All of this angst is silly. This is just Yet Another chance to Build Character, preferably by joining the Marine Corps, though it’s possible that they aren’t taking six-year-olds this month. The French Foreign Legion is hiring, and they’re not so picky (unless you’re Belgian). So, Calvin… how much do you like blood sausage? The FFL loves blood sausage, it’s in their official march. >
Whatever happens next, I doubt Cal will be in the ‘poor me’ stage for long. He’ll find something else to either complain about, break, or use to damage something else.
Did this once, at 17. Running an errand for Dad. Parked the car beside the local store, left it running (which seems odd today, but back then it was normal) and went inside. Fellow came in a few moments later and said some blue station wagon was in the river. Ran out in a panic and saw the car, still running, hood down in a couple of feet of water. Dad, and another friend with a big truck showed up soon (small town, news travels fast). Pulled it out, undamaged and still running. Fortunately for me, the car was in Park. Dealer said, when Dad asked how this could be, that that model had an issue with popping out of Park. I set parking brakes after that.
No dinner for 3 months, just Mush slipped under the door; immediate enrollment at the “George Patton Military Academy for Challenging Boys”, starting in the upcoming fall semester; and finally, lifetime restriction (when home). Could be life-changing. It sure was for me!
Jump started a few cars by letting them roll down a (not steep) hill, running beside, jumping in and throwing it into second gear. Never had one get away. Stick shift cars of course.
son had his first car accident at age three. He got into the van that was parked in the driveway, knocked it out of gear and it rolled into the trailer. No more leaving unlocked cars in the driveway.
codycab 5 months ago
That car must be feeling the same as Calvin.
Spacehog 5 months ago
The important thing that it went into a ditch instead of hitting a car injuring or killing someone
Pointspread 5 months ago
Yes he Hobbes, for once Calvin is an overachiever.
C 5 months ago
Really a grounded kid
snsurone76 5 months ago
Now, which would cost more—the towing charge, or the summons if the car stopped beside that fire plug?
The dude from FL Premium Member 5 months ago
It happens, walk it off!
saylorgirl 5 months ago
The look on Calvin’s poor face says it all.
Mediatech 5 months ago
Maybe Suzy will write to Calvin occasionally in his new career in the Singapore Merchant Marine.
old_geek 5 months ago
A passenger once sarcastically mentioned that a particular driving maneuver had caused their life to flash before their eyes.
I apologized for nearly causing them to be bored to death…
gokarDun 5 months ago
Fireplug still looks scared.
ldeanjr 5 months ago
could have been have hit that fire hydrant..
SquidGamerGal 5 months ago
It’s not the end of the world, Calvin! There’s still time to dash to your room and establish a alibi!
Gent 5 months ago
Queeck, uploads video on YouTube. You’ll be famous, kid. You’ll be rich! Rich! Ohwaitsaminute there ain’t no YouTube back then.
Painted Wolf 5 months ago
All of this angst is silly. This is just Yet Another chance to Build Character, preferably by joining the Marine Corps, though it’s possible that they aren’t taking six-year-olds this month. The French Foreign Legion is hiring, and they’re not so picky (unless you’re Belgian). So, Calvin… how much do you like blood sausage? The FFL loves blood sausage, it’s in their official march. >
MS72 5 months ago
Every kid ought to be in 1 nonfatal accident. Something to remember when you turn that key…
Redd Panda 5 months ago
It’s just a car. No one got hurt.
sandpiper 5 months ago
Whatever happens next, I doubt Cal will be in the ‘poor me’ stage for long. He’ll find something else to either complain about, break, or use to damage something else.
Robert- 50d99b] 5 months ago
Mother’s Fault for not setting the parking break.
SteveHL 5 months ago
Hobbes’s punchline is great, but what I particularly like is how well drawn the scene is.
bbenoit 5 months ago
Did this once, at 17. Running an errand for Dad. Parked the car beside the local store, left it running (which seems odd today, but back then it was normal) and went inside. Fellow came in a few moments later and said some blue station wagon was in the river. Ran out in a panic and saw the car, still running, hood down in a couple of feet of water. Dad, and another friend with a big truck showed up soon (small town, news travels fast). Pulled it out, undamaged and still running. Fortunately for me, the car was in Park. Dealer said, when Dad asked how this could be, that that model had an issue with popping out of Park. I set parking brakes after that.
mindjob 5 months ago
I’ll break out the violin and play “My heart bleeds for you”
rshive 5 months ago
And poor Calvin doesn’t even have his license yet.
ChuckAnziulewicz 5 months ago
Dad gets out the belt.
rebroxanna 5 months ago
Is it a coincidence that the fire hydrant looks just as shocked as Calvin?
mckeonfuneralhomebx 5 months ago
Calvin go and get all your friends and help pull the car.. oh wait that is the Peanuts and little rascals.. never mind…
harf59 5 months ago
Even Hobbs knows the difference between there, their and they’re
Michael Helwig 5 months ago
Perfect time for Susie to walk by.
rbrt6956 5 months ago
What a day for dad to bike to work Instead of driving.
smsrt 5 months ago
No dinner for 3 months, just Mush slipped under the door; immediate enrollment at the “George Patton Military Academy for Challenging Boys”, starting in the upcoming fall semester; and finally, lifetime restriction (when home). Could be life-changing. It sure was for me!
gantech 5 months ago
Thanks, Hobbes, that really makes me feel better…
bath514 Premium Member 5 months ago
At least the car missed the hydrant. That would have been real fun.
djtenltd 5 months ago
It’s gonna cost an arm and a leg getting that car out of the ditch!
The-Great-Gildersleeve 5 months ago
at least you missed taking out that fireplug! That’s something.
g04922 5 months ago
Calvin should blame in on Mom for not setting the parking brake…. That would be in character for him. :)
zarilla 5 months ago
Jump started a few cars by letting them roll down a (not steep) hill, running beside, jumping in and throwing it into second gear. Never had one get away. Stick shift cars of course.
lnrokr55 5 months ago
Boom Shakalaka!
win.45mag 5 months ago
The fire hydrant looks like it’s up to no good
FRITH RA 5 months ago
I see that he even missed the fire hydrant. Good job, Calvin.
DKHenderson 5 months ago
I believe that Dad made a comment about Calvin wrecking his car in the arc with Calvin wrecking his binoculars.
mistercatworks 5 months ago
Generally, you only get one car wreck per lifetime.
chinook12345 5 months ago
calvin will be in jail SOON!
sperry532 5 months ago
Oh, don’t worry. That’ll just buff right out.
kathleenhicks62 5 months ago
Been done once- -He never learns.
newmann 5 months ago
I wonder what mom will say? 8/10
Strawberry King 5 months ago
Think the judge will try him as an adult?
aikidoshi 5 months ago
I love the little fire hydrant…
HodgeElmwood 5 months ago
Cheer up, Calvin! At least it missed the fire hydrant!
aaronacademy2012 5 months ago
10 years not later
wiley207 5 months ago
Calvin looks so small there.
Otis Rufus Driftwood 5 months ago
That is a well done single panel cartoon by Watterson.
jaziro 5 months ago
This gives me ptsd. I don’t think people with normal childhoods understand how hard these mistakes weigh on you when you make them at that age.
ellisaana Premium Member 5 months ago
Why is this happening? 5 months ago
Hobbes, did you really think Calvin wouldn’t crash a car before he was sixteen?
Giant walrus 5 months ago
HEY! CALVINS DAD ONCE SAID I ANOTHER COUPLE OF YEARS, YOU’LL PROBABLY BE WRECKING MY CAR!