Since this strip is based on Bill’s own childhood, did he have to confront a bully like Moe? And if so, did the adults in his life do anything about it—unlike Calvin’s indifferent parents?
Bullies never change. No matter who or where, that mentality directs their lives and those of the people they eventually marry and their offspring. And sometimes, the original victim will become bullies of those with whom they share their lives – a way of ‘getting back.’
You would think if Calvin can weather one of Hobbe’s welcome home attacks, or one of Hobbe’s tackles on the football field, or even one of Spaceman Spiff’s horrifying creatures from another dimension, he’d be able to come up with a method to face Moe’s intimidation tactics.
Around the time I was in fifth or sixth grade I had a bully like that. I’d bet money he, Nelson, ended up in prison. Looking back sixty years ago, I’m sure he came from a poor family situation. Unlike Calvin, I’ll not gloat over his misfortunes.
I only had one problem with one bully growing up, but he rarely bothered me. One time I saw him beating on his much younger brother. “I’ll kill you!” screamed the younger brother. Not long after that, the bully was killed in a hunting accident, with the younger brother as the only witness. The “official story” is that he was pulling a shotgun out of the back seat of his car, barrel first, and the gun went off, right into his chest. Hmmm…
As much as I love Calvin and Hobbes, I never liked the Moe strips. They are true to life, such people exist, and then grow up to vote for evil narcissists. :’(
Yes, that’s right Moe, degrade and humiliate someone for doing exactly what you wanted him to do, thus making it less likely you’ll get your way in the future.
Notice that there never seems to be a playground supervisor at recess. And why doesn’t anyone try to stop him? One single time, Calvin’s mom called the school, Moe got a talking-to, and returned the money that he “borrowed” from Calvin. Moe said that “someone” ratted on him. Didn’t occur to him that it had to have been Calvin or Calvin’s parents, which either indicates just how dim Moe is, or that Calvin is only one of many that he picks on.
Okay here’s the pitch… We saw a “present” where Calvin is reunited with Hobbes… What about a “present” where Calvin visits a reformed Moe and helps him with his “Mission House” for abused children? I believe Berkeley Breathed put the reunion piece together. Or perhaps the hospital janitor in some of the “present” Bloom County panels could turn out to be Moe? Just dreaming I guess…
Wait until Moe goes to prison to be someone B I T C H then he would be begging, pleaded, and crying and no one would listen to him when the prisoners do unspeakable things to him (no joke I heard that on “Beyond Scared Stright”)
codycab 2 months ago
Call Moe names to lure him away from the swing, Calvin.
dadthedawg Premium Member 2 months ago
Does ‘bully’ mean the same in England as in the US?…..
GeorgeInAZ 2 months ago
Right now, Calvin can use the chant Northwestern football fans use: “That’s all right! That’s OK! You’ll all work for us someday!”
Robert4170 2 months ago
You won’t be successful with your attitude toward academics, Calvin.
DirkTheDaring Premium Member 2 months ago
I gloated when one of my bullies died in his fifties. And I’m not ashamed, either.
peb6006 2 months ago
The nemesis of mine has been serving for a while in prison (drug dealing). Not enough time, but I keep on hoping.
STEPUP 2 months ago
I think it’s going to be the other way around!!!
snsurone76 2 months ago
Since this strip is based on Bill’s own childhood, did he have to confront a bully like Moe? And if so, did the adults in his life do anything about it—unlike Calvin’s indifferent parents?
BigDaveGlass 2 months ago
And they say that the Neanderthal’s are no longer with us. I disagree.
sandpiper 2 months ago
Bullies never change. No matter who or where, that mentality directs their lives and those of the people they eventually marry and their offspring. And sometimes, the original victim will become bullies of those with whom they share their lives – a way of ‘getting back.’
Kimmies01 2 months ago
More looks silky on that swing. LOL
BJDucer 2 months ago
You would think if Calvin can weather one of Hobbe’s welcome home attacks, or one of Hobbe’s tackles on the football field, or even one of Spaceman Spiff’s horrifying creatures from another dimension, he’d be able to come up with a method to face Moe’s intimidation tactics.
donlackie 2 months ago
Keep up your shenanigans and you just may be in that cell with him
Egrayjames 2 months ago
Around the time I was in fifth or sixth grade I had a bully like that. I’d bet money he, Nelson, ended up in prison. Looking back sixty years ago, I’m sure he came from a poor family situation. Unlike Calvin, I’ll not gloat over his misfortunes.
Indiana Guy Premium Member 2 months ago
I only had one problem with one bully growing up, but he rarely bothered me. One time I saw him beating on his much younger brother. “I’ll kill you!” screamed the younger brother. Not long after that, the bully was killed in a hunting accident, with the younger brother as the only witness. The “official story” is that he was pulling a shotgun out of the back seat of his car, barrel first, and the gun went off, right into his chest. Hmmm…
Count Olaf Premium Member 2 months ago
It’s OK, Calvin. Go ahead and gloat.
SquidGamerGal 2 months ago
Come on, Calvin! Grow a spine! Stand up for yourself! You know he’s bluffing!
Gent 2 months ago
Oh yeah? Well he will gets a bail and comes outta jail. Whatcha gonna do then?
The Fly Hunter 2 months ago
Gloat Calvin. Golat!
rockyridge1977 2 months ago
We just said they were “mean” did not have the word “bully”!!!
The Old Wolf 2 months ago
As much as I love Calvin and Hobbes, I never liked the Moe strips. They are true to life, such people exist, and then grow up to vote for evil narcissists. :’(
rshive 2 months ago
Let Moe build character.
uniquename 2 months ago
Hopefully years from now, you won’t care about Moe.
mountainclimber 2 months ago
still waiting for the orange bully to go to jail.
hoffquotes2 2 months ago
Calvin, to be successful you better first learn how to add 8+3
gaebie 2 months ago
My school bully DID go to prison….where he died!
John Jorgensen 2 months ago
Yes, that’s right Moe, degrade and humiliate someone for doing exactly what you wanted him to do, thus making it less likely you’ll get your way in the future.
DKHenderson 2 months ago
Notice that there never seems to be a playground supervisor at recess. And why doesn’t anyone try to stop him? One single time, Calvin’s mom called the school, Moe got a talking-to, and returned the money that he “borrowed” from Calvin. Moe said that “someone” ratted on him. Didn’t occur to him that it had to have been Calvin or Calvin’s parents, which either indicates just how dim Moe is, or that Calvin is only one of many that he picks on.
lnrokr55 2 months ago
Moe, champion Unibrow ! Or how to draw low IQ! ;-)
frtuck47 2 months ago
Okay here’s the pitch… We saw a “present” where Calvin is reunited with Hobbes… What about a “present” where Calvin visits a reformed Moe and helps him with his “Mission House” for abused children? I believe Berkeley Breathed put the reunion piece together. Or perhaps the hospital janitor in some of the “present” Bloom County panels could turn out to be Moe? Just dreaming I guess…
minty_Joe 2 months ago
#IStandAgainstBullying
(Hugs to those who were bullied as a kid)
moondog42 Premium Member 2 months ago
Moe probably grew up to become a cop. He will never go to prison, sadly….
g04922 2 months ago
Karma, Calvin… Karma…
[Unnamed Reader - e476da] 2 months ago
In England they’re called (Teddys)
Otis Rufus Driftwood 2 months ago
Don’t assume that.
krisjackson01 2 months ago
Just by chance I happened on the grave of my childhood bully the other day.
Bibleman2002 about 1 month ago
Wait until Moe goes to prison to be someone B I T C H then he would be begging, pleaded, and crying and no one would listen to him when the prisoners do unspeakable things to him (no joke I heard that on “Beyond Scared Stright”)