Bill Watterson is an American cartoonist best known for creating the popular comic strip Calvin and Hobbes. The strip, which features a young boy named Calvin and his stuffed tiger Hobbes, ran from 1985 to 1995 and gained a large following for its humor and philosophical themes. Watterson is known for his reluctance to commercialize his work, refusing to license Calvin and Hobbes for merchandise. His dedication to artistic integrity has made him a respected figure in the world of comics, and he has influenced many aspiring cartoonists since the strip's conclusion.