THE MYSTERIES by Bill Watterson

davidhohn

Anybody else seen/read the picture book THE MYSTERIES that Bill Watterson (of Calvin and Hobbes fame) co-wrote and illustrated? It came out fall 2023.

It's . . . interesting.
I just got a copy from my local library. It's so wildly different than what he's best known for that I'm still processing if I'm into it or not.

It's expressly intended for an adult audience, and I'm always looking for the picture book format that isn't directed at kids.

Would like to hear from those who have opinions on this book. And if you haven't read it yet -- here's my recommendation to check it out.

kylebeaudette

@davidhohn yes I ordered this one. It's pretty wild. The youtube video he and his co-creator on this made was very informative.
I like it a lot! The whole 'ppl not paying attention as the world falls apart' is pure Watterson. The art was a departure for Watterson and Kascht, but they've both hit on an interesting style.

I also found it interesting how they had such an ordeal working together but felt it was an important part of the process.
I recommend it to anyone!
https://youtu.be/HHND7L1wUl0?si=M90n_r2Tt1GxrH56

scotthigginsart

@kylebeaudette I watched this before, very interesting the way they worked together and the whole process. Certainly not the Calvin and Hobbes subject matter but Wattersons world view for sure

makekong

I am waiting to get my hands on it, It seems its something like Brom “The Plucker” not that it compares but what you describe as a story for adults

jenn

Thanks for the recommendation and @kylebeaudette for the video!

davidhohn

@jenn I second that! Great to check out the video!

I'm super familiar with Watterson's Calving and Hobbes. Not familiar at all with Kascht's work, but I can absolutely see how this book is a departure from each's "usual" style and how satisfying that must have been.

To be fair Watterson has been away from C&H for so long now, and it sounds like his recent work is actually in line with this more raw and abstracted image making he advocates for in the video.

Super interesting. Even more so for the "behind-the-scenes" information.