A precocious six-year-old boy and his stuffed tiger navigate the complexities of childhood, imagination, and the adult world. Calvin, an imaginative and often mischievous boy, frequently escapes the mundane constraints of school and parental authority through elaborate daydreams alongside his anthropomorphic tiger, Hobbes. While Calvin views Hobbes as a living, breathing companion, the world perceives the tiger as a mere stuffed toy, creating a persistent tension between reality and fantasy. The narrative framework utilizes a daily comic strip format, alternating between domestic scenes, schoolyard interactions, and surreal adventures in space or the prehistoric past. These interactions serve to highlight the contrast between Calvin's intellectual curiosity and his lack of impulse control.

Readers frequently highlight the balance between the slapstick humor of a young boy's antics and the profound philosophical questions posed by the characters. Critics often praise the technical skill displayed in the illustrations, noting how the visual style evolves to capture both mundane domesticity and expansive, imaginative landscapes. Discussion often centers on the series' ability to resonate with both children and adults through its layered approach to storytelling. Many fans appreciate the consistent tone and the absence of cynical commercialization throughout the run of the strip. The work remains a standard for the medium due to its blend of wit, character depth, and artistic integrity.