A review by livesinthetub
Looking for Calvin and Hobbes: The Unconventional Story of Bill Watterson and His Revolutionary Comic Strip by Nevin Martell

2.0

book #23 of 2021: Looking for Calvin and Hobbes: the Unconventional Story of Bill Watterson and His Revolutionary Comic Strip by Nevin Martell (pub. 2010) so this was another book that could def have used some heavy editing. the author talks way more than he should about his own interest in the subject, which is pretty meaningless, as a reader/listener. that said, I got a view into the profound level of intelligence and integrity this entirely reclusive cartoonist exhibits. the extremely few interviews he’s allowed, nine of which were with this book’s author, show vastly deep and considered thought, as well as stunningly acerbic wit. I give Bill Watterson 5/5 as a cartoonist and as a human being, but I give this book 3/5. highly recommend just reading the interviews available online: the books doesn’t really add anything beyond: he inspired a lot of other cartoonists, he took on his publisher for the rights to his strip - and won, and he’s a major recluse. I’m honestly glad the author didn’t get an interview: he isn’t smart enough to talk to Watterson. and now for something completely different....
notes: quotes by Bill Watterson and some other relevant quotes are in the comments. if you like those quotes, Watterson’s interviews are definitely worth checking out.