31 Years Later, Calvin and Hobbes' Final Line Proves Why It's The Definitive Best Comic Strip

There is no shortage of iconic comic strips, from Charles M. Schulz’s world-famous Peanuts to Gary Larson’s legendary The Far Side; however, when it comes to comic strips that have ended their original runs, the greatest closing line in comic strip history belongs to Bill Watterson's Calvin and Hobbes.

From November 18, 1985, to December 31, 1995, Bill Watterson delighted readers with the often mischievous adventures of a 6-year-old boy named Calvin and his imaginary tiger, Hobbes. The Calvin and Hobbes comic strip was best known for its humorous yet heartfelt exploration of the world through Calvin’s wildly imaginative, childlike perspective, often touching on topics from adulthood to morality to the meaning of life and more.

Its unique humor and genuine sense of wonder made it one of the most beloved comic strips of all time, allowing it to enjoy an exceptional ten-year run before Watterson ultimately retired his pen. While there is no shortage of legendary comics and lines from this run, it is the final line of the very last comic that truly stands out.

“Let’s Go Exploring”: The Greatest Closing Line in Comic Strip History

Bill Watterson's Last Calvin and Hobbes Was Published on Sunday, December 31, 1995

While Schulz and Larson are undoubtedly owed their own flowers when it comes to how they closed out their legendary runs, Watterson’s last Calvin and Hobbes strip is in a league of its own, delivering one of the most magnificent farewells in comic strip history. Published on December 31, 1995, this five-panel strip pictured Calvin and Hobbes trekking through a snow-covered forest following a fresh snowfall.

With Hobbes carrying their sled, Calvin takes in the beauty of their surroundings, noting, "Wow, it really snowed last night! Isn't it wonderful?" Hobbes then replies, "Everything familiar has disappeared! The world looks brand-new!" The two continue their conversation, with Calvin saying, "A new year... A fresh, clean start!" to which Hobbes replies, "It's like having a big white sheet of paper to draw on!"

While Hobbes is literally speaking about the snow in this exchange, there is a far deeper subtext here, with the conversation speaking to the possibilities that the future and life in general hold. This subtext is further solidified in the strip’s closing lines, delivered by Calvin: "A day full of possibilities. It's a magical world, Hobbes, ol' buddy… Let's go exploring!"

This strip, and the closing line in particular, embodies the best of Calvin and Hobbes, capturing the childlike optimism that defined the strip while also delivering a beautiful, bittersweet goodbye and final message from Watterson to readers. Watterson's final message to fans is that life is full of possibilities waiting to be experienced, if only one is brave enough to take the leap and “explore” life to the fullest.

The “Let’s go exploring” undoubtedly made plenty of long-time fans emotional, as it perfectly captures the boundless curiosity and sense of adventure that defined Calvin throughout the strip while also delivering an exceptional full-circle moment. More importantly, it transforms one of Calvin’s most defining traits into a final message to readers, inviting them to approach the world with that same sense of wonder and possibility. After 10 years of following Calvin and Hobbes on countless adventures, this was the last invitation readers would ever receive from the pair, making the farewell all the more emotional and a moment few other comic strips can claim to have rivaled.