Bill Watterson, the genius behind Calvin & Hobbes, has given a rare interview as part of a book and exhibition of his work.
Watterson discussses his influences:
"Jim Borgman (the longtime Pulitzer-winning Cincinnati Enquirer cartoonist, and the co-creator of “Zits”), to the radically disruptive lines and ink-splats of Ralph Steadman. (As well as, naturally, Charles Schulz and Walt Kelly, among others.)"
He comments on:
The "deep meaning" of his strips: “If you draw anything more subtle than a pie in the face [in comics], you’re considered a philosopher.”
Why he stopped: “A comic strip, like anything else, has a natural life span,”
Webcomics v. daily newspapers: “Our connection to comics is getting more fleeting and superficial.”
The benefits of deadlines: “The strip deadlines are so relentless that simplicity and speed become great virtues.”
h/t Annie Laurie at Balloon Juice.