‘Calvin and Hobbes’ is the best comic in history. Yes, it’s that straightforward. If you only have to read one comic in your entire life, make sure it’s this masterpiece by Bill Watterson, which lasted almost exactly ten years (from 1985 to 1995) and has never had a sequel or even merchandise, all by direct order of the author. Watterson withdrew from public life and has hardly given any interviews. In fact, he doesn’t even appear in the documentary solely dedicated to searching for him around the world, ‘Dear Mr. Watterson’. And now, suddenly, he comes out with something new unexpectedly.
What a mystery
Watterson hasn’t exactly been lounging on the couch for nearly thirty years. During this time, he has created paintings, curated exhibitions, written forewords, and even, on rare occasions, crafted posters and illustrations with a style reminiscent of comics. Out of nowhere, in 2023, he released his first published work in a very long time: ‘The Mysteries,’ an adult fable he co-created with illustrator John Kascht.
The book tells the tale of an ancient kingdom plagued by continuous misfortunes. Hoping to put an end to them, the king sends his knights to uncover the cause… but only one returns. To depict the story, both creators devised different illustrations, elements they couldn’t even anticipate, collaborating closely. It all sounds lovely, but… How’s the book, you ask? Well… let’s see.
Perhaps it’s due to the excessive hype or maybe it’s just not worth the fuss, but the initial reviews aren’t overly enthusiastic. Let’s face it: it’s not bad, but it’s not good either. Certainly not on par with ‘Calvin and Hobbes,’ something most of us could have already predicted. Basic nihilism that was already portrayed better through the mouth of a stuffed tiger.
Curious about what the creator of the best work of the last forty years is up to? Well, here it is. Want to read more ‘Calvin and Hobbes’? Maybe it’s time to, well, reread it. Because there won’t be any new strips. All we’re left with… is the mystery.