Thank you for being kind about this. I was concerned about making this video and continued to second-guess releasing it right up until last night. I've only had one completely out-of-bounds reply. That's pretty much as good as I can expect. I genuinely appreciate it.

I'll always remember Hobbes' line "If people could put rainbows in zoos, they'd do it." I don't know if there's a better or simpler expression of just ecological philosophy.

Thanks for this video Leon, from a fellow middle-aged man with undiagnosed issues that made school work and childhood socialization challenging. Like you, I related to Calvin’s escapist outlook and the feeling that my brain/personality was always being reigned in by the rest of the world. Only as an adult have I started working through that all. My ingrained lizard brain reaction to other people’s problems is to assume they’re my fault, and my reaction to problems facing me is to just work harder and get through them myself (typically with varying degrees of failure) rather than admit I need help. “Surely the judgment from those who see that I have problems will be worse than the problems themselves,” is what my brain tells me. It’s a hard feeling to get over. Thanks for always being thoughtful and open. Love your work.

It resonated so strongly at the statement “I didn’t have imaginary friends - I had imaginary worlds”

Finally being told "it's not your fault" after a lifetime of believing you are the problem is a powerful and necessary message to impart to kids who had to grow up too early. Thanks Leon

“It’s beautiful. You’ll love it.” i actually started crying. thanks so much for this.

One thing I've noticed is that Calvin tends to become Spaceman Spiff when he comes into conflict with some kind of rule or expectation that has been set for him, which is why it happens so frequently when he's at school. Calvin's own worldview is incompatible with rules, so it makes sense that he'd liken his school life to being an astronaut trapped on an alien planet.

"And the Mysteries lived happily ever after." Is such an oddly comforting sentence to me

Born in 1979, diagnosed with ADHD in 2015. Solidarity, comrades.

This is beautiful. Its not our fault. Im crying along with Leon at a Barnes and Noble. I'm camping and took too much popcorn in my excitement and I'm struck by an adult family member and called selfish, greedy. Im laying in bed at noon typing into a youtube comments section wishing I could still fly away to another world whenever things got scary or confusing or too much. Thank you Leon. This is one of my favorites

"You'll be sorry when I put you in a home" -Calvin to parents. I still laugh at that.

"I did not have imaginary friends as a child. I had imaginary worlds." I thought ... I was the only one. I used to imagine that if I turned the corner on the block, just the right way, I would end up somewhere I actually wanted to be. I'm somewhat obsessed with 'Other Worlds' as a way to travel since I can't afford to do that in reality. I don't think anyone else has ever touched on that the way you did today ... I feel seen. Recognized. I hope this doesn't com across as parasocial. I like your video.

Calvin was my hero as a kid. I used my imagination for many of the same coping mechanisms he uses it for. His parents were great too; in one strip, his dad says, "I didn't think I'd be in such a hurry to reach adulthood if I knew the whole thing was going to be ad-libbed."

"I don't have imaginary friends, I have imaginary *Worlds*" Thank you, I needed that

I got diagnosed as autistic early this year. Today, my son was. And while I did fine growing up, undiagnosed, I’ve always felt I was different. I had a hard time with things, in a way I could not easily describe. Socially, knowing what was expected of me, how to present myself, and so on. I wish I knew, I wish my parents knew and I wish my teachers knew. Not because I was in need of constant help, but to put words on my thoughts and sometimes have the tools to give me a nudge in the right direction. To know I wasn’t just “weird” or “wrong”, as it felt like I was. I wish my son, with our knowledge, won’t have to grow up feeling “weird” or “wrong”. He’s my wonderful autistic son. And I'm ready to give him informed nudges and help him ask for the tools I missed when I grew up.

I remember Watterson retiring the same year as Gary Larson of the Farside which were two of my comics favorites. I both identified with and was influenced by both works, always had a strange and wild imagination and viewed the world through odd angles.

I remember reading Calvin and Hobbes in the corner of the library. A very important part of my childhood

The strip with Calvin hammering nails into the table is essentially the wallpaper in my brain, just ever-present in there. "Is this some sort of trick question?" She didn't ask him 'Why?' even if that's what she wanted to know, so he is only responding to the question she asked which he knows has such a clear answer that it must be a trick...

I'm crying a little. I'm also a Calvin and Hobbes kid. The fan-made comic about the pills strikes me as a little on the shrill side. On one hand, medication can be a big help to a neurodivergent person trying to make their way in a world that isn't designed with them in mind. It can also come with serious side effects, or the primary effects can go too far. There's a difference between getting a boost and getting overwritten. Definitely getting the book. Thanks for telling me about it!

Calvin and Hobbes was one of the seminal works of art in my childhood, and I saw so much of myself in him. I reread much of it every couple of years as a way to check in on how I’ve changed as a person and how what I see of myself in him has changed with that. All that to say that I loved hearing you sympathise with his challenges and vocalise how what feels to children like the end of the world becomes smaller in scale as we grow up. Cheers 😎

I'm glad this book exists, and that the same feeling that got me "through" depression is understood by others. I know I'll always have depression, but living with it became so much easier after one day when I took a long walk outside after a particularly bad meltdown. Literally went to go touch grass. Observed the vastness of the sky, the shapes of the clouds, the sway of the trees in the wind. Down to the ants on the concrete and the tiniest flowers that reached from the cracks between. And I thought, "Wow! I really don't matter at all! Nothing out here cares about me." And it was the most freeing thought ever. I felt like so much weight was suddenly off my shoulders.

This resonates pretty heavily with me. I was a catholic kid with ADHD that went undiagnosed and untreated well into adulthood. I was always imagining whole worlds to play in, both inside my head and out. I always struggled to sleep as a kid, mostly because my imagination just refused to stop. It was like a thing outside of me, a spigot with the handle broken off. Sometimes it would keep me awake with excitement; my bed would be a spaceship, and I traveled the stars; I would imagine life through the eyes of an ant, or a bird, or a tree; I planned how I would complete whatever ambitious project had gotten stuck in my head (usually something like trying to build my own airplane). Other times it would keep me awake with terror, gripping my amygdala with images of my house burning down; my family dying in an accident; the unshakable belief that the growing pain in my leg or the strange tweak in my neck was the first sign of an inescapable physiological timebomb, waiting to strike me down in my youth. I agonized over every mistake I had made, convinced something was terribly wrong with me. I rode tidal waves of emotion I could barely understand much less control. I second guessed my every decision, sometimes years after they'd been made, obsessed with the idea that I'd chosen incorrectly and that the path I'd picked ended inevitably in doom. I imagined death and saw an infinite expanse of blackness stretching out behind me and lurking out of sight somewhere ahead, the only certainty in an uncertain future. I pled with God, and the silence was deafening. And I read a lot of Calvin and Hobbes, because I saw myself in those pages. I surrounded myself in media which spoke to me, I think because while I didn't have the words to understand what people like me actually *were,* here was proof that they existed. That there were thriving, in fact.

Beautiful essay! When you said you didn't have an imaginary friend as a child, you had imaginary worlds that blew my mind. I suddenly have a much deeper and visceral understanding of my partner! As a previous imaginary friend haver I kinda never thought about the world creation as the main part of imagination play. Maybe this insight will open up opportunities for us to play more and better together. Thank you! Your work spreads love. 💕

I feel fortunate to have been a child like Calvin.

Every part of this video was comforting and nostalgic. 😭🙂 I read C&H as a child too. I just gifted my best friend (who also grew up on C&H too) an original copy of the “The Days Are Just Packed” collection. Thank you for this video!

Every single strip you referenced in this video is laser etched into my memory. My Calvin and Hobbes collections were basically falling apart from frequent use by the time those big hardcovers came out. Huge reason why I'm a cartoonist now.

Thank you for this video. I was unaware of the book's release due to not using social media often and living in a rural enough area where books aren't locally promoted. It means a lot to hear similar experiences, I'm younger than the first wave of Calvin and Hobbes fans but discovered it through compiled collections at the thrift store. I saw myself a lot in Calvin, particularly his escapism and worldview that didn't align with societal expectations. Went on to get "diagnosed" with autism at 14, but we didn't have the money to afford diagnosis paperwork that was required to get accommodations at school or work. My younger sister is currently in grade school and suffers from a lot of the same issues due to her adhd which was thankfully diagnosed young, but in many cases that diagnosis doesn't actually mean much on a societal level. I gifted her my CaH collections recently, hoping it'll do her some good in the same way it did me.

Thank you for the beautiful essay... and the heads up on the book... I wouldn't have found out this soon otherwise

I usually watch your videos at work. Did not need to cry at work today. Thank you for bringing my attention to this book.

I still walk miles a day thinking about my imaginary worlds. It was nice to hear that I'm not alone.

I started crying while wst thing this, I don't know if it was the conversation with the store clerk or the comments I was reading at the same time. But I did. Thanks. I needed that today 😊

I could be wrong, but this seems like the most personal video you've ever made. It's beautiful, and I love it. ❤

I had a similar problem to calvin i used to think i was a picky eater just turned out my parents werent very good cooks

Holy shit, Leon. This was a hell of a way to start the day. And now I have a new book to go buy. Great work, as always.

This was my favorite of your videos thus far. Thank you!

I'm glad you included the part where you asked a bookstore employee for "The Mysteries", it's very relatable, I could see myself in that kind of situation

I saw the title of this video and rushed to look the book up before even watching it because I could hardly believe it was true, and this was the first I heard of it. Then I rushed back to watch, and oh, what a punch in the heart this has been… If I can scrape enough together, I’m going to get copies first for my son (43) and my grandson (18), for whom Calvin and Hobbes is more than just beloved but I would say necessary. Then I’ll save for one for myself. I’m going to buy them from the nerd emporium bookstore+ where my younger daughter is manager. And I know for certain my daughters will be gifted copies from other family members (possibly my son-we often care for each other in circles like that!). I haven’t been so stoked for a book in a long time. Finally, as someone who has had to figure out late in life my own neurodivergence, after decades of not understanding why so many things were “weird” and difficult for me, I can’t say enough how moved and grateful I am for your discussion of that here. Especially the mention of food-related abuse, a source of lifelong trauma for me (along with intersecting medication abuse) that I’ve almost never heard acknowledged. I actually broke down hearing that acknowledgment. Thank you. And thank you for letting us know about The Mysteries. Your videos are always ones I drop everything to watch as soon as I see there’s a new one, and I am never disappointed.

Thank you for this. I've been watching your videos for years and this might be your best one. I never knew the significance/symbolism of Spaceman Spiff until you pointed it out. Great analysis of Calvin and Hobbes overall; looking forward to the new Watterson book.

Thank you, Leon. This was your most moving work to date. It was very healing for me.

That was beautiful, man.

Honestly good for bill

10:45 I do really love how Calvin eats his hall pass. 😄

This was fantastic, and has given me a real urge to revisit Calvin and Hobbes as an adult, because there was clearly so much I missed as s child. Thank you for this.

Bravo, Leon! Thank you for putting this out into the world!

Calvin and Hobbes was such an important part of my childhood; all of my books still sit on my shelf. I wasn't diagnosed until a couple years ago, in my mid-30s. This video made me cry and now I have to go buy a book that'll make me cry.

This was beautiful, thank you.

Thank you for the video, Leon! One of the hardest parts of growing up is to finally realize that the adults calling themselves "parents" are flawed human beings, and even when they are acting in good faith, parents could not have the children's best interests in mind, especially when they disregard the children's own opinions and agency. "Parents know best" is a very dangerous excuse for their behavior towards children. 12:55-13:02 "I did not have an imaginary friend as a child. I have imaginary worlds." As someone who felt some jealousy towards people with imaginary friends, that statement did speak a lot for me. Thank you again, Leon!

I remember ordering It's A Magical World from those Scholastic Books paper catalogs as it was brand new back in the mid-'90s. I still have it. It was the very last book I remember re-reading before 9/11. It being the last Calvin and Hobbes book Bill Watterson published, I continue to see it as both the end of Calvin's childhood... and mine.

Beautiful essay and editing, Leon. Thanks for sharing. ❤️

Thank you for this. And thank you for putting into words how profound Watterson’s work is. It means so much to me, and clearly to you.

That was a beautiful but sad video, Leon. I can relate.

been watching your videos for a long time. This was so beautiful.

"It wasn't our fault" Thanks i needed to hear that

Oh man. I know it wasn’t the point but you gave me major Catholic upbringing flashbacks. I was never an altar server, though. I did join the choir in high school but it was basically where theater nerds went since we didn’t have a theater club.

Wow this has to be Leon’s most autobiographical video to date. I learned a good bit about their life. It even answered a question I always wondered about.

I totally felt, "I had imaginary worlds". I didn't know how to put it into words until now. I can't wait to get this book second hand.

One of the most important lessons I learned when growing up was how to properly attribute the source-of-blame for a given thing. This as someone with ADHD (actually diagnosed!) who struggles a little with staying focused on a given task unless it catches his attention.

Well mostly I’m happy for this video because now I know there’s a new Watterson book, which I will also rush out to get as soon as I can. I too grew up on Calvin and Hobbes comics, and I still have all my collections of them. Everything you say in relation to Calvin and Hobbes (forced feeding as child abuse, the need for kids and parents to have an understanding of their cognitive functioning, the use of imagination as a form of coping) resonates with me so deeply, and is weirdly relevant to conversations that I’ve had very recently where I’ve wondered how it is that so many people I know are out of sync with these things that I have lived experiences of. It’s good to hear someone affirm these experiences, so I thank you for that.

16:56 "It wasnt our fault". As much as i agree with the sentiment having children stops it from working and giving me any comfort. On the other hand it stops me from just giving up on the world and keep going.

It's a quick read with great art, it's a good book!

as someone who grew up reading C&H this was absolutely gorgeous thank you for sharing Leon.

I read Calvin and Hobbes as a kid, and the pure fantasy/feeling of escape were the things that got through. I never pondered the questions presented at times, just wasn't all that intelligent or insightful. I just remember being otherwise scared or anxious looking back on it, I can remember specific horrific moments or the bizarre context in which I was reading it these anthologies of the series. I never even thought to revisit thinking about Waterson, despite having a very cynical friend who seemed to really pick up on the ideas of the comic, at least perceivably. I appreciate you being vulnerable because I really, really think that sometimes it takes dropping pretense and just helping folks see ideas, but not only that, I think it helped make recent events, even just a personal bad day a little less painful. Thanks for the video.

Whoa! I didn't know that medication panel was fan made?! It was problematic for sure but I was happy that Calvin, at least I thought so, was canonically ADHD like myself. I still think he is but happy that comic wasn't made by Watterson

Very touching, one of your best

This was gorgeous and vulnerable! Big love ❤❤

love and kindness to you and this community❤

Woooooow, I’ve never heard ANYONE else mention imaginary worlds before and I’d almost forgotten mine until you mentioned it. 🤯

Beautiful. I needed this today, thank you. Also - Bill Watterson wrote a new book!!🎉

Thank you for a beautiful and well-composed video! I was only an infrequent ‘Calvin and Hobbes’ reader when I was young but I was the same kind of kid. Good job ❤

I always had an immense passion for comic books. Being Italian I was double blessed because I had access to the American comic books and the italian comic books (Italy had lots of great artists working in such field). But after nearly 50 years of comic book reading, my absolute favorite is Calvin and Hobbes. Also my respect for the great artist who created it is boundless ❤

Thank you for letting me know about the Mysteries. My wife bought it for me for Christmas and I finally read it tonight after she went out of town. It's a beautiful book

One of your best videos to date. I’m going to pick up this book soon.

Finally purchased my copy of the book. Thank you for this ❤

Had I the income, I would certainly buy it. Thanks for sharing a slice of our childhoods.

This was beautiful, thank you. Now off to buy the Mysteries!

I rarely comment on KZfaq as I just don't feel the necessity or have the will to do so but I want to say how great your video was. As a non native English speaker, I have never read Calvin and Hobbes but you really sold me on finding more about it. Plus, you made me want to buy a book, which is something that doesn't happen much anymore these days. Thank you.

I wasn't considered a picky eater by my parents.Yet I didn't like a lot of seafood or quiche. Though my sister actually had allergies to seafood, so it wasn't a big deal to just have something else cooked whenever the folks wanted fish. The only time I recall someone try and shame me for my eating habits,was when I had to deal with some other kid's bosy parent, while on a school camping trip. As I refused to eat the gross store bought microwaved quiche for dinner. I think it maybe bothered them more, because I was either indifferent or happy to eat everything else up until that night. Since I recall eating my veges that were on the plate, while leaving quiche untouched. I may have as well stated that it smelt like farts (which it did).

This was beautiful and sad. It made me miss my childhood and be thankful I’m an adult.

This was a beautiful video. Thank you!

I’m crying

Wonderfully done. The book really is beautiful and Watterson means so much to so many of us

Beautifully crafted video. I knew nothing about Calvin and Hobbes going in, but I was really impressed by the language here.

There's a Calvin and Hobbes comic where they're standing outside under the stars, saying something about how small and insignificant it feels. I don't remember the exact words, but the punchline has stayed with me decades later: Calvin frowns and says, "Let's go in and turn on all the lights." Bill Watterson's comics had a profound effect on me when I was growing up, and they still do. Thank you for reminding me of his work, and for notifying me about his new book! It's going on my Christmas list 💕

The Mysteries live on, unencumbered by our attempts to define them. It's a wonderful book. Calvin & Hobbes, more than any other artwork, shaped my life philosophy, and it's beautiful to see a more cosmic expression of that philosophy in The Mysteries. Now, age 34 and diagnosed with ADHD at 32, I sit here with my dog named Calvin and come to peace with the often cruel yet sometimes wonderful vagaries of life.

I wish I could like this video multiple times, because it deserves it. Wonderful.

I haven't been able to stop imagining a world like that. I don't remember even my early 20's as a result.

Thank you. I needed this today....and for a long time, quite honestly.

I really needed this. Thank you.

Must say, this is one of your best works.

This is so incredibly written. Thank you.

This was beautiful and deeply relatable. Thank you.

well, heck, why is this just coming up in my feed a full ten days later... nice video, I'll grab that book for sure on monday, gonna wait until black friday weekend is over.

I’ve enjoyed several of your videos in the past but this one is my favorite.

beautiful video friend. hadn't heard about the new book. thanks for sharing

Everything in this video was beautiful. Thank you for sharing some of your experiences with us.

This is a beautiful FYI/ review. I needed this today.

Thank you so much

Beautiful video.

I’m so glad you made and shared this video. I just got my copy and I’ve already read it 3 times; it is wonderful!

Thank you!