Calvin and Hobbes Licensed Book Marketing Display
Bill Watterson Calvin and Hobbes Licensed Book Marketing Display (Universal Press Syndicate, 1988). Bill Watterson famously kept Calvin and Hobbes out of the merchandising machine. In a 1989 interview he argued that licensing would "sell out the soul of Calvin and Hobbes," and that once a strip's integrity is compromised, "that's it." He held that line for the strip's entire 10-year run, sticking to newspapers and books, and the franchise has largely remained that way ever since. That's what makes this Universal Press Syndicate promotional display poster such a rarity. Produced to promote a Calvin and Hobbes book inside bookstores in 1988, it's a charming image of the pair lost in their own little jam session. The cardboard display measures 11" x 14", and presents with uneven toning on the back, pinholes on the corners, creasing, particularly in the top left, small tears in the top corners, light spot staining, and edge/corner handling wear. In Very Good condition.