Every week we spotlight the various characters, phrases, objects or events that eventually became notable parts of comic lore. Not major stuff like "the first appearance of Superman," but rather, "the first time someone said, 'Avengers Assemble!'" or "the first appearance of Batman's giant penny" or "the first appearance of Alfred Pennyworth" or "the first time Spider-Man's face was shown half-Spidey/half-Peter." Stuff like that. Here is an archive of all the When We First Met features so far! Check 'em out!

Today, based on a request by Travis Pelkie, we examine the various debuts of the cast of Bill Watterson's classic comic strip, Calvin and Hobbes!

In the very first strip, from November 18, 1985, we meet Calvin, Hobbes AND Calvin's father...

Interestingly enough, before we meet Calvin's mother, we first meet his teacher, Miss Wormwood, on November 21, 1985 - First Miss Wormwood

His mother shows up a few days later, on November 26, 1985....

November 29, 1985 gives us the first appearance of Spaceman Spiff as well as the first time we meet Calvin's principla, Mr. Spittle...

Let me take a break from chronological order to show you Calvin's two other most famous alter-egos.

First, Tracer Bullet, who debuted on May 16, 1987

and then Stupendous Man, who debuted on October 30, 1987...

The most famous kid in the strip other than Calvin, Suzie Derkins, gets a very special series of introductory strips.

On December 3, 1985, we hear of her arrival...

On December 4, 1985, we first see her name...

And finally, on December 5, 1985, we finally meet her...

On January 30, 1986, we meet Calvin's bully, Moe...

And finally, on May 15, 1986 we meet Calvin's beleaguered babysitter, Rosalyn...

It's pretty impressive how Watterson had everything pretty much solidified practically right off the bat. In less than two months he had pretty much everyone introduced.

Thanks for the request, Travis! If YOU have a debut you'd like to see, e-mail me at bcronin@comicbookresources.com