Something Under the Bed Is Drooling: A Hilarious Horror Story?
Something Under the Bed Is Drooling
Ever had that spine-tingling feeling that you’re being watched?
Especially when you’re tucked in bed, lights out, and the house is eerily silent?
Bill Watterson’s hilarious comic collection, *Something Under the Bed Is Drooling* (1988), perfectly captures that childhood fear—and then turns it on its head with a healthy dose of Watterson’s signature wit.
This isn’t your typical horror story; it’s a laugh-out-loud exploration of the monsters we create in our minds, wrapped in the familiar, comforting blanket of Calvin and Hobbes’s world.
A Peek into Calvin’s World
*Something Under the Bed Is Drooling* isn’t a single narrative, but a compilation of *Calvin and Hobbes* comic strips, many of which explore the themes of fear, imagination, and the blurry line between reality and fantasy.
The book primarily focuses on Calvin, a precocious and imaginative six-year-old boy, and his stuffed tiger, Hobbes, who comes alive in Calvin’s imagination.
Their adventures together often involve battling imaginary monsters, exploring the wilds of their backyard, and grappling with childhood anxieties, all fueled by Calvin’s boundless energy and overactive imagination.
The Structure and Style of Sheer Brilliance
The book’s strength lies in its episodic nature.
Each comic strip is a self-contained story, yet together they weave a tapestry of childhood experiences that are both relatable and entertaining.
Watterson’s simple yet expressive art style perfectly complements his witty writing, creating a world that is both fantastical and grounded in reality.
The dialogue is sharp, funny, and often surprisingly insightful, capturing the unique perspective of a child grappling with big ideas.
He manages to blend humor and a touch of horror seamlessly, creating a reading experience that is delightful for both children and adults.
Perhaps a minor quibble could be the lack of a continuous storyline, but that’s inherent in the nature of a compiled comic strip collection, and the individual brilliance of each strip more than compensates for it.
Exploring the Depths of Imagination and Drool
*Something Under the Bed Is Drooling* dives headfirst into the world of childhood fears, giving them tangible form in the shape of monsters lurking under the bed, aliens hiding in the closet, and creepy crawlies waiting in the shadows.
However, Watterson cleverly uses these fears not to scare, but to explore the power of imagination.
We see how Calvin’s vivid fantasies often blur the lines between reality and fiction, leading to hilarious misunderstandings and outlandish adventures.
The humor derives not just from the situations Calvin finds himself in, but from his reactions to them and the often-cynical commentary provided by Hobbes.
The book also subtly touches upon the themes of friendship, family, and the challenges of growing up.
For instance, Calvin’s relationship with Hobbes provides a fascinating look at the importance of imaginary companions in a child’s development (Smith, 1995).
His interactions with his parents, while often fraught with frustration, also reveal the underlying love and support that form the bedrock of his world.
To delve deeper into the psychology of imaginary friends, check out this article: [https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/growing-friendships/201310/imaginary-friends-who-are-they-and-do-they-matter](https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/growing-friendships/201310/imaginary-friends-who-are-they-and-do-they-matter).
A Final Verdict on the Drooling Monster
*Something Under the Bed Is Drooling* is a must-read for anyone who has ever been a child, or who knows a child, or frankly, anyone who appreciates good humor.
It’s a hilarious and heartwarming exploration of childhood fears, imagination, and the joys and challenges of growing up.
Watterson’s writing is sharp, witty, and often surprisingly thought-provoking, while his art style is charming and expressive.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of *Calvin and Hobbes* or new to their world, *Something Under the Bed Is Drooling* is a delightful read that will leave you laughing out loud, and perhaps even checking under your own bed, just in case.
It’s a perfect pick for fans of humorous comics, particularly those who appreciate a touch of childhood nostalgia and imaginative escapades.
The book is easy to pick up and put down, making it ideal for busy readers looking for a quick chuckle, or for those who want to savor the humor in smaller doses.
Ultimately, *Something Under the Bed is Drooling* reminds us that while the monsters under the bed might be scary, they can also be incredibly funny.
Reference:
Smith, P. K. (1995). On the Development of Children’s Imaginary Companion Relationships. *The Psychoanalytic Study of the Child*, *50*, 155-181.
