Character Quote by Daniel Clowes
“I used to use cigarettes to indicate somebody's an outsider a lot. It gave character a seedy, disreputable, almost suicidal quality. Now cigarettes are so unused - - you can't have anybody indoors smoking. If you drew that in a restaurant, you'd have to have a panel where the manager comes over and kicks them out. Unless it's set in Europe, you can't really do that. Characters who smoke - - it dates comics, somehow.”
About This Quote
Source Comic Book: Ghost World, 1997
Smoking in comics signals outsider status and gritty realism, but modern bans make it feel dated and impractical.
In simple terms: Smoking shows outsider vibe, now feels outdated.
Key Takeaway
Consider alternative visual cues for edginess.
Themes
character design
culture
authenticity
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
contemplative
When to use this quote
- graphic novels
- film adaptations
- character sketches
Key Concepts
social stigma
visual symbolism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you convey edginess without smoking?
- What other traits signal outsider status?
A Different Perspective
Modern audiences may reject smoking cues, limiting relatability.
