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The Racoon

Calvin and his mom take in the raccoon.

Calvin and Hobbes once found a near-dead raccoon. Calvin's mother took him into the garage and gave him food and water. Sadly, he was too weak to eat anything, and the next day he passed away.

Calvin's father then told Calvin what happened, then Calvin began to burst out bawling and sobbing, and his dad did his best to comfort him. Calvin then said to his dad that he was crying because he was gone, but that he was not gone inside him.[1] He later buried the raccoon under a tree in the woods.

Calvin and Hobbes later didn't understand why he had to die, and had trouble falling asleep, instead hiding under the bed because "all this death stuff gives me the heebie-jeebies"[2]. The story arc ended with Calvin talking about his mother saying birth was as natural as death. Hobbes even comforted him as well. The strip focused on rare themes such as sadness, death and loss.

Trivia[]

  • It was never shown or elaborated on what gravely injured the raccoon. However, he was described as a "baby" raccoon, meaning he could not have died of old age, and he is described as "hurt", meaning he died of an injury.
  • This is regarded as the story arc which changed many people's view of Calvin. To this point, his adventures and experiences had all been positive, and readers had seen only his happy, fun, albeit mischievous and unpredictable nature. However, here another side of him is shown: a truly caring, sweet-hearted child.
  • After the raccoon died, Calvin told Hobbes not to go anywhere. Hobbes said “Don’t Worry” & the 2 pals share a hug.
  1. ^
    Raccoon deceased
  2. ^
    Raccoon2
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