There is nothing quite as special as the relationship between a child and a favorite stuffed animal. From journeying into the Hundred Acre Woods with Christopher Robin and Pooh Bear to experiencing the power of love through the Velveteen Rabbit. One relationship however, pulled us into mischief while teaching us the true meaning of friendship. Do you know who this was?

Calvin and Hobbes, created by cartoonist Bill Watterson, debuted on November 18, 1985 and ran until December 31, 1995. The series followed Calvin, a precocious 6 year-old, and his sardonic stuffed tiger, Hobbes. While the world views Hobbes as an inanimate stuffed toy, Calvin sees him as a live anthropomorphic tiger. Often the pair find themselves entangled in humorous acts of misbehaving. Although the series steered clear of specific politics or current events, it did explore broad issues like environmentalism and philosophical quandaries. The strip also followed Calvin's flights of fancy, his friendship with Hobbes, and his relationships with family and classmates. Especially the enduring love/hate relationship between Calvin and his classmate, Susie Derkins.

At the very height of its popularity, Calvin and Hobbes was featured in over 2,400 newspapers worldwide. Since its conclusion in 1995, Calvin and Hobbes has continued to garner popularity, influence, and even academic interest. Although Watterson didn't believe in merchandising the series, he did produce 18 Calvin and Hobbes books, from 1987 to 1997. As of 2010, nearly 45 million copies of the Calvin and Hobbes books have been sold. Watterson's work on Calvin and Hobbes awarded him the Reuben Award for Cartoonist of the Year in 1986 and 1988. As well as the Harvey Award for Best Syndicated Comic Strip seven years in a row!

Fans of the revolutionary comic strip can continue to share in the fun and laughter by visiting www.gocomics.com/calvinandhobbes.