Dan Clowes described the story in Ghost World as the examination of "the lives of two recent high school graduates from the advantaged perch of a constant and (mostly) undetectable eavesdropper, with the shaky detachment of a scientist who has grown fond of the prize microbes in his petri dish." From this perch comes a revelation about adolescence that is both subtle and coolly beautiful. Critics have pointed out Clowes's cynicism and vicious social commentary, but if you concentrate on those aspects, you'll miss the exquisite whole that Clowes has captured. Each chapter ends with melancholia that builds towards the amazing, detached, ghostlike ending.

If you like anything on my blog then you'll love this graphic novel and you'll love the film even more. The pacing, the atmosphere, the screenplay. Directed by Terry Zwigoff (who also directed the 90's biopic on Robert Crumb), Ghost World the film features wonderful performances by Thora Birch, Scarlett Johansson and Steve Buscemi and a classic soundtrack. It's sort of a coming of age story about Enid, the character played by Birch. She's leaving home for the first time and you're drawn into her unique world. Introverted and quirky, this film is a classic with an indie feel - highly recommended! Check out the scans below from the graphic novel that the film is based on.

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