31 Years Later, The Smartest 'calvin And Hobbes' Character Still Doesn't Get The Recognition They Deserve

For over three decades, the legendary comic strip Calvin and Hobbes has captivated readers with its imaginative storytelling and sharp humor. While the titular duo of the hyperactive six-year-old boy and his stuffed tiger remains the central focus, the strip's supporting cast plays a crucial role in shaping its dynamic. Among these characters, Susie Derkins stands out as a particularly compelling figure who often fails to receive the full recognition she deserves for her intellect and character depth.

Susie serves as the ultimate foil to Calvin, representing structure, academic achievement, and social adjustment in direct opposition to Calvin's chaotic, rebellious, and scholastic-misfit persona. While Calvin views school as a prison and homework as a chore, Susie embraces learning with an enthusiasm that is rare for a six-year-old. This stark contrast between order and chaos drives much of the humor and tension in their interactions, making Susie an indispensable part of the strip's formula.

Despite her importance as Calvin's primary peer, Susie is rarely given the spotlight in solo storylines. Throughout the strip's original run, her appearances are almost always framed around her interactions with Calvin. One of the few exceptions occurs in May 1986, when she temporarily takes center stage after finding Hobbes, who had been carried away by a stray dog. Beyond these rare moments, she is primarily utilized to bounce off Calvin's wild antics, leaving readers to wonder about her background and the origins of her remarkable study habits.

Susie's dedication to academics has led some to consider her one of the best student characters in fiction. Her intellectual drive is so advanced that it rivals that of graduate students, yet the strip never explains how she developed such habits. Whether her parents are academics themselves remains a mystery, but her passion for reading is undeniable. This trait is perfectly encapsulated in a famous October 4, 1993 strip, where she expresses her excitement for her schoolbooks, prompting a classic dismissive reaction from Calvin.

The punchline of that 1993 strip, where Susie remarks that books are sometimes the only friends worth having, has resonated deeply with bibliophiles and Gen-X readers worldwide. The quote has found a permanent home on library bulletin boards, serving as a testament to Susie's enduring appeal as a champion of literacy and learning. It highlights a side of her character that is not just a counterweight to Calvin, but a relatable and admirable figure in her own right.

In the years since the strip concluded, fan creators have frequently explored the future of these characters, often depicting an adult Calvin marrying Susie. While this trope is highly popular in fan lore—most notably in the 2011 fan comic Hobbes and Bacon—it contrasts sharply with the original strip's portrayal of their relationship. In Bill Watterson's work, the two are typically like oil and water, with only rare exceptions like the 1986 Valentine's Day arc hinting at any mutual affection. Regardless of where their future lies, Susie Derkins remains a brilliant, sharp-witted character who deserves to be celebrated for her own merits.