This chapter is solely devoted to review responses. I would have put the responses at the end of my next chapter as I usually do, but the next installment is not currently ready for posting. Therefore, this must suffice.
Claire, thanks. You are a fervent supporter and I appreciate that. Unfortunately, that kind of enthusiasm for everything under sun and moon is kinda hard to capture in a little dwarf with battle scissors. But I'll try. I didn't even know you had a brother, but lid tells me he's my bro's age. Tell him thanks.
MissPadfoot92, thanks for the brilliant, but I wouldn't go that far. And I think it sounds like the book in the strip, but it's totally beyond me why Calvin likes it. It really doesn't sound like one he'd like, to me. Glad you think so, though.
Marty78, thanks. I'm rather amazed at my impromptu abilities myself. I don't think I'll ever be able to do another like it on the spot. Kind of a once-in-a-lifetime type deal.
Pink werewolf, thank you, though the real praise should go to Bill Watterson. Without him I never would've even dreamed of hamsters and purple glue. And I'm trying to get the sequel out, but it might be a while.
Arrathir, It might. I'm known for crazy. But I wouldn't claim to think along the same lines as Bill. He's crazy in his own way.
And Lloyd. Yes, I saved you for the last, because I wanted to do some thorough research before responding to your accusations. While my collection of C&H books is not complete, it is extensive, and I have read the other books many times. At this moment, while I am writing, I have the books open in front of me.
There are two separate incidences where Calvin's dad gets annoyed and tells the story in a way other than the written form. One incidence occurs in Scientific Progress Goes Boink, on page 47 at the bottom. In this strip, the story is read quickly and sarcastically. The other incidence occurs in the Tenth Anniversary Book on page 200 at the top. Here, Calvin's response in the last panel ("Wow, the story was different that time!") indicates that this version his dad told him was not a "highly abridged version" but rather a revisement. Therefore, Hamster Huey only loses his head in that version his dad made up out of frustration, not in the written book. Also, simply losing his head does not imply an explosion.
In response to the "many things wrong with this story," if I could direct your attention to Revenge of the Babysat page 13 at the bottom... This is the first mention of Hamster Huey and the Gooey Kablooie. Here, Calvin tells us the story has "the squeaky voices, the gooshy sound effects, and the Happy Hamster Hop." This, plus the title, author (Mabel Syrup), and cover, are the only requirements for the story. In my version, Hamster Huey talks, so he can have a squeaky voice, there are gooshy sound effects when the glue machine explodes, and he does the Happy Hamster Hop several times. I also have the title, and a cover is impossible on this site. However, I will admit to omitting the author's name, which will be remedied.
In addition, in the strip you refer to in your review, Hobbes, not Calvin, is the one who wonders whether or not the townsfolk will find the head, which indicates that you did not read the strip again before reviewing.To sum up, I would say to you, Lloyd, before flaming a "shoddy knockoff," research the material.