"The best comics expose human nature and help us laugh at our own stupidity and hypocrisy. They indulge in exaggeration and absurdity, helping us to see the world with fresh eyes and reminding us how important it is to play and be silly. Comics depict the ordinary, mundane events of our lives and help us remember the importance of tiny moments. They cleverly sum up our unexpressed thoughts and emotions. ... The best comics, that is to say, are fun house mirrors that distort appearances only to help us recognize, and laugh at, our essential characteristics." ~ Bill Watterson, creator of "Calvin and Hobbes"
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In between my readings of noir detective fiction by Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler and James M. Cain, I needed a "lighter" diversion. This is where I re-discovered my "Calvin and Hobbes" books, a collection of Bill Watterson's cartoon strips over the years when he was actively drawing and writing. I just finished "The Calvin and Hobbes Tenth Anniversary Book" (1995) and the moments when I smiled amusingly and laughed so loudly and uninhibitedly were the best.
A six-year old boy and his stuffed tiger present musings and a world of their own. Being introduced and welcomed into that world has been a gift and a joy.
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