Looking for Calvin and Hobbes

This is an affectionate and revealing book about uncovering the story behind this most uncommon trio - a man, a boy and his tiger. For ten years, "Calvin and Hobbes" was one of the world's most beloved comic strips. And then, on the last day of 1995, the strip ended. Its mercurial and reclusive creator, Bill Watterson, not only finished the strip but withdrew entirely from public life. There is no merchandising associated with Calvin and Hobbes: no movie franchise; no plush toys; no coffee mugs; and, no t-shirts (except a handful of illegal ones). There is only the strip itself, and the books in which it has been compiled. In "Looking for Calvin and Hobbes", Nevin Martell traces the life and career of the intensely private man behind "Calvin and Hobbes". With input from a wide range of artists and writers (including Dave Barry, Harvey Pekar, and Brad Bird) as well as some of Watterson's closest friends and professional colleagues, this is as close as we're ever likely to get to one of America's most ingenious and intriguing figures - and a fascinating detective story, too.

Review: "'Martell, who wears his fan heart on his sleeve, travels far and wide to gather pieces of Watterson lore. He interviews former syndicate employees, comic strip artists from the past and present, and some of Watterson's closest confidants. By doing so, Martell walks a fine line between diligent journalist and obsessive fan. But his journey is a reminder that some things can't be recaptured, no matter how much we may wish otherwise.' -The New York Times, "The Moment" blog 'This story of Nevin Martell's search for the elusive Bill Watterson, the J.D. Salinger of the cartoon world, is so richly infused with the spirit of "Calvin and Hobbes," the genuine innocence and affection and humor, it doesn't even matter that the author never meets his subject' -The Los Angeles Times Book Review"