Ghost World at 20: the comic-book movie that refused to conform

The astute and unconventional adaptation of Daniel Clowes' source material remains one of the most unique examples of the genre

In the 20 years since Ghost World was released, nerd culture has become dominant culture, turning a term once associated with the dweeby outcasts of 80s comedies to a shorthand nearly everyone can self-apply. Now you're a nerd for seeing Ant-Man and the Wasp on opening day. In truth, the term was always meaningless, whether it applied to pitiable dorks with taped-together glasses and pocket protectors or the hordes jamming Hall H at ComicCon every year, hyped up over the biggest movies on the planet. Authentic nerds are exiled from the culture entirely - few people want to spend time around them, much less pay money to see them on the screen.

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