The Complete Calvin and Hobbes

For some reason in the past year I have ended up reading a lot of incredibly heavy books. I tend to read in bed, just before going to sleep, and now I think balancing huge heavy books in my belly should count as working out.

The Complete Calvin and Hobbes consists of three volumes of 22.5lbs*1/3 weight each. This includes every Calvin and Hobbes comic ever published. C&H has a very peculiar charm: when it doesn't make you laugh, it makes you understand. The art is wonderful, to the point that sometimes the story isn't necessary. Sometimes the writting is just really witty with simple drawings. But it always carries this magical warmth to it, sort of like reading hot chocolate in a cool night while playing with plastic dinosaurs.

As a comic book collection, it isn't as good as it could have been, especially after being spoiled with The Complete Far Side. Those feel sturdier and more durable. Also, they have a lot of extras and comments on the comics and the responses that they produced. The Complete Calvin and Hobbes seems simpler in comparison with no extras.

But, then again, it is every single Calvin & Hobbes ever published. If you like C&H, go buy it now. If you aren't familiar with them, borrow them from a friend. You will understand the joy and sadness of what Calvin once said:

It's a magical world, Hobbes, Ol' buddy ... let's go exploring.