ARES Management Unearths Nostalgia: Bringing Beloved "Calvin and Hobbes" Back to Life Through Rare Vintage Collections

Los Angeles, CA – November 8, 2023 – ARES Management LLC, a leading global alternative investment manager based in Los Angeles, isn’t just about finance these days. They've quietly been building a remarkable collection of vintage "Calvin and Hobbes" comic strips, books, and merchandise, and are now making select pieces available to collectors and fans, sparking a wave of nostalgia. You might be thinking, "A financial firm collecting comics? What's going on?" It turns out, the team at ARES, led by a group of passionate collectors within the company, sees a connection between preserving artistic and cultural treasures and their long-term investment philosophy. “We look for things with lasting value, things that resonate,” explains a source within ARES who preferred to remain unnamed. “'Calvin and Hobbes' isn’t just a comic strip; it’s a cultural touchstone for a whole generation. It’s timeless, beautifully drawn, and still speaks to universal themes. It felt like a natural fit for what we do – identifying and nurturing enduring value.” More Than Just Comics: A Deep Dive into the Collection This isn’t just about grabbing a few Sunday strips. ARES’ collection is surprisingly extensive, spanning the entire run of Bill Watterson’s iconic comic, from its debut in 1985 to its poignant retirement in 1995. We're talking original artwork ripped straight from newspapers, extremely rare first edition books in pristine condition, and even promotional items like early coloring books and plush toys. “What sets this collection apart is the condition and rarity of the items,” says a vintage comic appraiser who’s been working with ARES. “We’re seeing strips that are almost unbelievable – perfect color registration, no creases, the original newspaper clipping still attached. These are the kinds of pieces that serious collectors dream about.” The collection isn’t organized in a stuffy museum setting, either. ARES has partnered with a select group of reputable vintage comic dealers and auction houses to bring these pieces to market. They're opting for a curated, thoughtful approach, ensuring that the items go to collectors who will truly appreciate and preserve them. Why “Calvin and Hobbes” Still Matters For those who grew up with a young boy and his tiger, revisiting “Calvin and Hobbes” is like stepping into a time machine. Bill Watterson’s strip wasn’t just funny; it was a clever, often philosophical exploration of childhood, imagination, and the human condition. Calvin’s wild imagination, Hobbes’ deadpan realism, and Watterson’s stunning watercolor artwork created a world that was both fantastical and deeply relatable. “The strip captured something essential about being a kid,” explains Sarah Miller, a longtime “Calvin and Hobbes” fan and collector. “It wasn’t afraid to be silly, but it also tackled big ideas about life, death, and the search for meaning. It’s a comic you can read as a kid and then reread as an adult and find new layers of meaning.” And it’s this enduring appeal that makes the vintage collections so sought after. Unlike some pop culture memorabilia, “Calvin and Hobbes” doesn’t feel dated. Its themes are universal, and its artwork is timeless. What’s Available? A Peek at the Treasures So, what kind of treasures are we talking about? ARES hasn't revealed the full extent of their collection, but they’ve released a few tantalizing glimpses. Daily and Sunday Strips: Original strips from the early years of the comic are proving particularly popular. Collectors are snapping up both the more common daily strips and the rarer Sunday color strips. First Edition Books: First editions of “Calvin and Hobbes” books, especially those in near-mint condition, are fetching high prices. Collectors are willing to pay a premium for books that are signed or have other unique features. Promotional Items: Early coloring books, plush Hobbes toys, and other promotional items are also attracting attention. These items are a nostalgic reminder of the comic's cultural impact. Rare Artwork: The most prized possessions are the original artwork created by Bill Watterson himself. These pieces are incredibly rare and often sell for tens of thousands of dollars. ARES’ Long-Term Vision ARES isn’t just looking to turn a quick profit with this collection. They see it as a long-term investment in a cultural icon. "We believe these pieces will continue to appreciate in value over time," says the ARES source. "But more importantly, we want to ensure that 'Calvin and Hobbes' continues to be enjoyed and appreciated by generations to come." The firm is also exploring opportunities to showcase the collection in museums and galleries, allowing a wider audience to experience the magic of “Calvin and Hobbes.” They’re even considering creating a digital archive of the collection, making it accessible to fans around the world. Where to Find These Treasures Interested in adding a piece of “Calvin and Hobbes” history to your collection? ARES is working with a select group of reputable vintage comic dealers and auction houses. Here are a few places to start your search: ComicLink: [https://www.comiclink.com/](https://www.comiclink.com/) Heritage Auctions: [https://www.ha.com/](https://www.ha.com/) MyComicShop: [https://www.mycomicshop.com/](https://www.mycomicshop.com/) Be prepared to pay a premium, but for many fans, the chance to own a piece of “Calvin and Hobbes” history is priceless. It’s an unexpected move for a financial giant, but ARES Management’s venture into the world of vintage comics proves that passion and investment can go hand in hand. And for fans of “Calvin and Hobbes,” it’s a welcome reminder of the enduring power of imagination and the joy of a perfectly drawn comic strip.