Pseudo-bohemian comics galore, Batman!

I'd heard about "Ghost World" in the context of "Oh, so you HAVEN'T read the best comic ever? You should get on that." I always love conversations like that. In any case, I DID get down on it, popped in some K-C & Jojo (what were you thinking?) and read me some Ghost World.

Daniel Clowes' comic masterpiece didn't make many waves as a critical success until it's surprising underground following started causing a stir. This bizarrely drawn and decidedly anti-authoritarian style resonated with teens all over, trapped in a post-"The Graduate" universe, it seems. Eventually, glasses-wielding British critics read it and lauded it as one of the greatest comics of the era. Indeed they pinned the nail right on the pennyloafers.

A little bit about the premise. Becky and Enid are two high school graduates/hipsters with an uncertain future in a bleak small town. Their "Calvin & Hobbes"-esque wanderings and critical attitude towards mainstream suburban culture provide for plenty of laughs and deep introspection about their attitudes towards society and each other.

Clowes has a command of medium less like a wine and more like an artisan soda. Fizzy, bizarre graphic stylings, and slightly grotesque realism characterize the superbly paced visual style. And Clowes writes knowing his audience well. Enid and Becky are hilarious, snarky, deep characters whose shenanigans reveal more about themselves than most comic series ever do. Each panel is a well-crafted burst of thought and wit, compounded together weaving a fascinating story with some of the most memorable characters I've ever seen.

Highly recommended for all comic lovers, especially fans of "underground comics" (Bone much?...Don't answer that). My next project is to watch the 2001 film adaptation, which is apparently quite critically revered. Possibly due to the fact that Clowes wrote the adapted screenplay, but hey, what do I know? I haven't seen it yet. More on that later.