Described by The Washington Post as “the J.D. Nearly as famous as the comic itself is the reclusivity of its creator, Bill Watterson, who has kept out of the public eye since ending Calvin and Hobbes’ 10-year run in 1995. Now if only we could get hold of a transmogrifier to turn this into the comeback “Calvin & Hobbes” fans have been longing for.It’s been more than 27 years since Calvin and Hobbes graced newspaper pages, but the critically-acclaimed comic strip about a mischievous 6-year-old boy and his stuffed tiger best friend is still widely beloved by legions of fans. Many took to Twitter guessing correctly that Watterson was the guest comic. Millions of fans feel exactly the same way. The art form’s dying,” she responds.Īccording to Pastis, having the legendary Watterson draw his strip is like working with “the Bigfoot of cartooning” – rare, and the highlight of his career. The third ends with Pastis asking Lib if she’ll draw his comic forever. The second strip is more reminiscent of Watterson’s “Calvin & Hobbes” days and features a “Martian robot attack” that could be seen as nod to Calvin’s alter ego Spaceman Spiff. In the first of the three strips, ‘Lib’ draws two crocodiles eating Pastis. (Hint: ‘Lib’ is almost ‘Bill’ spelled backward). The series of strips ran nationally this week with the premise that a small girl named ‘Libby’ (or ‘Lib’) would stand in for Pastis.Īccording to Pastis’ blog, ‘Lib’ is “a precocious second grader who thought my art was crap” and is really a cheeky inside joke. The two decided that Watterson would contribute panels to three “Pearls” cartoons. Not only was Pastis in communication with him – Watterson wanted to collaborate. Bill Watterson really exists? And he sends email? And he’s communicating with me?” Pastis wrote on his blog. “Just getting an email from Bill Watterson is one of the most mind-blowing, surreal experiences I have ever had. Shortly after that, much to Pastis’ surprise, Watterson replied. When the woman asks which strip he draws, Pastis says “Ever heard of ‘Calvin and Hobbes?’” The two end up in bed, a thought bubble above Pastis’ head says: “That was wrong.”

In it, Pastis approaches a woman at a bar and uses his profession to impress a female patron. Undeterred, Pastis included a “Calvin & Hobbes” reference in his next strip.

Stephan pastis bill watterson