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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“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.” (Wizard)
About the Author
Daniel Clowes, a multi-Harvey, Eisner and Ignatz Award-winner, is a Chicago native living in Oakland, CA, with his wife Erika. His many books include David Boring, Ghost World, Wilson, Ice Haven, Like a Velvet Glove Cast in Iron, Caricature, and 2011's Mister Wonderful.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
The Story
"Ghost World" was released way back in the 90's during the height of the cynical teen culture. They swear! They complain! They mope! Nobody in the world can possibly understand what they're going through! But, we do. If you read this book at the appropriate age, (I would say around 13-17.) then you were probably sucked right into their world.
They are truly philosophers of teenage angst. If you read it after your teenage/young adult years, you'll simply see them as whining kids. Which is fair, they are, but no book besides "The Catcher in the Rye" so perfectly captured teenage angst in its pure roots. Throw this book at a surly teen and they will treasure it forever, making them feel not so alone. Heavens, it might even make them laugh occasionally!
I grew up reading this book. When I first got it, I was a misfit in High School and could empathize with the loner outcast feel they sent off. When I grew a little older into my late teens, I understood how people grow up and grow apart, and had a falling out with my best friend that mirrored events in the book itself. Finally, I realized how there was more to life than simply sitting down and feeling sorry for yourself. Now, in my young adult stage, I can see the girls for what they are: A perfect time capsule of one point in every persons life. They aren't great thinkers except for what they are at that exact stage.
You may not truly appreciate the depths the book has unless you had read it while younger. But if you can remember teen years, then its worth it to pick up a copy.
The Book
This is a fantastic release. It has the original book with all the art work intact, along with original copies of the book from the Eightball magazine. It has lots of concept art, promotional art, merchandise photos, and new comics made just for this release. In addition it contains the movie script and soundtrack album artwork.
If you want the full "Ghost World" experience, this is the version to buy. Especially now that it's so close to the cost of the mass paperback edition. Buy this, it had much more stuff in it and is worth the 20$ extra. It has exactly the same mass paperback along with all the extras mentioned. Truly a treasure I return to year after year.
"Ghost World" was released way back in the 90's during the height of the cynical teen culture. They swear! They complain! They mope! Nobody in the world can possibly understand what they're going through! But, we do. If you read this book at the appropriate age, (I would say around 13-17.) then you were probably sucked right into their world.
They are truly philosophers of teenage angst. If you read it after your teenage/young adult years, you'll simply see them as whining kids. Which is fair, they are, but no book besides "The Catcher in the Rye" so perfectly captured teenage angst in its pure roots. Throw this book at a surly teen and they will treasure it forever, making them feel not so alone. Heavens, it might even make them laugh occasionally!
I grew up reading this book. When I first got it, I was a misfit in High School and could empathize with the loner outcast feel they sent off. When I grew a little older into my late teens, I understood how people grow up and grow apart, and had a falling out with my best friend that mirrored events in the book itself. Finally, I realized how there was more to life than simply sitting down and feeling sorry for yourself. Now, in my young adult stage, I can see the girls for what they are: A perfect time capsule of one point in every persons life. They aren't great thinkers except for what they are at that exact stage.
You may not truly appreciate the depths the book has unless you had read it while younger. But if you can remember teen years, then its worth it to pick up a copy.
The Book
This is a fantastic release. It has the original book with all the art work intact, along with original copies of the book from the Eightball magazine. It has lots of concept art, promotional art, merchandise photos, and new comics made just for this release. In addition it contains the movie script and soundtrack album artwork.
If you want the full "Ghost World" experience, this is the version to buy. Especially now that it's so close to the cost of the mass paperback edition. Buy this, it had much more stuff in it and is worth the 20$ extra. It has exactly the same mass paperback along with all the extras mentioned. Truly a treasure I return to year after year.
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
After about 5 minutes of this book, you're gonna wish you had 10 beers!
May 12, 2010
By R. A. Zamora
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
THIS BOOK IS GREAT! I constantly use it for references and why get the individual set of Ghost World and Ghost World script book. get this book and you'll also get some extra stuff. Sketches, unused art work, Alternative covers, The WHOLE ENCHILADA!
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By D.N.
Format:Hardcover
In the Ghost World graphic novel, there is a sense of the masks that younger people try on, trying to pounce on others outside of their clique and keep close friends within their own small sphere as they move through life. Clowes repeatedly demonstrates how often choices are made just to entertain others by talking about it later on. You get a sense that the decisions people make are largely out of social stigmas, and he delineates so many of them that it appears entirely rational. He shows how many tensions there are in growing up, sure, but also within friendships (sexual and intellectual rivalries) and exposes the arbitrary nature of early relationships in a way that can often be surprisingly revelatory.
There an interesting theme of dodging the freaks that appear around them... until they end up on television at least. John Ellis' character seemed to hover around the issue of child molestation just to lightly suggest that Rebecca had experienced that in her past, as a contributing factor to her character.
I love that Enid was looking for one lame children's record the entire time as she tried on her various disguises over the years. It reminds you of the nostalgia that overwhelms you at around 18 where you realize how formative all of those interests proved to be.
The movie's decision to have an age-based romance between Enid and a record collector seemed shoehorned in, and the art class jokes take us away from the real point of the story in the graphic novel. Point being, if you have to choose one of them, get this.
There an interesting theme of dodging the freaks that appear around them... until they end up on television at least. John Ellis' character seemed to hover around the issue of child molestation just to lightly suggest that Rebecca had experienced that in her past, as a contributing factor to her character.
I love that Enid was looking for one lame children's record the entire time as she tried on her various disguises over the years. It reminds you of the nostalgia that overwhelms you at around 18 where you realize how formative all of those interests proved to be.
The movie's decision to have an age-based romance between Enid and a record collector seemed shoehorned in, and the art class jokes take us away from the real point of the story in the graphic novel. Point being, if you have to choose one of them, get this.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
A+ Report
Wrote a report on this comparing it to the movie and got an A+ on it. they are similar and yet different. Great graphic novel
Published 1 month ago by queenienirvana
5.0 out of 5 stars
awesome
this book was in great condition. it was not dirty or scratched. this book is a great read. loved it.
Published 2 months ago by megandean88
4.0 out of 5 stars
arrived in time and in good shape
The product arrived in time and it was in very good conditions. Albeit, the cover was not new. It doesn't give the impression of being used by someone, but rather of being for... Read more
Published 9 months ago by carlos
5.0 out of 5 stars
In Ghost World, Daniel Clowes doesn't romanticize the teenage...
In Ghost World, Daniel Clowes doesn't romanticize the teenage experience or show teenage girls as sweet and idealistic. Read more
Published 18 months ago by GraphicNovelReporter.com
5.0 out of 5 stars
on the bus with Enid now
I usually have problems justifying "special editions" of things, even when it's something i love as much as Ghost World.
Quick review: Worth every penny. Read more
Quick review: Worth every penny. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Penelope Blackheart
3.0 out of 5 stars
A neat little book
The GW film was so different; I bought the "Special Edition" book to see where the concept came from. Read more
Published on April 26, 2011 by Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars
Ghost World
This was almost exactly like the movie. However, I think I liked the movie better. I will have to re-watch it soon.
Published on June 3, 2010 by Jessica Confessore
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ghost World - special edition hardcover (2008)
Great fun
Annotations to the comic (front and back covers included!), the out of print screenplay for the Ghost World film
Artwork for the cd soundtrack, and... Read more
Annotations to the comic (front and back covers included!), the out of print screenplay for the Ghost World film
Artwork for the cd soundtrack, and... Read more
Published on October 31, 2008 by Joseph Morris
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