Bill Watterson's comic strip, Calvin and Hobbes, the engaging tale of a six-year-old boy and his lively stuffed tiger was first published in a daily newspaper in 1985. An instant success, Calvin and Hobbes was carried by more than 2,400 newspapers when it ceased publication January 1, 1996.
After Bill Watterson read his first comic, he knew he wanted to be a cartoonist. He was born July 5, 1958. At high school he drew comics for the school newspaper and when he attended college, he drew for the Kenyon Collegian. After receiving a B.A. in Political Science he got a job as political cartoonist at the Cincinnati Post, but was fired within a couple of months.
Watterson attempted several comics but all were rejected. After drawing comics most of his young life he finally he got to the top with Calvin and Hobbes
Calvin and Hobbes was inspired by comics like Peanuts, by Charles Schulz and Pogo, by Walt Kelly
In 1986, Bill became the youngest person to win the prestigious Reuben Award for "Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year" from the National Cartoonists Society. He won the award again in 1988, and also was nominated for the honour in 1992.
Calvin and Hobbes gained worldwide appeal. More than 23 million Calvin and Hobbes books are in print.
Success didn't go to Watterson's head. He turned down the opportunity to merchandise his characters and therefore denied himself fabulous wealth. Watterson said .
"My strip is about private realities, the magic of imagination, and the specialness of certain friendships. Who would believe in the innocence of a little kid and his tiger if they cashed in on their popularity to sell overpriced knickknacks that nobody needs?"
After ten years of doing the daily comic strip, Bill Watterson decided to quit. Since retiring, Watterson now lives a secluded life in Santa Fe, New Mexico with his artistic wife Melissa and an assortment of cats.
Calvin and Hobbes has become one of the all-time classics, having captured the hearts of millions of readers all over the globe.
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