I had no legal recourse to stop the sundicate from licensing. The syndicate preferred to have my cooperation, but my approval was by no means necessary. Our arguments with each other grew more bitter as the stakes got higher, and we had an ugly relationship for several years. The debate had its ridiculous aspects. I am probably the only cartoonist who resented the popularity of his own strip.
Most cartoonists are more than eager for the exposure, wealth, and prestige that licensing offers.
When cartoonists fight their syndicates, it's usually to make more money, not less. And making the whole issue even more absurd, when I didn't license, bootleg 'Calvin and Hobbes' merchandise sprung up to feed the demand. Only thieves and vandals have made money on 'Calvin and Hobbes' merchandise. The syndicate would agree to rule out the most offensive products if I would agree to go along with the rest. This would be, in essence, my only shot at controlling what happened to my work.