Post Office to release Calvin & Hobbes stamp
01/05/10
Even if the Post Office is the quintessential example of what happens when the govermnet does the job of private business, they have at least make an exceptional selection for a new 2010 series of stamps: famous comics.
Among those to be featured will be Bill Watterson's classic "Calvin & Hobbes".
I remember always grabbing for the comic pages in the paper as a kid to find that day's "Calvin & Hobbes" strip. I was always disappointed when Watterson was on vacation and the were rerunning previous strips. At the time, I was devastated that, seemingly at the height of it's popularity, Watterson decided to end the strip in 1995. Over time, I've come to accept his decision to end the strip when he did and not risk ever jumping the shark - although, similar to the derth of good kid's TV cartoon shows, today's comic pages have a significant lack of quality strips - and deeply appreciate his decision not to merchandise the comic. Freedom cuts both ways: the freedom to market ones goods, in any form possible, to the hilt and the freedom to decide not to do so. Watterson's decision was more than respectable and consistent with his principles. So, keep in mind every time you see those obnoxious "Calvin pissing on the Ford or Chevy symbol" stickers on a truck that this was something against which Watterson fought fervently.
Beyond that, the thematic elements of comic introduced me, as a child, to questions of morality, the lessons of life and piqued my interst in philosophy. The comic's tiger character, Hobbes, was named after Thomas Hobbes, the philosopher, author of "Leviathan" and, as Watterson described him a man with "a dim view of human nature".
It was smart and witty, made you think and laugh, and was always entertaining.
It was, and is, one of the fondest memories of my childhood.
For about $100, you can own the complete series. It's well worth it.
For your enjoyment, here's a selection of 25 great "Calvin & Hobbes" strips.