After nearly three decades out of the spotlight, Bill Watterson, the celebrated creator of the classic comic Calvin & Hobbes, has returned with a brand new graphic novel. Called “Grown Up,” the novel is a break from Watterson’s beloved creations, exploring a new cast of characters as they navigate the grown up world.
Watterson has largely stayed away from the public eye since retiring Calvin & Hobbes in the ‘90s, and the announcement of his return to comics was a shock to fans who had all but given up hope of garnering new work from him. Immediately upon announcement, “Grown Up” had comic book fans abuzz with excitement — and the anticipation of the upcoming novel had only heightened as the months dragged on.
The novel itself follows a group of young adults as they try to make their way in the big city. Through their interactions, struggles and triumphs, Watterson’s new story explores a wide range of themes — including relationships, money and identity. While it’s unconfirmed whether Watterson was drawing inspiration from his own experiences in life, the novel certainly lends itself to this interpretation.
Artistically, Watterson’s new work is quite the departure from the brilliantly vibrant illustrations of Calvin & Hobbes — “Grown Up” features more muted colors and a focus on realism, including lifelike depictions of everyday objects and people. Reviews have been largely positive, with many calling Watterson’s slow and methodical art style an appropriate choice for the novel’s tone.
Overall, “Grown Up” is a welcome return for Watterson, and it will be interesting to see if he explores more comics in the future. Even if he doesn’t, this story has certainly pleased fans who have longed for the genius of Calvin & Hobbes for many years.
