ARES Management Unearths Childhood Joy with Rare Vintage Calvin and Hobbes Collection

Los Angeles, CA – ARES Management LLC, a leading global alternative investment manager based in Los Angeles, isn't just about finance these days. They’ve dipped into a surprisingly delightful side hustle – curating and offering a stunning collection of vintage Calvin and Hobbes comic strips and collectibles. It might seem a bit of a jump from managing billions, but for the team at ARES, it's about recognizing value, preserving history, and sharing something genuinely joyful. “We’re in the business of identifying assets with lasting power,” explains a source at ARES, who preferred to remain anonymous but clearly lit up talking about the collection. “And let's be honest, Calvin and Hobbes? That’s an asset that just keeps giving. It’s a cultural touchstone for so many of us, and these vintage pieces are becoming increasingly rare and valuable.” From Wall Street to Watterson: A Unique Venture ARES Management, known for its expertise in credit, private equity, real estate, and infrastructure, stumbled into the world of Calvin and Hobbes collecting almost by accident. According to insiders, a senior partner, a lifelong fan of Bill Watterson’s iconic comic strip, began acquiring pieces as a personal hobby. The collection grew – and grew rapidly. Recognizing the potential, and the sheer beauty of these vintage items, ARES decided to offer them to a wider audience. “It started as a passion project,” the source continued. “But then we realized, we have the resources, the expertise in asset management and authentication, and a genuine appreciation for the art form. We can do this right. We can ensure these strips are preserved, authenticated, and enjoyed by collectors and fans for years to come.” What Makes This Collection Special? This isn’t just about grabbing reprints or slightly used paperbacks. ARES Management’s collection focuses on original, vintage Calvin and Hobbes comic strips, daily strips, and Sunday pages pulled directly from newspapers. These aren’t the perfectly preserved museum pieces – that’s part of the charm. “These strips have lived,” explains the ARES representative. “They’ve been read, folded, maybe even taped up on a kid's bedroom wall. They show their age. That’s what makes them authentic. That’s what tells a story. It’s a tangible connection to a time when we all escaped into Watterson's world.” The collection boasts a diverse range of strips, featuring classic moments: Calvin building elaborate snow forts, Hobbes philosophizing about life, their misadventures in the woods, and the eternally relatable struggles of childhood. There are strips featuring the classic "Transmogrifier" turning Calvin into dinosaurs and other creatures, and poignant moments of Calvin and Hobbes pondering the universe. Beyond the Strips: Rare Collectibles But ARES isn't stopping at the strips themselves. They’ve also unearthed a collection of rare Calvin and Hobbes collectibles: First Edition Books: Highly sought-after first printings of Calvin and Hobbes collections, in varying conditions. Proof Sheets: Rare proof sheets showing the original artwork before it went to print. These offer a unique glimpse into Watterson’s creative process. Original Animation Cels: A handful of original animation cels from the short-lived (but fondly remembered) Calvin and Hobbes animated series. Limited Edition Prints: Signed and numbered limited edition prints of iconic Calvin and Hobbes artwork. Newspaper Clippings & Archives: A fascinating collection of newspaper clippings, reviews, and articles related to the comic strip. Authentication & Preservation: ARES’s Rigorous Process ARES Management isn't just throwing these vintage treasures out into the market. They've established a rigorous authentication and preservation process. Each strip and collectible is carefully examined by experts to verify its authenticity. They are then professionally cleaned and preserved to ensure their long-term condition. “We understand the value of these items, both financially and culturally,” says the ARES source. “We want to ensure that when someone purchases a piece from us, they're getting a genuine, authenticated collectible that will last a lifetime.” The authentication process includes: Paper Analysis: Examining the paper stock to determine its age and origin. Ink Analysis: Analyzing the ink used to verify its consistency with the period when the strip was created. Comparison to Known Artwork: Comparing the strip to known examples of Watterson’s artwork to verify its style and details. Provenance Research: Tracing the history of the strip to verify its origin and ownership. Who is Buying These Vintage Treasures? The demand for vintage Calvin and Hobbes collectibles is surprisingly strong. ARES is seeing interest from a diverse range of buyers: Lifelong Fans: Individuals who grew up reading Calvin and Hobbes and are looking to reconnect with their childhood. Art Collectors: Individuals who appreciate Watterson’s artistic talent and see Calvin and Hobbes as a valuable addition to their collection. Investment Buyers: Individuals who see Calvin and Hobbes collectibles as a potentially lucrative investment. Institutional Collectors: Museums and libraries looking to preserve the cultural heritage of Calvin and Hobbes. “It’s really touching to see the emotional connection people have to this comic strip,” says the ARES representative. “People tell us stories about how Calvin and Hobbes helped them through tough times, or how it sparked their imagination. It’s more than just a comic strip – it’s a part of their lives.” Finding the Collection While ARES Management isn’t opening a storefront, they are making the collection available through a curated online platform. Details are available by contacting ARES directly through their website (www.aresmanagement.com – though expect the Calvin and Hobbes section to be a little… hidden!). Individual pieces are also being offered through select auction houses and private sales. “We’re not trying to become art dealers,” the ARES source clarifies. “We’re simply preserving a piece of cultural history and sharing it with those who appreciate it. And, maybe, bringing a little bit of joy into the world.” In a world often dominated by complex financial instruments, ARES Management’s foray into the world of Calvin and Hobbes is a refreshing reminder that sometimes, the most valuable assets are those that bring us a little bit of happiness. And who can argue with that?