Ghost World s/c Paperback – February 10, 2015

The movie strays from this material quite a bit actually. So it was great to read the original...

After seeing the movie several times, and generally enjoying it, I finally read the OG source material. I must say I am glad and lucky to be spared that porcupine-headed art teacher that showed up in the movie. As for the comic, Enid is still my homegirl. I may not agree with EVERY thing she says, but I can see where she comes from. Very complex character, that Enid. I wonder what could have happened to her to make her think like she does. On the other hand, I read CATCHER IN THE RYE and FRANNY AND ZOOEY, and like Holden Caulfield, E is pretty young. Still, I hope she never loses that depth and will to delve. Whoever passes this up must fill their circle with disgusting obnoxious pseudo-Bohemian losers. E's words not mine.

This graphic novel makes me laugh out loud every time I read it! The illustration is genuinely charming and imaginative. The story is so reminiscent of the culture in the mid-90s. Ghost World is about two girls who are preparing to graduate from high school, and at the same time figuring out how to plan the rest of their lives, or not plan. It's wholesome, sarcastic, dark, relatable, witty, and tragic. Hard to put down after you start.

I have a theory about books vs. movies: If you read the book first -- it being your introduction to the story -- then the movie will be a bit of a letdown. Since I saw the movie first, based on a friend's recommendation, I went out and bought the book afterwards.The comic book is darker and monochromatic, versus the movie's beautiful use of primary and pastel colours. That makes the book and movie equal for me, and gives one the choice of alternate "Ghost" worlds. But the book is written in episodic installments, and is therefore less unified than the movie; like many comic books, this one is an ongoing serial, and works great as a character study.Where the movie departs from the book is the development of a plot which involves one of the book's minor characters (the bearded guy with whom Enid and Rebecca make a fake blind date as a practical joke). In the movie, the bearded guy is shorn of his facial hair and re-emerges as Seymour (played by Steve Buscemi) as the catalyst for a major tunrning point in Enid's life. I really think that by collaborating with director and screen-writer Terry Zwigoff that Clowes made a work of art a masterpiece.Nonetheless, I found the book very compelling, but really do recommend reading it before seeing the movie. I really like Daniel Clowes' stripped-down, stylised drawings. Like the movie, you can really get lost in this book. That's a lot coming from me, because I don't get into most comic books. This one, though, speaks to me.

A must have for all fans of graphic novels . Beautifully drawn with realistically portrayed teen angst dialogue, moving situations and strange beauty. This graphic novel has heart, lots of it. I also highly recommended the film version starring Scarlet Johansson, Steve Buscemi and Thora Birch.

It’s a truly gorgeous book. I think it could even be used as a decorative piece on a table etc. The entire thing is just perfect! I got this for my boyfriend who loved the movie and he is so thrilled with the book. Shipping was on time and there was no damage.

Easily one of the best novels I've ever read, graphic or otherwise. The dialogue is so sharp and clear that I felt like I were listening to a real conversation between two teenage girls. It's also one of the best portrayal of teenage girls I've ever seen--Rebecca and Enid were strange, funny, troubled, and totally unlike the usual "silly, boy-crazy girl" stereotype. The world needs more female characters like these--not afraid to be loud, edgy, and snarky, and refusing to conform with society's expectations.

This book is always included in top graphic novels list, so I was prepared to be blown away. What I got was a trivial story about two of the most annoyingly apathetic teenagers. Perhaps if I was a lot younger, I might have been remotely interested in their endless banter about nothingness, but as an adult it just reminds me of how ridiculously self-important teenagers can be. No real story, just banter that hasn't aged very well. The two friends "grow" apart at the end, when one of them leaves town, and the other gets a serious boyfriend. That's all that happens in this 70 page story. Good thing Daniel Clowes' art is fantastic, which is pretty much the only reason I'm giving this book three stars.