. Parents would hold their kids back so they could play there. So instead of facing 16-19 year olds, our kids faced guys who should have been playing in college.
At halftime, instead of going to the locker room, this team would send the players outside the fence to graze. I have a downfield photo shot taken behind their defensive team. You couldn’t even see our team behind the mass of megafauna in football uniforms.
Nonetheless our son’s school did beat them once in the four years they played.
There was on particular play where our team caught their team off guard. It was a two-point conversion. The snap count was, “It’s alright, it’s OK, you’re gonna work for us someday.”
MD Bear Premium Member over 4 years ago
I can really sympathize with Calvin here.
My elementary school bully (well, the worst of them by far) is now in prison, for brutally murdering his own mother for money to buy drugs. He managed to avoid going to prison for it for over twenty years (though he did do time for other unrelated offenses, like drugs and assault). The police long considered him a suspect, but never had enough evidence to press charges, until a couple of old girlfriends told the police he had told them he killed his mother.
He’s had one appearance before the parole board, and maintained his innocence, despite the board advising him that his guilt was established, and their purpose was to determine his fitness for release despite that and continuing to insist his was not guilty did not help his case.
I’ve also seen his become affiliated with Aryan Nations while in prison.
So, yeah, Calvin, as someone who is successful and happy while his school bully rots in prison, go ahead and gloat.
Lou over 4 years ago
Sorry Calvin, but you’ll be too busy making soap and blowing up buildings.
VegaAlopex over 4 years ago
Mo reminds me of some bad experiences with bullies. Later they became verbal bullies, which are less obvious and often authorities. I could have used some lessons from Lyndon Johnson at Calvin’s age.
gantech over 4 years ago
I had the same thought when I got bullied in school. My bully grew up to become the CEO of a mid-sized company.
Instant karma didn’t get him.
cubswin2016 over 4 years ago
Where is Betty Wu when you need her?
morningglory73 Premium Member over 4 years ago
Don’t worry Calvin, someday you’ll have your schadenfreude moment.
Troglodyte over 4 years ago
Forget the moron and have fun doing something else, Calvin. It’s not the ups and downs of life that matter – it’s the jerks! :D
Otis Rufus Driftwood over 4 years ago
What if you’re both just typical middle class guys? That’s more likely.
vaughnrl2003 Premium Member over 4 years ago
Now what happens then it doesn’t make things better now. Just do the best you can to get “then” as fast as you can.
Queen of America over 4 years ago
I love Calvin and Hobbes. I read the strip when it was around the first time and I enjoy reading it again. That being said, I think it’s time to retire Mo and the bully strips.
DCBakerEsq over 4 years ago
Success IS the best revenge.
BiggerNate91 over 4 years ago
You’re the one that’ll be in prison, Calvin.
ChessPirate over 4 years ago
A few years ago, I did a Google search on the name of a childhood friend, who really was a juvenile delinquent. He got me into trouble more than once, and one of his escapades even got me grounded for the whole rest of the summer (he was “out” just a couple of days later). One of the hits was a guy who was in prison and was now a “scared straight” type of motivational speaker. I don’t know if that was my old buddy, but it could have been…
John Leonard Premium Member over 4 years ago
It’ll be President Moe, Calvin.
Thinkingblade over 4 years ago
I think it was Robert Heinlein that said something to the effect of, “Time wounds all heels” and, “The best revenge is living well.” He might have stolen those – but I try to live them.
a nerdy trans girl over 4 years ago
im sad bill retired. i love this comic, but its all reruns.
kathleenhicks62 over 4 years ago
The “bump” in Calvin’s carefree life.
InquireWithin over 4 years ago
Calvin is sure to grow up with all kinds of mental issues (and he’s manifesting some already). The way his dad treated him yesterday, now the bully today… no wonder his tiger is his only solace. The kid’s going to need years of therapy — assuming he doesn’t shoot up his school first.
Wizard of Ahz-no relation over 4 years ago
this happened to me in school but i didn’t get off the swing. I wasn’t tough enough to win the fights but I was tough enough to make them last long enough for me and the bullies to get caught. after a while they learned there was no profit in going for me and looked for other targets.
hagarthehorrible over 4 years ago
Let loose your tiger to straighten out this bully. Hobbes will be pleased to maul him to ground.
Enigma505 over 4 years ago
I HATE bullies.. disappointed Watterson uses this arc… but I understand.