I rather thought his “reverse psychology” backfired on him. I remember those games as a kid. Usually the more you make it secret and say they aren’t worthy, the more they want to join. In this case, IMHO, the more Calvin says it’s secret and exclusive, the more he wants Susie to question and try to be a part…that is why in the third panel he pauses because his plan did not work. It’s all a ruse, Calvin is interested in Susie and does things like this to make sure he gets her attention, even if it’s for the wrong reasons. But he’s not allowed to be overt about his “interest” in her until he reaches 7th grade or so.
@Joelwmd: Love the comment.
I rather thought his “reverse psychology” backfired on him. I remember those games as a kid. Usually the more you make it secret and say they aren’t worthy, the more they want to join. In this case, IMHO, the more Calvin says it’s secret and exclusive, the more he wants Susie to question and try to be a part…that is why in the third panel he pauses because his plan did not work. It’s all a ruse, Calvin is interested in Susie and does things like this to make sure he gets her attention, even if it’s for the wrong reasons. But he’s not allowed to be overt about his “interest” in her until he reaches 7th grade or so.