Ghost World (review: 3/5)

I wonder what if there is a world that equates to a small-town version of a pastorale? Suburbanale? Anyway, in Ghost World Daniel Clowes presents a few days in the life of two teenage girls as they piss away a small-town summer. The first time I tried to read this, I was bored to tears. Really, nothing happens. On second read, what actually impresses is the way Clowes can craft those micro-moments and give a full characterization with minimal material. This parallels the restrained artwork, using only black, white, and a pale blue for all the panels. The dialogue is shockingly foul and absolutely hilarious at times. High drama it is not, but there are worse ways to kill an hour. Keep an eye out for Enid’s shifting hairstyles.