How to Sell Your Bill Watterson Autograph

To auction, sell or consign your Bill Watterson autograph, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (NateDSanders.com).

Who Was Bill Watterson?

Bill Watterson’s philosophical comic strip Calvin and Hobbes ran between 1985 to 1995, and remains one of the most beloved comic strips. The strip revolves around Calvin, a six year old boy, and his tiger plushie, Hobbes, who comes to life in his imagination. Bill Watterson is famously remembered for preserving the artistic integrity of his work by refusing to license Calvin and Hobbes characters.

Here Are Some Bill Watterson Autographs We’ve Sold:

Signed Final ”Calvin & Hobbes” Comic Strip Color Proof – Sold for $15,558

After a ten year run, the final Calvin and Hobbes comic strip was published on 31 December 1995 concluding with the whimsical line, “It’s a magical world, Hobbes, ol’ buddy… Let’s go exploring!” Bill Watterson had several color lithographs printed of his final strip that he signed and distributed to art directors and editors at newspapers across the U.S. to thank them for their support of the strip. We sold one of these Bill Watterson signed lithograph proofs for $15,558.

Signed 1995 “Calvin & Hobbes” Color Print – Sold for $10,981

It was known that Bill Watterson personally wrote, drew and inked each Calvin and Hobbes comic strip, a very rare thing in the world of syndicated comic strips. He also refused to allow syndicates to keep the strip running after he chose to end it. We realized $10,981 for a Bill Watterson signed color proof of his final Calvin and Hobbes strip. Strip measures 13.75 x 9.875 inches and includes PSA/DNA hologram sticker on verso.

Signed “Calvin and Hobbes” Lithograph – Sold for $7,875

Bill Watterson took a nine month sabbatical between May 1992 through February 1993. As he didn’t have assistants to help with inking or writing, he was exhausted from having to create seven comic strips per week for almost seven years. Watterson created a signed limited edition lithograph of 1,000 upon returning from the sabbatical that was sent to newspaper editors. We sold one of these lithographs for $7,875.

Signed Lithograph of ”Calvin and Hobbes” – Sold for $7,500

We realized $7,500 for a Bill Watterson signed Calvin and Hobbes limited edition lithograph. Lithograph is #553 of 1,000 that was distributed to newspaper editors following Watterson’s sabbatical in 1992. Lithograph measures 17 x 22 inches and is signed ”Watterson” on lower right.

Signed Copy of Calvin & Hobbes Book ”Homicidal Psycho Jungle Cat” – Sold for $5,625

Bill Watterson’s “Homicidal Psycho Jungle Cat” book is a compilation of Calvin and Hobbes stripes from June 1, 1992 to January 2, 1993. Some memorable storylines from this book include Kevin attempting to clone himself and Kevin unintentionally breaking his dad’s binoculars leading to him grappling with guilt and morals. We sold a Watterson signed softcover copy of “Homicidal Psycho Jungle Cat” for $5,625. Book was among a small quantity signed for Watterson’s local Ohio bookstore.

Letter Signed on “Calvin and Hobbes” Stationery

Here’s a Bill Watterson typed letter signed with original Calvin and Hobbes envelope postmarked 6 June 1988. Watterson thanks a fan “for your kind letter. I am pleased to hear you enjoy my comic strip…I hope Calvin and Hobbes will continue to amuse you…[signed] W.B. Watterson”. A Bill Watterson signed letter can fetch several thousand dollars or reach the $75,000 range if accompanied with original artwork.

What Is Original Calvin and Hobbes Comic Art Worth?

Original Calvin and Hobbes comic art is exceptionally rare as Bill Watterson retained most of his original work. Very few comics were donated to institutions or gifted which means a very limited amount have been available for private collectors to purchase. Original comic strips or drawings can command prices of between $80,000 to $100,000 or more reflecting their extreme scarcity.

FAQs

How do I consign or sell my Bill Watterson autograph?
It’s never been easier to sell your Bill Watterson autograph at Nate D. Sanders Auctions. Email a description and photos of your item to [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can with a free appraisal.

This sounds great and I’d like to move forward. What’s the consignment process like at Nate D. Sanders Auctions?
We’ll send you more information about our auction house along with an agreement to review. Your item will appear in our next auction. Unlike many auction houses, we hold monthly auctions and pay you within an industry-leading 45 days following the auction.

What factors determine the value of a Bill Watterson autograph?
The value of your item can vary based on condition and subject matter of signed items.