Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson for October 18, 1989

Or space… or superheroes… or bugs… well sometimes bugs but he doesn’t pay attention because school is so boring most of the time.

This suddenly reminded me of the poem, “Superman”, by John Updike. I have not thought of that in over 30 years.

There’s also Moe.

And Mrs. Wormwood.

I knew it. He only learns subjects that interest him

This is a father that just doesn’t get it. (I assume Bill Watterson did get it, though. How else could C&H have gone out on top?) School isn’t just learning, it’s OTHER PEOPLE. Learning is great. Dealing with grouchy teachers and bullies isn’t.

“It’s only work when someone makes you do it.” Calvin doesn’t mind learning for fun.

there is also another reason:he is treated like shit.

Another possible reason is that he seems to be the only one at his school who ever receives consequences for acting out. Other kids at that school act out, too. Besides Moe, there are also the kids who have signed up to play baseball during recess in a later strip. Calvin signs up, as well, in the hopes that Moe will stop teasing him. The other kids insult and threaten him when he accidentally gets a member of their own team out. There’s also Mr. Lockjaw, the coach, who doesn’t even explain the rules of baseball to Calvin.