Ghost World has become a cultural and generational touchstone, and continues to enthrall and inspire readers over a decade after its original release as a graphic novel. Originally serialized in the pages of the seminal comic book Eightball throughout the mid-1990s, this quasi-autobiographical story (the name of one of the protagonists is famously an anagram of the author's name) follows the adventures of two teenage girls, Enid and Becky, two best friends facing the prospect of growing up, and more importantly, apart. Daniel Clowes is one of the most respected cartoonists of his generation, and Ghost World is his magnum opus. Adapted into a major motion picture directed by Terry Zwigoff (director of the acclaimed documentary Crumb), which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. This graphic novel is a must for any self-respecting comics fan's library.
Industry Reviews
The appeal of Daniel Clowes' breakout graphic novel lies not from what could be predictable plotting, but from its engaging character work. It is the relationship between outsider teens Enid and Rebecca that holds readers in its hilariously cynical sway from panel one. Dan Clowes is a master storyteller and artist--there's poetry in every panel. --Dave Eggers In Ghost World, Daniel Clowes doesn't romanticize the teenage experience or show teenage girls as sweet and idealistic. His portrayal is raw, cynical, and honest, often hitting the nail on the head.... This graphic novel is very funny, but it's also very sad, and sometimes it's both at the same time.... Though it's only 80 pages long, this graphic novel still manages to leave a deep impression. --Danica Davidson I think Ghost World is astonishing... I think it's one of the best books about adolescence written. --Michael Chabon" Dan Clowes is a master storyteller and artist there's poetry in every panel. --Dave Eggers" If there was ever a comic book story meant to be examined by non-comics fans, it's this, a classic in any medium. " [Clowes] spells out the realities of teen angst as powerfully and authentically as Salinger did in The Catcher in the Rye for an eariler generation. " I really identified with the girls in Ghost World. They made me feel like I wasn't so alone. --Lisa Simpson" In Ghost World, Daniel Clowes doesn t romanticize the teenage experience or show teenage girls as sweet and idealistic. His portrayal is raw, cynical, and honest, often hitting the nail on the head.... This graphic novel is very funny, but it's also very sad, and sometimes it s both at the same time.... Though it's only 80 pages long, this graphic novel still manages to leave a deep impression. --Danica Davidson" Ghost Worldgets better every time I read it, and I ve read it hundreds of times. It still frightens me a little how well Daniel Clowes managed to nail the teen-girl brain. --Alexandra Molotkow" Ranked #6 of The 20 Best Graphic Novels of the Decade (2009). Ranked #10 of "The 25 Greatest Gen X Books of All Time" (2009). The appeal of Daniel Clowes breakout graphic novel lies not from what could be predictable plotting, but from its engaging character work. It is the relationship between outsider teens Enid and Rebecca that holds readers in its hilariously cynical sway from panel one." Ghost World gets better every time I read it, and I've read it hundreds of times. It still frightens me a little how well Daniel Clowes managed to nail the teen-girl brain. --Alexandra Molotkow Ghost Worldgets better every time I read it, and I ve read it hundreds of times. It still frightens me a little how well Daniel Clowes managed to nail the teen-girl brain. --Alexandra Molotkow"
