Comments on: Calvin and Hobbes original art expected to get at least $125,000 at auction http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html Brain candy for Happy Mutants Wed, 22 May 2013 04:34:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.1 By: David Szymanski http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1579771 David Szymanski Sun, 11 Nov 2012 20:03:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1579771 Baffles me when a single piece of art that has immense fan interest can command such a huge price tag when there's obviously a pretty big stash waiting in Watterson's vault. Same goes for a high-grade comic from the "age of collectors" that auctions off for thousands more than what anyone has ever paid for in the past. Manipulation, or just investors banking on a rarity? Baffles me when a single piece of art that has immense fan interest can command such a huge price tag when there’s obviously a pretty big stash waiting in Watterson’s vault. Same goes for a high-grade comic from the “age of collectors” that auctions off for thousands more than what anyone has ever paid for in the past. Manipulation, or just investors banking on a rarity?

]]> By: plyx http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1579179 plyx Sat, 10 Nov 2012 14:12:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1579179 It's still good compared to the rest, but the bar is SO damn low now. It’s still good compared to the rest, but the bar is SO damn low now.

]]> By: yahoo-E4LRYB252EYEOTSDK5ZBWLBZ6U http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1579162 yahoo-E4LRYB252EYEOTSDK5ZBWLBZ6U Sat, 10 Nov 2012 13:08:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1579162 There are lots of things that make a comic great: humor, emotion, insight into the human condition, ... If it's all about who was first, and there's only room for one "great" in the world as your analogy to Tolkien seems to be claiming, then Peanuts is it and C&H was never great.  If there's room for more than one "great", then there are still great newspaper comics out there, and C&H isn't the "last". Is M*A*S*H the last great television comedy-drama because cable broke up the big-3 oligopoly and no new tv show will ever have a captive audience again?  There are lots of things that make a comic great: humor, emotion, insight into the human condition, …

If it’s all about who was first, and there’s only room for one “great” in the world as your analogy to Tolkien seems to be claiming, then Peanuts is it and C&H was never great. 

If there’s room for more than one “great”, then there are still great newspaper comics out there, and C&H isn’t the “last”.

Is M*A*S*H the last great television comedy-drama because cable broke up the big-3 oligopoly and no new tv show will ever have a captive audience again? 

]]> By: sburns54 http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1579159 sburns54 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 12:58:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1579159  "Mutts" is great, I agree. What Patrick does with coloring, his distinctive ink style, imaginative layout and design, and emotional depth (when he wants to toss in a bit of pathos) are particularly impressive in this age of tiny strips in dying newspapers. Just open to the comics page- 'Mutts" jumps right out at you. Spare, deceptively simple lines- he is a master of the form. I ran a comic book store in NJ in the late 70's early 80's, and went to school and was good friends with his girlfriend/ now wife Karen. They were always great, unique people (Karen sang in "Steel Tips", one of the 1st "punk" bands in NJ). I am glad (as a comic snob- Jack Kirby? blecccch! except for Boys Ranch) that Patrick has "made it" on his own terms, doing a strip I can truly say I love and is not a piece of crap.  ”Mutts” is great, I agree. What Patrick does with coloring, his distinctive ink style, imaginative layout and design, and emotional depth (when he wants to toss in a bit of pathos) are particularly impressive in this age of tiny strips in dying newspapers.
Just open to the comics page- ‘Mutts” jumps right out at you. Spare, deceptively simple lines- he is a master of the form.

I ran a comic book store in NJ in the late 70′s early 80′s, and went to school and was good friends with his girlfriend/ now wife Karen. They were always great, unique people (Karen sang in “Steel Tips”, one of the 1st “punk” bands in NJ). I am glad (as a comic snob- Jack Kirby? blecccch! except for Boys Ranch) that Patrick has “made it” on his own terms, doing a strip I can truly say I love and is not a piece of crap.

]]> By: yahoo-E4LRYB252EYEOTSDK5ZBWLBZ6U http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1579156 yahoo-E4LRYB252EYEOTSDK5ZBWLBZ6U Sat, 10 Nov 2012 12:54:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1579156 Nobody said Calvin and Hobbes isn't great. I used Mark's (possibly somewhat off-the-cuff) characterization of C&H as the "**last** great newspaper comic" to highlight one of my favorite great newspaper comics.  Calvin and Hobbes is great. Mutts is also great. Dilbert is also great. And Mutts and Dilbert are still running.  Nobody said Calvin and Hobbes isn’t great. I used Mark’s (possibly somewhat off-the-cuff) characterization of C&H as the “**last** great newspaper comic” to highlight one of my favorite great newspaper comics.  Calvin and Hobbes is great. Mutts is also great. Dilbert is also great. And Mutts and Dilbert are still running. 

]]> By: yahoo-E4LRYB252EYEOTSDK5ZBWLBZ6U http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1579153 yahoo-E4LRYB252EYEOTSDK5ZBWLBZ6U Sat, 10 Nov 2012 12:50:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1579153 OK, Mutts hasn't spawned enough merchandise to be considered great. Have you heard of a strip called "Dilbert"? OK, Mutts hasn’t spawned enough merchandise to be considered great. Have you heard of a strip called “Dilbert”?

]]> By: sburns54 http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1579149 sburns54 Sat, 10 Nov 2012 12:39:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1579149  I was immensely saddened when C & H stopped...it was like a door to childhood closing. But I never cared for Bloom County, though I read it every Sunday. Seemed he tried too hard. I think in 100 years C & H will still be known (like Krazy Kat, Little Nemo, etc. are today) but can't say the same for Bloom County.  I was immensely saddened when C & H stopped…it was like a door to childhood closing. But I never cared for Bloom County, though I read it every Sunday. Seemed he tried too hard. I think in 100 years C & H will still be known (like Krazy Kat, Little Nemo, etc. are today) but can’t say the same for Bloom County.

]]> By: That_Anonymous_Coward http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1579088 That_Anonymous_Coward Sat, 10 Nov 2012 09:32:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1579088 I've seen a very well done image of a grown up C&H you might like Antinous... Rule 34 and all that.... I’ve seen a very well done image of a grown up C&H you might like Antinous…
Rule 34 and all that….

]]> By: Antinous / Moderator http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1579086 Antinous / Moderator Sat, 10 Nov 2012 09:30:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1579086 I've never read it. I’ve never read it.

]]> By: mark http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1579079 mark Sat, 10 Nov 2012 09:06:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1579079 Bill the Cat is my favorite comic feline.  *ACK* (but i do love Hobbes) Bill the Cat is my favorite comic feline.  *ACK* (but i do love Hobbes)

]]> By: mark http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1579077 mark Sat, 10 Nov 2012 09:04:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1579077 REALLY?!?! You don't like Calvin OR Hobbes? That kinda makes me sad :-( REALLY?!?! You don’t like Calvin OR Hobbes? That kinda makes me sad :-(

]]> By: benher http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1579041 benher Sat, 10 Nov 2012 07:09:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1579041 Maybe someone can clue me in. I know Watterson is a big reclusive, never let anyone cash in on C&H (Garfield, Paws Inc. style!) , rarely gives interviews, and was dismayed by the wizzing Calvin stickers... but I do find it surprising that he didn't/doesn't continue to produce some kind of art. His watercolor skills and adept renderings of nature are splendid... For someone who put so much of himself and his heart into those strips I find it unbelievable that he could walk away from the world of art completely.  Guess I'm just another forever longing fan.  Maybe someone can clue me in. I know Watterson is a big reclusive, never let anyone cash in on C&H (Garfield, Paws Inc. style!) , rarely gives interviews, and was dismayed by the wizzing Calvin stickers… but I do find it surprising that he didn’t/doesn’t continue to produce some kind of art. His watercolor skills and adept renderings of nature are splendid… For someone who put so much of himself and his heart into those strips I find it unbelievable that he could walk away from the world of art completely. 

Guess I’m just another forever longing fan. 

]]> By: Dewi Morgan http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1579013 Dewi Morgan Sat, 10 Nov 2012 06:11:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1579013 That's the weird thing about greatness.  The same could be said of Tolkien, after all. There are a bajillion fantasy authors. Many are arguably "comparable" in a couple of aspects. But Tolkien was the one who got there first, broke that ground, and so on. So he's a great, and they're also-rans, with the possible exceptions of Pratchett and Rowling. Greatness seems to be a thing of acclamation, not of inherent quality. There are a few cartoonists recognized as great; James Kochalka (American Elf) is his state's cartoonist Laureate, for instance; Thunt (Goblins Comic) can raise $50k with a single page;  Randall Munroe (XKCD) is... well, just is. And there are slightly-less-known stars,  like Aaron Williams (PS238), Christopher Hastings (Dr McNinja), Phil & Kaja Foglio (Girl Genius), and anything from RCSI Publishing. Many more might be recognized as great, and deserve more exposure: like Tab (KhaosKomix);  Kazerad (Prequel: or making a cat cry); Ben Fleuter (Derelict); Zack Morrison (Paranatural); Ashley Cope (Unsounded), KrazyKrow (Spinerette)...OK, I'll shut up with comic recommendations :) So many fantastic ones... That’s the weird thing about greatness.  The same could be said of Tolkien, after all. There are a bajillion fantasy authors. Many are arguably “comparable” in a couple of aspects. But Tolkien was the one who got there first, broke that ground, and so on. So he’s a great, and they’re also-rans, with the possible exceptions of Pratchett and Rowling.

Greatness seems to be a thing of acclamation, not of inherent quality. There are a few cartoonists recognized as great; James Kochalka (American Elf) is his state’s cartoonist Laureate, for instance; Thunt (Goblins Comic) can raise $50k with a single page;  Randall Munroe (XKCD) is… well, just is. And there are slightly-less-known stars,  like Aaron Williams (PS238), Christopher Hastings (Dr McNinja), Phil & Kaja Foglio (Girl Genius), and anything from RCSI Publishing.

Many more might be recognized as great, and deserve more exposure: like Tab (KhaosKomix);  Kazerad (Prequel: or making a cat cry); Ben Fleuter (Derelict); Zack Morrison (Paranatural); Ashley Cope (Unsounded), KrazyKrow (Spinerette)…OK, I’ll shut up with comic recommendations :) So many fantastic ones…

]]> By: EH http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1578949 EH Sat, 10 Nov 2012 03:21:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1578949 Obviously the solution is Patton Oswalt and John Goodman. Obviously the solution is Patton Oswalt and John Goodman.

]]> By: retchdog http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1578856 retchdog Sat, 10 Nov 2012 00:35:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1578856 obligatory. http://i.imgur.com/68y1f.jpg [watterson sent it to breathed, apparently in good fun. i think the context of it was his fight with newspapers to accept a more freeform layout for comics: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Watterson#Changing_the_format_of_the_Sunday_strip] obligatory. http://i.imgur.com/68y1f.jpg

[watterson sent it to breathed, apparently in good fun. i think the context of it was his fight with newspapers to accept a more freeform layout for comics: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Watterson#Changing_the_format_of_the_Sunday_strip]

]]> By: retchdog http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1578852 retchdog Sat, 10 Nov 2012 00:31:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1578852 i'm pretty sure i read an interview with bill watterson himself, where he said that the voicing was the major problem in a C&H cartoon, and he couldn't think of a solution. i’m pretty sure i read an interview with bill watterson himself, where he said that the voicing was the major problem in a C&H cartoon, and he couldn’t think of a solution.

]]> By: davecarroll http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1578742 davecarroll Fri, 09 Nov 2012 22:11:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1578742 there's gotta be something else you can sell brian.  there’s gotta be something else you can sell brian. 

]]> By: Antinous / Moderator http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1578697 Antinous / Moderator Fri, 09 Nov 2012 21:25:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1578697 <blockquote>Everybody read and loved C&H.</blockquote>No.

Everybody read and loved C&H.

No.

]]> By: qckbrnfx http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1578589 qckbrnfx Fri, 09 Nov 2012 20:23:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1578589 Relevant: http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/5eic/ Relevant: http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/5eic/

]]> By: franko http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1578586 franko Fri, 09 Nov 2012 20:22:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1578586 "bassett elope"? good one. : D “bassett elope”?
good one. : D

]]> By: huskerdont http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1578583 huskerdont Fri, 09 Nov 2012 20:17:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1578583  Frazz is great, as is Pearls Before Swine. I think it's just the nostalgia that makes us believe that nothing can be as good as Calvin and Hobbes, the Far Side, and Bloom County. I *think*. Sometimes I'm not so sure.  Frazz is great, as is Pearls Before Swine. I think it’s just the nostalgia that makes us believe that nothing can be as good as Calvin and Hobbes, the Far Side, and Bloom County.

I *think*. Sometimes I’m not so sure.

]]> By: huskerdont http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1578581 huskerdont Fri, 09 Nov 2012 20:14:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1578581 Yes to the first two, but I still think Doonesbury is good. Yes to the first two, but I still think Doonesbury is good.

]]> By: qckbrnfx http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1578577 qckbrnfx Fri, 09 Nov 2012 20:11:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1578577 I'm sure he could probably afford it, but that's still a pretty big chunk of cash. And I feel like it would be a great way for his fans to show our respect and appreciation. I’m sure he could probably afford it, but that’s still a pretty big chunk of cash. And I feel like it would be a great way for his fans to show our respect and appreciation.

]]> By: DevinC http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1578575 DevinC Fri, 09 Nov 2012 20:09:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1578575 There's someone else I'd prefer to have it even over Watterson.  They live at 11 West 53rd Street in New York.   There’s someone else I’d prefer to have it even over Watterson.  They live at 11 West 53rd Street in New York.  

]]> By: DevinC http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1578574 DevinC Fri, 09 Nov 2012 20:07:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1578574 Or get a window decal for your truck that shows Calvin taking a whiz on something!  That will tastefully show your respect. More seriously, I have to say I am in awe of your self-control and respect for Watterson's privacy.   Or get a window decal for your truck that shows Calvin taking a whiz on something!  That will tastefully show your respect.

More seriously, I have to say I am in awe of your self-control and respect for Watterson’s privacy.  

]]> By: mccrum http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1578552 mccrum Fri, 09 Nov 2012 19:49:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1578552 That had been my thought as well.  Smaller wedding, keep the strip.  And if the partner doesn't get it, they might not be the right person... That had been my thought as well.  Smaller wedding, keep the strip.  And if the partner doesn’t get it, they might not be the right person…

]]> By: mccrum http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1578550 mccrum Fri, 09 Nov 2012 19:48:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1578550 Because Watterson doesn't have the cash?  I think if he wants it he'll be able to make that happen. Because Watterson doesn’t have the cash?  I think if he wants it he’ll be able to make that happen.

]]> By: Red Pill Junkie http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1578544 Red Pill Junkie Fri, 09 Nov 2012 19:45:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1578544  Walk near his house wearing a tiger suit. He'll get the message, even if he doesn't acknowledge it ;)  Walk near his house wearing a tiger suit. He’ll get the message, even if he doesn’t acknowledge it ;)

]]> By: welcomeabored http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1578543 welcomeabored Fri, 09 Nov 2012 19:43:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1578543 Yet another bit of original artwork, by a beloved cartoonist, that I covet to the depths of my soul, and waaaaaay outta my price range.  Sigh.  Yet another bit of original artwork, by a beloved cartoonist, that I covet to the depths of my soul, and waaaaaay outta my price range.  Sigh. 

]]> By: Red Pill Junkie http://boingboing.net/2012/11/09/calvin-and-hobbes-original-art.html#comment-1578539 Red Pill Junkie Fri, 09 Nov 2012 19:41:00 +0000 http://boingboing.net/?p=193136#comment-1578539  It wouldn't have to be like that. Plenty of decent cartoons out there where they hired actual children to do the voice acting. Have a little faith, Charlie Brown ;)  It wouldn’t have to be like that. Plenty of decent cartoons out there where they hired actual children to do the voice acting.

Have a little faith, Charlie Brown ;)

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