You have to understand, this “GCKKHHK” trick only worked here because Calvin is already traumatised by the presence of Rosalyn. It would not work if Dad had done it for any other situations.
So ends the first week of the reprint of the penultimate Rosalyn arc. Today’s strip with a very subdued Calvin reminds me of the first Rosalyn strip which appeared on Sunday May 18 1986. I have the exact date from Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes Sunday Pages 1985-95.
In that first appearance strip, Calvin told Rosalyn, “You’re not my Mom so I don’t have to do what you say.” Rosalyn politely asked Calvin to go to the phone and tell him what he found there. Calvin did what he was asked – probably out of curiousity – and he answered, “A list of numbers to call in an emergency.” Rosalyn suddenly changed from polite to threatening. She grabbed Calvin by the front of his shirt collar and said, “You wouldn’t want me to have to call any of those numbers, would you?” Calvin didn’t give an outright reply but said, “It’s 6.30. I guess I’ll turn in.” Rosalyn commented, “For eight dollars a night, I don’t put up with much.”
Calvin, of course, would gradually become more forceful against Rosalyn. As a result, she would get much more than eight dollars for her nights babysitting Calvin.
Unfortunately it’s not my favorite babysitter arc. That’s when Rosalyn offers to play a game with Calvin in exchange for his being good (no more spoilers). I haven’t seen it in a really long time.
BE THIS GUY about 1 month ago
Dad should get a discount from Rosalyn for making her job easier.
codycab about 1 month ago
Knowing Calvin, he’d rather lose his head than deal with Rosalyn.
Spacehog about 1 month ago
I do not blame Calvin
snsurone76 about 1 month ago
Y’know, I really believe that Dad IS capable of cutting Calvin’s throat!!
snsurone76 about 1 month ago
Y’know, it wouldn’t surprise me if Calvin WAS well-behaved, but Rosalyn would lie in order to extort more money from his parents!!
su43dipta about 1 month ago
You don’t have to sit exactly in the middle, Calvin. You are allowed to sit a little closer to the wall.
su43dipta about 1 month ago
You have to understand, this “GCKKHHK” trick only worked here because Calvin is already traumatised by the presence of Rosalyn. It would not work if Dad had done it for any other situations.
DaveG1960 about 1 month ago
It’s amazing that the babysitter has more control over Calvin than his parents do….
Mediatech about 1 month ago
And it was the beginning of a nice quiet evening for all, somewhere else on the continent.
saylorgirl about 1 month ago
Good one dad! I think you put fear in your son. Ah, but how soon children forget. Right Calvin?
Jayalexander about 1 month ago
Dad would just finger his belt buckle, I got the message.
sandpiper about 1 month ago
Rosalyn better gear up. Won’t take Cal more than a few minutes for his impulse furnace to build up a head of steam.
Calvinist1966 about 1 month ago
So ends the first week of the reprint of the penultimate Rosalyn arc. Today’s strip with a very subdued Calvin reminds me of the first Rosalyn strip which appeared on Sunday May 18 1986. I have the exact date from Bill Watterson’s Calvin and Hobbes Sunday Pages 1985-95.
In that first appearance strip, Calvin told Rosalyn, “You’re not my Mom so I don’t have to do what you say.” Rosalyn politely asked Calvin to go to the phone and tell him what he found there. Calvin did what he was asked – probably out of curiousity – and he answered, “A list of numbers to call in an emergency.” Rosalyn suddenly changed from polite to threatening. She grabbed Calvin by the front of his shirt collar and said, “You wouldn’t want me to have to call any of those numbers, would you?” Calvin didn’t give an outright reply but said, “It’s 6.30. I guess I’ll turn in.” Rosalyn commented, “For eight dollars a night, I don’t put up with much.”
Calvin, of course, would gradually become more forceful against Rosalyn. As a result, she would get much more than eight dollars for her nights babysitting Calvin.
jmworacle about 1 month ago
SNVBD about 1 month ago
scroll to calvinandhobbes/1990/04/02 if you want to read the rest
Meg: All Seriousness Aside about 1 month ago
Calvin’s dad should learn from the Wallace the Brave dad. Maybe if Calvin’s folks were as mellow as Wallace’s, everyone would be happier.
SquidGamerGal about 1 month ago
So that’s it then? It reached a point where simply reading a book will get Calvin in trouble?!
Humerus1 about 1 month ago
if Calvin isn’t scared yet dad can show him the belt buuckle
Just-me about 1 month ago
His resolve to sit quietly will last about a minute, if he’s lucky.
eolan59 about 1 month ago
Finger to the throat means death! Metaphor!
rshive about 1 month ago
A subtle — yet unsubtle — message.
uniquename about 1 month ago
Unfortunately it’s not my favorite babysitter arc. That’s when Rosalyn offers to play a game with Calvin in exchange for his being good (no more spoilers). I haven’t seen it in a really long time.
6odc2pemgb55 about 1 month ago
Meditation is good for you
mountainclimber about 1 month ago
I like that Dad and Rosalyn are thin people. More like 50s television than today.
French Persons Premium Member about 1 month ago
Why wait?
ladykat about 1 month ago
Calvin being good? Unbelievable!
"It's the End of the World!!!" Premium Member about 1 month ago
Nowadays, sadly a mere 20-30 years later this sort of action by dad could result in some Karen calling the police or DCYF. Sad, but true.
g04922 about 1 month ago
I think even Calvin understands that gesture.
1JennyJenkins about 1 month ago
OMG!!!
Only a severely deranged monster of a parent would signify something as sinister as that to one’s own child…
I hate Calvin’s parents more and more, the longer I read this comic.
enigmamz about 1 month ago
But will doing this build character???
wiley207 about 1 month ago
Geez, that was a little extreme from The Dad! Wouldn’t surprise me if maybe HIS dad did the same thing to him as a kid.
eced52 about 1 month ago
My stepdad kept a razor strop hanging on the door of their room to remind me what happens to bad boys.
Bilan about 1 month ago
So, Calvin will be well-behaved tonight …
YEAH, RIGHT!
viniragu about 1 month ago
As parents they deserve everything they get from that kid !!!
cracker65 about 1 month ago
Good luck
Sherlock5 about 1 month ago
Good plan, Calvin. Exhibiting good behavior, in spite of yielding to your natural inclinations, builds character.
David Rickard Premium Member about 1 month ago
Actually, not good, Rosalyn. He’s pulling a cat and communing with an evil spirit.
Saddenedby Premium Member about 1 month ago
Now that is teaching Calvin fiscal responsibility!!
pamela welch Premium Member about 1 month ago
This is one of the funniest ’toons Watterson ever drew — LOLOL
lindz.coop Premium Member about 1 month ago
Not the best signal to give a 6 year old.
Ceeg22 Premium Member about 1 month ago
if only