Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson for June 03, 2023

I sometimes get the feeling Calvin has an uncontrollable desire to beat himself.

Or it could be because birds can’t write, but sure, let’s go with what Calvin said. I’m sure he doesn’t think of something like maybe being able to fly and see the sights whenever they please or whatever.

Unappreciated in his time

And Hobbes very well knows that you hardly EVEN have to wait. He WILL top himself.

In panel 2, Hobbes is thinking that tiger lives are not more interesting than bird lives. What is Calvin saying about tigers?

I recently heard about a bird that migrates from Alaska to New Zealand. That would seem to be pretty epic, but when would they have time to write anything?

Great ‘punch’ line.

We’ve been letting it slide since 2016 while waiting for someone to punch him.

Three words for you Calvin: Jonathan Livingston Seagull.

Parts of Moe’s behaviour starting to rub off on Calvin

I wish that was legal. I would not stop hitting

In the first panel, Calvin is tempting fate. Karma has something from the sky waiting for him that he won’t like.

Calvin has never heard of Gizmo the Grey Bird on YouTube. If he could write a memoir I’d read it in a heartbeat. He was kept caged and basically ignored for the first 15 years of his life by an elderly Canadian couple, and yet picked up an enormous vocabulary. A year or two ago he was given up for adoption and taken in by a young couple with four kids who interact with him. He can’t fly because his wing muscles are atrophied from never leaving his small cage for the first 15 years, but he is the funniest, most self-aware parrot I’ve ever encountered. Unlike poor Apollo, his new family don’t require him to perform on camera, they just let him be himself. I was privileged to see the clip where he suddenly associated Emily (his owner)‘s name with Emily the person. He says "I’m Gizmo!" and she replies “I’m Emily!” Pause. You can see he’s thinking about that. In a low voice, “You’re Emily. That’s your name.”

Today’s wonderful strip is another which features in The Calvin and Hobbes Tenth Anniversary Book. Bill Watterson explained that it was partly inspired by his wife’s tendency to say things he found bizarre and then suddenly change the subject. Mrs Watterson was largely the inspiration for Susie but in today’s strip she is the inspiration for Calvin.

Whoever could Hobbes be referring to?

Calvin has never heard of ornithologists.

Birds don’t write memoirs because they don’t exist.

Hobbes again with the words of wisdom in the fourth panel!

“What It’s Like to Be A Bird,” by David Allen Sibley. Not a memoir, but proves people are interested, Calvin. (No once ever called him Cal?)

So Calvin listened to Sock Puppet Joe’s press conference straight from the boys and girls and thems at The Ministry of Trust and Balance.

So many examples

This is not about birds. It is about the wonderful ability to say something which comes so far out of left field that it may have been thrown from right field, traveled all around the world, and then hit you squarely in the head. I’ve had a framed copy of this on my wall for some 25 years.

Calvin you destined to spend you life as a punching bag.

If everyone got punched for stupid sh1t they say there would be a lot fewer comedians and politicians. I’m not sure what to think about that.

Another Screaming funny C&H

Calvin is so right in panel 3, all you need as proof is the comment section in GoComics. And yes Calvin, letting it slide is the best answer.

Unless it’s Woody Woodpecker or Big Bird

False Knees might have something to say about the first panel.

Pshh, can you say you used to be a dinosaur? ☺

Another time when a perfectly good thought from Hobbs, passes Calvin completely ! ! ! !

Trouble with Calvin is that he thinks too much.

Verbal diarrhea.

You’re on a roll, Calvin!

Calvin would never say anything totally loony.

Some birds have written best sellers and are running for office

Birds write, it just takes a while for them to type, using the hunt and peck system.

Get ready for a sucker punch then, Calvin.

And sometimes they just run for President. Sorry, but it’s too true.

Hobbes is the sane part of Calvin for sure – - -may he grow.

What about Jonathon Livingston Seagull?

The beat in the second panel is too perfect.

Hobbes is so subtle….Calvin doesn’t get Hobbes’ comment directed at him… LOL

Why are you hitting yourself?

Don’t tempt Hobbes, Calvin.

No, Calvin, that’s how bullying/abuse starts. I should know, being the receiving end of a punching bag on more than one occasion.

You heard him, Hobbes…punch away!

That’s my weakness. In the last 3 years, I’ve heard so much lunacy that it is hard for me NOT to speak up!

He must have missed,“Jonathan Livingston Seagull”. Of course, the book was published in 1970

sure, Calvin

June 3: Got up early. Ate worms.

Fella, don’t take Aves for granted. They have a much broader picture of the situation from the top and would not mind dropping carpet bombs on both of you anytime.

Jonathan Livingston Seagull led an epic life.