Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson for January 10, 2020

“Governess? They can’t pay anyone enough to take that job!”

Who — in the U.S. — still uses governesses?

My mom would’ve slapped me if I had said that to her as a kid.

At least the real Calvin isn’t getting in trouble yet.

Real Calvin or not, mom ain’t having it.

When Calvin’s not there, his Mom will murder him

One duplicate in trouble, a few hundred more to go.

For that, my mother would have gotten out a bar of soap.

Mom, better increase his meds now!!!

Smackdown in 3 … 2 … 1 …

The harsh impact of reality, about to be administered manually.

It isn’t even the fourth of July but the fireworks are about to start.

Guess what’s gonna be smarting soon, Mr. Smarty-pants!

Wow. Even Calvin’s duplicate will get him into trouble. Guess one takes the bad with the. . . .bad.

Red alert! Evasive actions!

Uh-oh! Which Calvin is going to get in trouble for this one?

Calvin, in answer to your question: in a word, “YES!”

Uh oh…it’s ON now!!!!!

Calvin should duplicate Mom, then duplicate Mom can deal with duplicate Calvin.

Doesn’t share the same memories….interesting

Here’s a test of whether it’s all in Calvin’s imagination. When we last saw his room, he was still there with Hobbes as the duplicate left. If Mom went up there now, would she find a Calvin without hat and coat?

It just struck me that Calvin is what, about 5 years old? Who makes a 5 year old clean up their room? I sure didn’t!

Imagination and child play does not translate well into adult life unless the adult wants to play.

Walter Middy? Step down you’ve been outclassed.

That last panel is still one of my favourites.

If his duplicate is calling the original “Calvin” then what is he calling himself?

A oh….. the stink eye… he’s in the crapper now….!

Elliot Alderson…the early years.

I wish I had a cruel governess. I’ve been a very bad boy.

Recent ad: “Family seeking proactive and well educated English tutor/governor/governeess to supervise one child age 12 years old. Emphasis will be on his academic development therefore we are seeking a candidate who is particularly strong in maths/science and can help with essays/writing homework. We are able to consider British candidates under 27 years old. Candidates familiar with preparation for school entrance exams desired. Candidate should be wiling to travel both domestically and internationally with family. Candidate should hold a drivers license and be a confident driver. Wonderful job for a university graduate with tutoring experience. Living in lovely town of Greenwich, Connecticut – 50 minutes from NYC by train.”

Just how does this poor woman stay sane?

I’m thinking that by the ‘90s it was taboo to spank a child? Too bad – that duplicate is asking for it!

Mom is going to faint if she sees both Calvins side by side!!!

My Mom would’ve already been shoveling a shallow grave in the rear corner of our rear lawn..

If she spoke that way to me, she’d soon find herself 38 individually foil-wrapped servings in my chest freezer.

Going by the vocabulary, this is calvin’s duplicate alright.

I wonder what mommy will think when she discovers the duplicator in the house. The very idea of family planning is defeated by that machine.

Someone’s asking for a smacked bottom. :P