If you grew up in the 80s or beyond, chances are the works of reclusive cartoonist Bill Watterson have had an impact on your childhood.
The creator of Calvin and Hobbes took his comic strip from phenomenal to legendary status by refusing the license the characters and drawings for commercial purposes, therefore guaranteeing that the strip remained pure and true to itself, instead of selling itself out. Now, a group of documentary filmmakers on Kickstarter are making a documentary about the meteoric impact that Calvin and Hobbes have made on the pop culture landscape. The filmmakers have already doubled their goal of $50,000, which means that Dear Mr. Watterson should get finished soon. Just the trailer for the documentary shows the power that the reclusive cartoonist's work has had on celebrities, actors and other artists.
The world deserves to hear the story behind the beloved comic strip, so hopefully Mr. Watterson sees fit to take part in the film.
Reclusive Cartoonist Documentaries (UPDATE)
Dear Mr. Watterson Explores Calvin and Hobbes' Impact
Trend Themes
1. Reclusive Cartoonist Documentaries - Documentaries exploring the lives and impact of reclusive cartoonists offer opportunities to delve into the storytelling techniques and creative processes behind iconic comic strips.
2. Underserved Nostalgic Audiences - There is a market for content that appeals to adults who grew up with nostalgic cartoon characters, creating opportunities for documentaries and other media to cater to this underserved audience.
3. The Power of Artistic Integrity - The success and enduring popularity of Calvin and Hobbes demonstrates the value audiences place on artistic integrity and the importance of staying true to one's creative vision.
Industry Implications
1. Film and Entertainment - Documentary filmmakers and production companies can tap into the demand for reclusive cartoonist documentaries by creating engaging and insightful films that resonate with audiences.
2. Publishing and Media - Publishers and media outlets can capitalize on the nostalgia for beloved comic strips by releasing books, articles, and other content that examine the impact and legacy of reclusive cartoonists.
3. Merchandising and Licensing - While Bill Watterson famously refused to license his characters, other cartoonists and companies can explore licensing opportunities and merchandise to cater to fans of iconic comic strips.