Calvin and Hobbes fans might want to grab some tissues, as a bittersweet piece of fan art delivers an emotional glimpse of the duo, or more specifically Calvin, all grown up. It serves as a powerful reminder of just how much time has ed, both in the comic world and in our own lives, as Calvin, once the wild and imaginative kid we all knew, has matured right alongside us.

Adam Murphy, a story artist for Netflix who previously worked at Disney, Lucasfilm, Animal Logic, Marvel, and Nickelodeon, is clearly a devoted Calvin and Hobbes superfan based on his Instagram. He has shared numerous creative tributes to the beloved comic, but one of his most recent posts, ed on April 19, 2025, delivers an emotional punch to the fandom.

In the illustration, Calvin, now going by "Cal," is shown all grown up. What makes the piece so bittersweet, with a strong dose of melancholy, is that Cal is pictured alone, without Hobbes by his side. This powerful visual suggests that he has finally outgrown his imaginary best friend and gives the duo an unofficial yet emotionally resonant ending. But don't cry just yet, there is one more post fans absolutely need to see.

Calvin and Hobbes Are All Grown-Up, and It’s Profoundly Bittersweet

Post by Adam Murphy on Instagram Under the Handle @adammurphyart

There’s no denying that seeing a grown-up Calvin wearing a black t-shirt featuring Hobbes’ face is a bittersweet image. The implication that the duo's adventures have ended, with Cal embracing adulthood and outgrowing his imaginary companion, tugs at the heart. And while this image alone is enough to bring a few fans to tears, Adam Murphy softened the emotional blow by posting a continuation in a separate update. In this follow-up, he again shows a grown-up Cal, this time with Hobbes joyfully pouncing on him, effectively undoing the sadness of the first post.

By showing that Hobbes is still very much part of Calvin’s life, even in adulthood, Murphy preserves the whimsy and childhood wonder that Bill Watterson’s beloved comic strips are known for. This continuation confirms that Calvin never truly outgrew Hobbes. However, it could also suggest a different interpretation: that Hobbes is not just imaginary, but a real tiger who grew up alongside Calvin. This idea adds a new layer of meaning and feeds into the long-running debate among fans over whether Hobbes was ever truly imaginary to begin with.

Adam Murphy’s ‘Cal and Hobbes’ Receives Overwhelming Response from Fans

Calvin and Hobbes Was Created by Bill Watterson and Ran from 1985 to 1995

The overwhelming response to Murphy’s work highlights just how much nostalgic love fans still hold for Bill Watterson’s original comic strips, even 30 years after the last Calvin and Hobbes comic was published. Together, Murphy’s two ‘Cal and Hobbes’ posts have received over 23,000 likes and are filled with emotional comments. This strong reaction shows just how deeply viewers were moved by this unique and heartfelt follow-up. Standout comments include, “This one hits a little too hard,” and “I like it, but I’d rather not be tearing up right now.” Despite not being an official Calvin and Hobbes piece, Murphy’s art clearly had a major emotional impact on fans.

Source: Adam Murphy