On the other hand, if you were invited to other comedians BBQs such as [the late] Chris Farley or Chevy Chase of National Lampoon Vacation, that fireball with the lighter fluid would have been a guaranteed and expected feature of the afternoon.
Calvin needs to hang around with Beavis (from Beavis and Butthead) who also has a thing for fire. It would be a heck of a crossover. Since Hank Hill is from Beavis’ town in TX perhaps he could try to convince Calvin’s dad to convert over to propane for his BBQ as well but IMHO those burgers taste much better over the coals rather than the propane even if you use the lava rocks in the gas grill.
I have always felt a great affinity for Calvin. So let me give you another thing you shouldn’t do. You know those butane BBQ lighters? Even when you think they’re all used up, don’t hit the glass vial with a hammer while it’s sitting on a rock. Even empty, they explode and the flying glass could hurt someone.
Here’s the deal Calvin. Dad’s have to set a good example. Uncles, on the other hand, would “flame on” in a heart beat. The confusing part is, one kids Dad might well be another kids Uncle. Being “Dad” is hard.
Lighter fluid on hot charcoal will make a nice flare. When I was a kid, our neighbor would do that once in a while for the entertainment value. For a real fireball you need to light it with gasoline, like my dad would.
First time with the old school Weber grill, he fills a 1 liter beaker with briquettes, then tops it to the brim with gasoline and keeps topping it off as the gas soaks in. He then fishes the gas-soaked briquettes out, puts them in the Weber, piles on more charcoal, then says “what the heck” and pours the rest of the gasoline over the pile.
My neighbor and his youngest son are watching, never coming closer than 50 feet. My mom says “hold on a minute Peter, let me see if the fire department takes reservations,” and goes back inside. My dad just rolls his eyes and flips a lit match in.
WHOMP!
I was knocked back a step by the shockwave and the pillar of flame that rose skyward seemed biblical in proportions, at least to my 7-year old perspective. My neighbor and his son are watching the fire rise is slack-jawed awe. Thankfully my dad had placed the grill clear of any overhanging trees and there was not enough wind to blow the flames towards anything else combustible – you know, like our house.
Once the initial shock and awe wore off, my dad says “a little less gas next time.” 15 minutes later, we’ve got burgers and hot dogs grilling away. No aftertaste either – gasoline is volatile enough that is all burns off quite rapidly. My dad kept lighting the grill with gas for as long as I lived there. Personally, I use wax lighters, especially after I got my Kamado Joe. A bit slower, but no risk of becoming a statistic.
Calvin’s last comment here reminds me of his first comment in another strip. He says to Hobbes, “You know how boring Dad is. Maybe that’s just his cover.” He goes on to suggest that Dad is really a superhero who just pretends to have a very boring life as many superheroes do. Hobbes wasn’t very impressed with this idea.
Use enough accelerant to start the coals (I use an electric coal starter), then NEVER add additional accelerant by squirting (or tossing a sealed container as described here) onto hot coals. Burn treatment is very painful and plastic surgery extremely expensive.
My Drunken Pops was far from boring when I was a kid. He taught me how to burn up Maggots in the bottom of trash cans. Hair Spray blow torches and burning gas down the gutter. Hey Gas was cheap in the 60’s.
BE THIS GUY about 3 years ago
Calvin likes his burgers well done.
Templo S.U.D. about 3 years ago
Calvin, you pyromaniac.
codycab about 3 years ago
“Being boring builds character.”
The Calvinosaurus That Calvin Wanted To Discover about 3 years ago
Why rely on Dad when you can start your own burger joint and do it your own way?
Renatus Profuturus Frigeridus Premium Member about 3 years ago
Reading the news some idiot has experienced it-
Guilty Bystander about 3 years ago
“But, Dad, the burgers would cook faster…all we’ve have to do is wait for them to land.”
Farside99 about 3 years ago
Sorry Calvin, it makes the burgers taste bad.
hariseldon59 about 3 years ago
Calvin likes his burgers well done.
eastern.woods.metal about 3 years ago
Back in the days when a BBQ was a pan of coals. Not like today’s outdoor kitchen.
eastern.woods.metal about 3 years ago
Lighter fluid leaves a bad taste. Try barrel strength bourbon
PoodleGroomer about 3 years ago
Where is the liquid oxygen when you need it?
Johnny Q Premium Member about 3 years ago
Tony accidentally did that when he had his panic attack on the first episode of THE SOPRANOS!
Susan00100 about 3 years ago
I’m looking forward to winter when Calvin creates those snow monsters.
Imagine about 3 years ago
Calvin would like Roger Foxtrot as a Dad.
dcdete. about 3 years ago
On the other hand, if you were invited to other comedians BBQs such as [the late] Chris Farley or Chevy Chase of National Lampoon Vacation, that fireball with the lighter fluid would have been a guaranteed and expected feature of the afternoon.
Baarorso about 3 years ago
Must you always be thinking of mischief, Calvin? ;/
TampaFanatic1 about 3 years ago
Calvin needs to hang around with Beavis (from Beavis and Butthead) who also has a thing for fire. It would be a heck of a crossover. Since Hank Hill is from Beavis’ town in TX perhaps he could try to convince Calvin’s dad to convert over to propane for his BBQ as well but IMHO those burgers taste much better over the coals rather than the propane even if you use the lava rocks in the gas grill.
Jagumya_ about 3 years ago
it would cook faster!
sallyseckman about 3 years ago
Homer Simpson actually did that
Charlie Fogwhistle about 3 years ago
I have always felt a great affinity for Calvin. So let me give you another thing you shouldn’t do. You know those butane BBQ lighters? Even when you think they’re all used up, don’t hit the glass vial with a hammer while it’s sitting on a rock. Even empty, they explode and the flying glass could hurt someone.
Chithing Premium Member about 3 years ago
He needs to slide over to Foxtrot when they’re cooking out. That can get pretty exciting.
Troglodyte about 3 years ago
Calvin’s on fire today.
vaughnrl2003 Premium Member about 3 years ago
Here’s the deal Calvin. Dad’s have to set a good example. Uncles, on the other hand, would “flame on” in a heart beat. The confusing part is, one kids Dad might well be another kids Uncle. Being “Dad” is hard.
david_42 about 3 years ago
Nothing like aromatic hydrocarbons to put some snap in your burgers.
bbenoit about 3 years ago
Considering his Son’s intelligence and proclivities, that’s a rather condescending and paternal look on dad’s face in panel 2.
mckeonfuneralhomebx about 3 years ago
Future crematory operator walking away there
flemmingo about 3 years ago
Watch our eyebrows disappear!
dv1093 about 3 years ago
Uh, why is the hibachi down on the ground? Who’s going to be the first to trip over it? A fun time for all.
Snolep about 3 years ago
Sounds like a good idea for a gender reveal party.
BiggerNate91 about 3 years ago
Talk to Roger Fox, Calvin!
Tallguy about 3 years ago
To be fair, I would probably a) consider it but b) suggest it for a time when we weren’t trying to make food.
Oclvroadbikerider about 3 years ago
https://www.gocomics.com/arloandjanis/2008/10/15
vorlon42 about 3 years ago
Lighter fluid on hot charcoal will make a nice flare. When I was a kid, our neighbor would do that once in a while for the entertainment value. For a real fireball you need to light it with gasoline, like my dad would.
First time with the old school Weber grill, he fills a 1 liter beaker with briquettes, then tops it to the brim with gasoline and keeps topping it off as the gas soaks in. He then fishes the gas-soaked briquettes out, puts them in the Weber, piles on more charcoal, then says “what the heck” and pours the rest of the gasoline over the pile.
My neighbor and his youngest son are watching, never coming closer than 50 feet. My mom says “hold on a minute Peter, let me see if the fire department takes reservations,” and goes back inside. My dad just rolls his eyes and flips a lit match in.
WHOMP!
I was knocked back a step by the shockwave and the pillar of flame that rose skyward seemed biblical in proportions, at least to my 7-year old perspective. My neighbor and his son are watching the fire rise is slack-jawed awe. Thankfully my dad had placed the grill clear of any overhanging trees and there was not enough wind to blow the flames towards anything else combustible – you know, like our house.
Once the initial shock and awe wore off, my dad says “a little less gas next time.” 15 minutes later, we’ve got burgers and hot dogs grilling away. No aftertaste either – gasoline is volatile enough that is all burns off quite rapidly. My dad kept lighting the grill with gas for as long as I lived there. Personally, I use wax lighters, especially after I got my Kamado Joe. A bit slower, but no risk of becoming a statistic.
Calvinist1966 about 3 years ago
Calvin’s last comment here reminds me of his first comment in another strip. He says to Hobbes, “You know how boring Dad is. Maybe that’s just his cover.” He goes on to suggest that Dad is really a superhero who just pretends to have a very boring life as many superheroes do. Hobbes wasn’t very impressed with this idea.
kamoolah about 3 years ago
This sure is not the home of Hank Hill, with propane and a propane grill.
wiley207 about 3 years ago
Now if his dad were Homer Simpson, Calvin probably wouldn’t need to ask! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ibwIDpap3g
mistercatworks about 3 years ago
Use enough accelerant to start the coals (I use an electric coal starter), then NEVER add additional accelerant by squirting (or tossing a sealed container as described here) onto hot coals. Burn treatment is very painful and plastic surgery extremely expensive.
Calvins Brother about 3 years ago
If Dad would do some of this stuff, Calvin wouldn’t have to.
Casey Jones about 3 years ago
Calvin should go visit Fox Trot.
Casey Jones about 3 years ago
Calvin should go visit Fox Trot.
marilynnbyerly about 3 years ago
And your burger now tastes like lighter fluid. Happy now, Brat?
schaefer jim about 3 years ago
At least dad is a dad not a falling down drunk!
jrankin1959 about 3 years ago
No… thanks to Calvin, Dad has high insurance premiums.
globalenterprize1990 about 3 years ago
Calvin looks at the thrills, but does not consider the consequences.
willie_mctell about 3 years ago
A friend of mine’s dad used gasoline to start the barbecue. It’s really too volatile but it’s sure fun.
whelan_jj about 3 years ago
Aren’t giant fireballs something you do to start the grill? Calvin needs to arrive earlier.
Ammosexual is riding the Red Wave Premium Member about 3 years ago
My Drunken Pops was far from boring when I was a kid. He taught me how to burn up Maggots in the bottom of trash cans. Hair Spray blow torches and burning gas down the gutter. Hey Gas was cheap in the 60’s.
cosman about 3 years ago
Calvin, you’ll have to go over to old man Crankshaft’s for that kind of action.
hagarthehorrible about 3 years ago
Fella your father understands you, indeed.
eccolibri60 about 3 years ago
He needs the dad from Foxtrot.
Ceeg22 Premium Member about 3 years ago
I like my burgers to not taste like lighter fluid
leopardglily over 1 year ago
My dad might have done it. Crazy guy. This is what he does when Mum isn’t around.