Bill Watterson held on to almost every piece of art he created for Calvin and Hobbes, but Heritage Auctions has this awesome painting up for bid in their February 23 Comics auction. The painting appeared on the cover of the 1989-90 Calvin and Hobbes calendar, and this will be the first time Bill Watterson has ever auctioned any of his work.
According to Todd Hignite, Vice President of Heritage Auctions: “Original Calvin and Hobbes artwork has, simply, never come up for public auction. There’s really no telling how high collectors will be willing to go on this one… It’s hard to state exactly how desirable this gorgeous piece of art is to collectors of all sorts, not just those interested in comic art. This one has it all, truly. It shows Calvin & Hobbes in a rare moment of total peace and repose – it is the philosophical heart and soul of that great comic – and now one lucky and determined collector is about to realize a dream held dear by many hardcore collectors and non-collectors alike.”
Watterson abruptly ended the Calvin and Hobbes comic strip in 1995, at the peak of its popularity, and since then has shunned the merchandising bonanza of a popular character. This painting is expected to fetch $50,000.00 but I certainly wouldn’t be surprised to see it go for much more than that. If anyone wants to buy me an early birthday present, this would make a pretty nice one!
I love Calvin and Hobbies.
Ok so its safe to say there is no panel strips out there right?
A couple of years back i looked all over to buy a strip and couldn’t find anything on anything about the location of all those strips.
From what I’ve read, There isn’t any Calvin and Hobbes artwork anywhere. I think that Watterson kept it all.
sad to say but the first time i think collectors will have a chance to buy original art from him might be if he passes away and they liquidate the estate.
Even then though i would be curious how much his original artwork would go for. 1500 a strip? 5,000 for sunday?
Welp better start saving.