Bill Watterson, the genius behind the iconic comic strip “Calvin and Hobbes,” has built an impressive legacy both in the world of comics and in his personal wealth. Known for his staunch refusal to commercialize his work, Watterson’s net worth is estimated to be $100 million. This article delves into the intricacies of his career, his financial journey, and the impact he has had on the comic industry.
Early Life and Education
Bill Watterson II was born on July 5, 1958, in Washington, D.C., to James and Kathryn Watterson. He has a younger brother named Thomas. At the age of six, his family moved to the Cleveland suburb of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Watterson’s interest in drawing and comics began at an early age, influenced by strips such as “Pogo” and “Peanuts.” In high school, he created superhero comics with friends and contributed drawings to the school newspaper and yearbook. He pursued higher education at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, where he majored in political science and continued to develop his artistic skills, contributing to the college newspaper. He graduated in 1980.
Career Beginnings
After college, Watterson was hired by the Cincinnati Post on a trial basis but struggled to fit into the role and was let go before his contract ended. He then joined a small advertising agency as a designer, where he worked for four years. During this period, he continued to work on personal projects and freelance assignments, gradually honing his craft.
Rise to Fame with “Calvin and Hobbes”
In 1985, Bill Watterson introduced “Calvin and Hobbes” to the world. The strip, which follows the adventures of a mischievous six-year-old boy named Calvin and his sardonic stuffed tiger, Hobbes, quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Watterson infused the comic with elements of his own life and tackled themes such as environmentalism, academia, and philosophical questions about identity.
“Calvin and Hobbes” debuted in 35 newspapers in November 1985 and quickly gained popularity. Within a year, it was being published in around 250 newspapers. At its peak, the strip was featured in over 2,400 newspapers worldwide. The comics were later compiled into a series of collections, further cementing Watterson’s influence.
Artistic Integrity and Commercialization
One of the most notable aspects of Watterson’s career is his strong stance against commercialization. He believed that comics were an art form that should not be cheapened by merchandising. This conviction led to conflicts with his publisher, Universal Syndicate, which pressured him to license his characters for various products. Despite the potential for immense financial gain, Watterson refused to commercialize “Calvin and Hobbes,” a decision that earned him both admiration and frustration from fans and industry professionals alike.
The stress of these battles took a toll on Watterson, leading him to take a nine-month sabbatical in 1991. Upon his return, he faced further disputes over the format of the Sunday strip. Ultimately, Watterson decided to end “Calvin and Hobbes” in late 1995, with the final strip published on December 31 of that year.
Life After “Calvin and Hobbes”
After retiring “Calvin and Hobbes,” Bill Watterson withdrew into a private life, rarely making public appearances or engaging with the media. He spent much of his time painting and continued to resist the commercialization of his work, refusing to sign autographs or license his characters. Despite his reclusiveness, Watterson made a few notable contributions to the media. In 2005, he answered 15 questions from readers in a rare interview, and in 2007, he wrote a review for the biography “Schulz and Peanuts” in the Wall Street Journal.
In 2008, Watterson wrote the foreword for the first book collection of the comic strip “Cul de Sac.” He later gave interviews for the Plain Dealer and Mental Floss. In early 2014, he released a poster for the documentary film “Stripped,” marking his first cartoon work since ending “Calvin and Hobbes.” That same year, he served as a guest illustrator on the comic strip “Pearls Before Swine.”
Books and Publications
Bill Watterson has also authored and contributed to several books. These include “The Art of Richard Thompson,” co-written with Nick Galifianakis and David Apatoff, and “The Mysteries,” co-authored with John Kascht. These publications have contributed to his continued relevance and influence in the world of comics and art.
Honors and Awards
Throughout his career, Watterson has received numerous accolades for his work on “Calvin and Hobbes.” He won the National Cartoonists Society’s Reuben Award twice, in 1986 and 1988. He also received multiple Harvey Awards in the 1990s. In 2014, Watterson was awarded the Grand Prix at the Angoulême International Comics Festival, becoming only the fourth non-European cartoonist to win the prize since its inception in 1974. In 2020, he was inducted into the Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame.
Personal Life
Bill Watterson is married to his wife, Melissa, and they live in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Despite his fame, Watterson has managed to maintain a low profile, focusing on his art and personal life away from the public eye.
Financial Summary
Bill Watterson’s net worth of $100 million is a testament to his success as a cartoonist and author. His refusal to commercialize “Calvin and Hobbes” has undoubtedly limited his earnings potential, yet it has also preserved the artistic integrity of his work, earning him immense respect in the creative community. Watterson’s wealth primarily stems from the syndication and book sales of “Calvin and Hobbes,” as well as his contributions to various publications.
Conclusion
Bill Watterson’s legacy is defined not only by his financial success but also by his unwavering commitment to artistic integrity. His creation, “Calvin and Hobbes,” remains a beloved and influential comic strip, cherished by fans worldwide. Watterson’s decision to forgo commercialization has set a powerful example in the industry, highlighting the importance of staying true to one’s principles. As he continues to live a private life, his work continues to inspire and entertain, ensuring that his legacy will endure for generations to come.
