Multiple Calvin and Hobbes comic strips refer to a so-called "Noodle Incident," but the details of the incident were never revealed, and deliberately so, because this was one of artist Bill Watterson's greatest comedic bits. Fans have clamored for literally decades to know more about the “Noodle Incident,” except the truth is, there is nothing more to know.
As a character, Calvin is synonymous with hyperactive and over-the-top behavior, but there were limitations to what the strip could depict. That is what makes the Calvin and Hobbes' recurring "Noodle Incident" joke so potent.
Hobbes' references to the incident, and Calvin's hyperbolic reactions, make it into one of his most infamous moments; a prank, or scheme, or make-believe scenario gone so awry that it can't even be spoken of. Further, the allusion leaves readers free to supply their own absurd interpretation of what Calvin did.
The Mystery Of The "Noodle Incident" Was Never Meant To Be Solved
Some Calvin And Hobbes Stories Were Better Left Untold
The "Noodle Incident" was only referred to a handful of times throughout takes Bill Watterson's word for it that Hobbes is, in fact, real, rather than imaginary. In other words, the "Noodle Incident" is one of the jokes that has stuck with fans of Watterson's work most over the years, and that is precisely because it is an open-ended question that begs for an answer. The truth is, however, that there never was one.
The humor of the “Noodle Incident,” as a punchline, is precisely the result of the fact that it remains opaque and unknown to the reader. The “mystery” is central to this comedic purpose.
Attentive readers have poured over The Complete Calvin and Hobbes in search of every mention of “noodles,” looking for strips that could be the incident, but the humor of the “Noodle Incident,” as a punchline, is precisely the result of the fact that it remains opaque and unknown to the reader. The “mystery” is central to this comedic purpose. Another way to put it: leaving it an unsolvable puzzle for readers gives it a significance that is actually of greater value than if it referred to something accessible.
The "Noodle Incident" Expanded The Scope Of Calvin And Hobbes In Readers' Imaginations
Calvin's Reputation Reached The North Pole
"lore" of Calvin and Hobbes, making it clear that the duo have many adventures beyond those chronicled in the comic.
Calvin and Hobbes: 10 Outrageous Ideas We Can’t Believe Calvin Came Up With
From games that don't make sense, to whacky inventions, to awesome alter egos, here are 10 Calvin and Hobbes strips about Calvin's outrageous ideas!
In other words, the “Noodle Incident” is a form of comedic mythologizing, a technique that readers will also encounter in other humor mediums, particularly sitcoms, or perhaps will recognize the dramatic version of, from shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, to give one example. This is a method of world-building through dialogue, one that Calvin and Hobbes offers a minimalist, yet highly effective example of. It emphasizes that the audience is not privy to every single moment of the characters’ lives, communicating a depth to the fictional world that makes it more immersive.
As Much As Fans Might Want To Know, The "Noodle Incident" Is Better Left Unanswered
The "Salamander Incident" Is A Different Story...Just Kidding
The "Noodle Incident" wasn't Calvin and Hobbes' only "world-building" joke; Watterson also teased a "Salamander Incident" at least once, in a variation on the same punchline. The fact that fans continue to want to know what these "Incidents" were is a testament to the effectiveness of the gag, and the enduring affection readers have for Calvin and Hobbes, but in all honesty, it is for the best that these off- moments in the life of the strip's characters remain unknowable, as they were intended.
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Calvin and Hobbes was a satirical comic strip series that ran from 1985-1995, written, drawn, and colored by Bill Watterson. The series follows six-year-old Hobbes and his stuffed Tiger, Calvin, that examines their lives through a whimsical lens that tackles everyday comedic issues and real-world issues that people deal with.
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The Complete Calvin and Hobbes
The Complete Calvin and Hobbes collection makes for a wonderful gift for any long-term fan of the beloved comic series. The collection consists of four color books in paper or hardback, all held in a sturdy display storage box. This collection includes all the cartoons that ever were printed in syndication.
