Heritage Auctions :: 7418 Signature Comic Art Auction June 26 - 29 2025

Calvin and Hobbes 11-29-85 (Universal Press Syndicate, 1985)

Artist: Bill Watterson (All)

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Calvin and Hobbes 11-29-85 (Universal Press Syndicate, 1985) Comic Art

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Artwork Details

Title:	Calvin and Hobbes 11-29-85 (Universal Press Syndicate, 1985)
Artist:	Bill Watterson (All)
Media Type:	Paint - Watercolor
Art Type:	Comic Strip
For Sale Status:	Auction (2025 June 26 - 29)
Views:	92
Likes on CAF:	1 2
Comments:	0
Added to Site:	6/9/2025
Comic Art Archive:

Description

What can we say about this incredibly rare episode of Calvin and Hobbes -- not only is it the 12th strip ever produced (the first premiered on November 18, 1985) and earliest-known strip to come to market (and only the fourth hand-colored example Heritage has had the distinct pleasure of offering), but it also features the first time we see Principal Spittle, and the first look at Calvin's Spaceman Spiff, an explorer of galaxies and the most prominent of Calvin's alter egos! This episode shows the courageous Spaceman Spiff boldly facing down certain death, taking steps to safeguard the entire universe after being taken to the evil lair of... the principal's office!
Watterson created a strip that captured the hearts of kids and adults alike, with characters and themes that continue to resonate with anyone that remembers what it was like to be a kid with an overactive imagination. The everyday adventures of a six-year old boy and his friend Hobbes, the imaginary personification of his stuffed tiger, became an instant hit and were beloved by fans. Even though the strip only ran for 10 years, Calvin and Hobbes has been a mainstay of pop culture, influencing arts and entertainment for over 30 years since its finale.
As desirable as artwork from the series is, there are regrettably few pieces available, as Watterson is well-known for holding on to his originals. Occasionally, the artist would gift his strips to important people in his life, even adding color to dailies that were published in black and white. This is one such case, as this consequential episode was hand-painted and inscribed to artist Jim Borgman and his family. At the time, Borgman was an accomplished editorial cartoonist, eventually creating his own comic strip, Wonk City, and teaming up with Jerry Scott on Zits.

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	Chris Johnson 9/6/2025 3:08:00 PM
	Greg Morrow 9/6/2025 3:05:00 PM
	Greg McKee 9/6/2025 3:02:00 PM
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