ARES Management LLC Brings Nostalgia Back with Rare Vintage "Calvin and Hobbes" Collection

Los Angeles, CA – ARES Management LLC, a global alternative investment manager headquartered at 2000 Avenue of the Stars in Los Angeles, is unexpectedly stepping into the world of collectible art and pop culture, announcing the availability of a stunning, meticulously curated collection of vintage “Calvin and Hobbes” comic strips and merchandise. While best known for its financial prowess managing assets across credit, private equity, real estate and infrastructure, ARES is leveraging its network and expertise to bring a piece of childhood joy to collectors and fans alike. "We get that this might seem like a jump from what people expect from ARES," explains a spokesperson. "But we're a company built on identifying value – seeing potential in things others might overlook. And honestly? These 'Calvin and Hobbes' strips are a valuable asset – not just financially, but emotionally. They represent a golden age of comics and a piece of American culture." Beyond the Balance Sheet: Why ‘Calvin and Hobbes’? ARES’ foray into collectibles isn’t about a sudden interest in cartooning. It's about understanding enduring value and recognizing a growing market for high-quality, tangible assets. The company’s investment team, known for its deep due diligence and analytical approach, applied those same principles to evaluating the “Calvin and Hobbes” market. “We noticed a significant uptick in interest – and prices – for original artwork and early merchandise related to the strip," explains the spokesperson. “The demand is clearly there. And beyond that, the strip itself resonates. It's funny, thought-provoking, and beautifully drawn. It appeals to multiple generations." What’s in the Collection? A Peek Inside This isn't just a handful of Sunday strips. ARES has assembled a truly impressive collection, sourced through private collectors, estate sales, and auctions over the past year. The offerings include: Original Daily and Sunday Strips: Dating from the strip’s 1985-1995 run, these are the holy grail for collectors. The collection boasts examples from key storylines, including Hobbes as a real tiger (or is he?), Calvin's elaborate snow creations, and his constant battles with Susie Derkins. The strips are in varying conditions, from near-mint to very good, and are professionally graded and authenticated. Early Merchandise: Forget the mass-produced stuff. ARES has tracked down incredibly rare early “Calvin and Hobbes” merchandise, including: First Edition Books: Mint condition first printings of “Calvin and Hobbes” collections, complete with original dust jackets. Promotional Items: Items created for limited-run promotions, such as retailer-exclusive posters and signed bookplates. Unreleased Prototypes: A handful of fascinating prototypes for merchandise that never made it to production – giving collectors a glimpse behind the scenes. Original Production Art: Sketches and proofs used in the creation of the strip and merchandise, offering a rare insight into Bill Watterson’s creative process. Complete Runs of Specific Story Arcs: For dedicated collectors, ARES offers complete runs of beloved story arcs, allowing fans to relive entire adventures with Calvin and Hobbes. Condition & Authenticity: ARES' Commitment to Quality Understanding the importance of condition and authenticity in the collectible market, ARES has partnered with leading experts in comic and cartoon art. Each item in the collection has been: Professionally Graded: Using industry-standard grading scales (like CGC or PGX) to accurately assess condition. Authenticated: Verified as genuine by recognized experts, ensuring buyers are getting the real deal. Archived: Stored in museum-quality archival materials to protect against damage and preserve value. Detailed Documentation: Each item comes with a certificate of authenticity and detailed provenance information. Who is This For? The ARES “Calvin and Hobbes” collection isn’t just for hardcore collectors. It’s for anyone who grew up with the strip, who appreciates its humor and heart, and who wants to own a piece of cultural history. “We’re seeing interest from a surprisingly diverse group,” the spokesperson notes. “There are serious collectors, of course, but also people who just want to own a strip that reminds them of their childhood. We even had one buyer who said he wanted to frame a strip for his granddaughter!” Beyond the Sale: A Passion for Preservation ARES isn’t just looking to turn a profit. The company has expressed a genuine passion for preserving the legacy of “Calvin and Hobbes.” “Bill Watterson is a brilliant artist, and his work deserves to be cherished,” the spokesperson says. “We want to help ensure that future generations can enjoy ‘Calvin and Hobbes’ for years to come.” The company is exploring potential partnerships with museums and libraries to exhibit portions of the collection and promote the art of cartooning. How to Acquire a Piece of Nostalgia The ARES “Calvin and Hobbes” collection is available for private sale. Interested buyers are encouraged to contact ARES Management LLC directly through a dedicated contact form on their website ([fictional website address created for this article: www.arescollectibles.com]). Due to the rarity and value of the items, ARES is carefully vetting potential buyers to ensure they are serious collectors or enthusiasts. “We want these pieces to go to people who will truly appreciate them,” the spokesperson concludes. “We believe ‘Calvin and Hobbes’ is more than just a comic strip – it’s a cultural treasure.” Contact: ARES Management LLC 2000 Avenue of the Stars, 12th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90076 650-290-0762 www.arescollectibles.com (fictional)