By Eric Hanna, S.J.
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| http://media.avclub.com |
Chances are you've heard of the comic
strip Calvin and Hobbes. If you haven't, I highly recommend
you start reading it and don't stop. To my mind, it equals any
work of literature in terms of its depth of character and its
exploration of the human experience. Also, it's a pleasure to read:
it is very funny and beautifully drawn. It's one of those marvellous
experiences that are all-too-easy to miss. So let me tell you about
it.
Calvin is an ordinary boy of
grade-school age whose best friend is his stuffed tiger, Hobbes, who
comes alive as the product of Calvin's imagination. Hobbes and Calvin
are playmates and philosophical sparring partners. Hobbes' main trait
is how he demonstrates the value of friendship. He is someone with
whom Calvin can share the moment, explore possibilities, and from
whom he can learn a new perspective. What's great is that neither
Calvin nor Hobbes can escape a child's lack of experience. They look
at the world through fresh eyes.
