The Calvin and Hobbes Portable Compendium Set 1
✓ Product data checked October 17, 2026
Set 1 of the Calvin and Hobbes Portable Compendium gathers nearly 500 strips by Bill Watterson, from the comic's debut in November 1985 through March 1987, in two 144-page paperbacks. The compact format fits in a backpack, and the set comes in an archival slipcase with cover art chosen by the author. It is the first set in a series of seven. Rated 4.9 across 900+ reviews on Amazon US at about $10.
Why it makes a good gift
Best for : A comic-strip fan, or an adult who grew up reading Calvin and Hobbes in the newspaper and wants to start the collection again
Best occasion : Christmas, a birthday, a stocking
Why it works : It holds the earliest strips, so it is both a starting point for a new reader and a re-read for a longtime fan. Two small paperbacks in a slipcase look like a proper gift on a shelf for about $10, and the seven-set series gives a natural follow-up next year. Rated 4.9 across 900+ reviews.
Avoid if : They already own the complete collections, since this set only covers about 500 of the earliest strips, or they want a novel rather than a comic strip.
For
Him, Her, Teen Boys, Friend
Budget
$ — Budget-friendly
Frequently asked questions
How many comics are in Set 1?
Nearly 500 strips, in two 144-page paperbacks.
Which years does it cover?
From the strip's debut in November 1985 through March 1987.
Is it the start of a series?
Yes, it is the first set in a series of seven.
