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Strangers in Paradise Pocket Books #1
Strangers in Paradise: Pocket Book 1
Katchoo is a beautiful young woman living a quiet life with everything going for her. She's smart, independent and very much in love with her best friend, Francine. Then Katchoo meets David, a gentle but persistent young man who is determined to win Katchoo's heart. The resulting love triangle is a touching comedy of romantic errors until Katchoo's former employer comes looking for her and $850,000 in missing mob money. As her idyllic life begins to fall apart, Katchoo discovers no one can be trusted and that the past she thought she left behind now threatens to destroy her and everything she loves, including Francine.
344 pages, Paperback
First published August 10, 2004
55 people are currently reading
3083 people want to read
About the author
Terry Moore
817 books647 followersFollowing the examples of independent comic creators such as Dave Sim and Jeff Smith, he decided to publish Strangers in Paradise himself through his own Houston-based "Abstract Studios" imprint, and has frequently mentioned a desire to do a syndicated cartoon strip in the authors notes at the back of the Strangers in Paradise collection books. He has also mentioned his greatest career influence is Peanuts' Charles Schulz.[1] Some of Moore's strip work can additionally be found in his Paradise, Too! publications.
His work has won him recognition in the comics industry, including receiving the Eisner Award for Best Serialized Story in 1996 for Strangers in Paradise #1-8, which was collected in the trade paperback "I Dream of You".
It was announced on June 15th, 2007 that Moore would be taking over for Sean McKeever as writer of Marvel Comics's Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane series starting with a new issue #1. On July 27th, Marvel announced that Moore would also take over for Joss Whedon as writer of Marvel's Runaways.[2]
On November 19th, 2007 Terry Moore announced in his blog that his new self-published series would be named Echo and its first issue would appear on March 5th, 2008.[3]
His work has won him recognition in the comics industry, including receiving the Eisner Award for Best Serialized Story in 1996 for Strangers in Paradise #1-8, which was collected in the trade paperback "I Dream of You".
It was announced on June 15th, 2007 that Moore would be taking over for Sean McKeever as writer of Marvel Comics's Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane series starting with a new issue #1. On July 27th, Marvel announced that Moore would also take over for Joss Whedon as writer of Marvel's Runaways.[2]
On November 19th, 2007 Terry Moore announced in his blog that his new self-published series would be named Echo and its first issue would appear on March 5th, 2008.[3]
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
February 17, 2023
I read the Abstract Studio comic books series one #1-3 -wow! Most excellent short story and introduction to best friends Katchoo and Francine and their world. This first volume focused on Francine's love life and how it ultimately impacts on Katchoo. Great books, great characters and great art! I read the Abstract Studio comic books. 8 out of 12.
And to match this pocket book I went on to read series two #1-13 of this innovative, almost completely character driven series, which sees Katchoo's past catch up with everyone and her sexuality itself being questioned… by everyone. We also get to meet Mrs Parker. There's nothing out there like this, I'm fascinated by it! After all it's a will they, won't they lesbian romance mystery, dark comedy, suspense thriller!!!! 8 out of 12, Four Star read.
2014 read
And to match this pocket book I went on to read series two #1-13 of this innovative, almost completely character driven series, which sees Katchoo's past catch up with everyone and her sexuality itself being questioned… by everyone. We also get to meet Mrs Parker. There's nothing out there like this, I'm fascinated by it! After all it's a will they, won't they lesbian romance mystery, dark comedy, suspense thriller!!!! 8 out of 12, Four Star read.
2014 read
May 15, 2019
I loved Terry Moore's Echo. It was mature, intelligent, and scary as heck's hockeysticks. Naturally, and after numerous recommendations, I was looking forward to Strangers in Paradise. What a joy it would be to dip into a feminist story focused on complex and interesting female characters. I've just finished Vol. 1 of the Pocket Editions. Well...
Pros:
- Great, expressive art.
- Compulsively readable, despite its flaws.
Cons:
- Two parallel authorial impulses: An almost creepily-calculated feminism, and hetero-male fantasy
- Cheesecake illustration with frequent Clothes-Fall-Off syndrome
- Fetishized scenarios and numerous clichés: women kissing even though they aren't really gay; female nudity-fueled public humiliation; hookers with hearts of gold; insecure ice cream eating; a man-hating lesbian who is just bisexual enough to fulfill male fantasies, Tuff Girlz, etc.
- Much of the drama comes from the female need for a man, even, or especially, if she hates men.
- Condescending, pseudo-feminist depiction of male characters (either horny scumbags, or saints – what does this say about the female characters?).
- Complex characterization sometimes becomes merely messy.
- Frequent diversion into adolescent romanticism.
- "Katchoo."
- Absurd conclusion to the criminal plot.
- Moore does not create enough visual distinction between his female characters. Their faces are often interchangeable in a pin-up, girl-next-door style. In a structurally complicated narrative, this creates moments of confusion (Okay, she has dark, shoulder-length hair... Francie! Emma! Um... Parker?)
- Oh, and why did David fall in love with Katchoo (to the point where he expresses it in a creepy, it's-okay-if-you-physically-abuse-me way)? Her looks. Nothing more.
Pros:
- Great, expressive art.
- Compulsively readable, despite its flaws.
Cons:
- Two parallel authorial impulses: An almost creepily-calculated feminism, and hetero-male fantasy
- Cheesecake illustration with frequent Clothes-Fall-Off syndrome
- Fetishized scenarios and numerous clichés: women kissing even though they aren't really gay; female nudity-fueled public humiliation; hookers with hearts of gold; insecure ice cream eating; a man-hating lesbian who is just bisexual enough to fulfill male fantasies, Tuff Girlz, etc.
- Much of the drama comes from the female need for a man, even, or especially, if she hates men.
- Condescending, pseudo-feminist depiction of male characters (either horny scumbags, or saints – what does this say about the female characters?).
- Complex characterization sometimes becomes merely messy.
- Frequent diversion into adolescent romanticism.
- "Katchoo."
- Absurd conclusion to the criminal plot.
- Moore does not create enough visual distinction between his female characters. Their faces are often interchangeable in a pin-up, girl-next-door style. In a structurally complicated narrative, this creates moments of confusion (Okay, she has dark, shoulder-length hair... Francie! Emma! Um... Parker?)
- Oh, and why did David fall in love with Katchoo (to the point where he expresses it in a creepy, it's-okay-if-you-physically-abuse-me way)? Her looks. Nothing more.
January 6, 2022
Strangers in Paradise: Pocket book 1 collects Strangers in Paradise Volume 1 #1-3 and Strangers in Paradise Volume 2 #1-12.
I read a book containing the original Strangers in Paradise miniseries eons ago and probably posted a review on Goodreads. Anyway, I found this at the used bookstore for $4 and decided to jump back into the series.
Strangers in Paradise is the story of two friends, Francie and Katchoo, and their complicated relationship. With older eyes, they remind me of Maggie and Hopey from Love and Rockets a bit, although without as much history. There's no Del Chimney in this. Throw in David, a newcomer in their life that's enamored with Katchoo, and thus the triangle is complete.
The story is driven by some dark stuff in Katchoo's past but the real story is the developing, ever-changing relationship between Francine and Katchoo and whatever David is doing in their orbit. It reminds me of Love and Rockets at times and Stray Bullets in a couple places.
Terry Moore is both a great writer and artist. His characters are believable and his art has some Hernandez Bros, Archie, and manga in its parentage. It looks cartoony at first glance but the man can seriously draw.
Strangers in Paradise: Pocket Book 1 is a promising beginning. I guess I'm on board for the duration. 4 out of 5 stars.
I read a book containing the original Strangers in Paradise miniseries eons ago and probably posted a review on Goodreads. Anyway, I found this at the used bookstore for $4 and decided to jump back into the series.
Strangers in Paradise is the story of two friends, Francie and Katchoo, and their complicated relationship. With older eyes, they remind me of Maggie and Hopey from Love and Rockets a bit, although without as much history. There's no Del Chimney in this. Throw in David, a newcomer in their life that's enamored with Katchoo, and thus the triangle is complete.
The story is driven by some dark stuff in Katchoo's past but the real story is the developing, ever-changing relationship between Francine and Katchoo and whatever David is doing in their orbit. It reminds me of Love and Rockets at times and Stray Bullets in a couple places.
Terry Moore is both a great writer and artist. His characters are believable and his art has some Hernandez Bros, Archie, and manga in its parentage. It looks cartoony at first glance but the man can seriously draw.
Strangers in Paradise: Pocket Book 1 is a promising beginning. I guess I'm on board for the duration. 4 out of 5 stars.
October 8, 2017
Thank you Matthew for bringing this up unto my radar. I have not read this series prior and I am not sure why it hadn’t crossed paths with me before. Perhaps I was busy in the early nineties doing what you did back then, growing up, getting out with friends, and figuring things out!
Reading Vol I feels like I am right back in that time. There are no cell phones! No online media platforms etc. There are words or situations to hang on to, to ponder over and taking a stand, committing to your ideals, and perhaps getting it all wrong. Getting into relationships, breaking up, being real, being crude sometimes, and being vulnerable. There is no bandwagon to jump on or media to hide behind… it’s all to figure out raw and real.
Many reviews have been written about this series and I can’t word it any better then what hasn’t already been said. But here is what Neil Gaiman said about it on the back of Vol I: “What most people don’t know about love, sex and relations with other human beings would fill a book. Strangers in Paradise is that book.”
And that is sort of how I feel about it. The characters here are all very different from one another and so are their tempers and experiences and how they deal with certain situations. I want to almost say that perhaps now a days young people don’t go through so much drama anymore, but I could be wrong on that or too old by now. But what used to be more taboo just isn’t so anymore today. This graphic novel talks about some of those taboos, which I had not come in contact much in the 90’s since it simply wasn’t talked about.
“And still the storm approaches. And there's nothing I can do. So I wait and watch and feel his breath against my face, cool and brave. His salt licks my skin, his promise brushes my hair. His fury drives the wind to touch my cheek and whisper something I can't hear.
I think he loves me.
I think he comes to see me.
I am young. I will learn”
― Terry Moore, Strangers in Paradise, Pocket Book 1
“The ocean tosses up a thousand arms to embrace the storm that falls across her like a drunken sailor. His thunder slaps her thighs, his lighting piercing her waters.
They pound me between the hips and I begin to panic, knowing their passion will destroy me.”
― Terry Moore, Strangers in Paradise, Pocket Book 1
To sum it up, I will be following Katchoo and her friends along for a few more volumes in the series. I have heard many great things about it since my interest was piqued in it and our library has most of the volumes. As a matter of fact, the staff just contacted me that they are getting a whole new set of all the volumes, since it is having such popular come back.
Reading Vol I feels like I am right back in that time. There are no cell phones! No online media platforms etc. There are words or situations to hang on to, to ponder over and taking a stand, committing to your ideals, and perhaps getting it all wrong. Getting into relationships, breaking up, being real, being crude sometimes, and being vulnerable. There is no bandwagon to jump on or media to hide behind… it’s all to figure out raw and real.
Many reviews have been written about this series and I can’t word it any better then what hasn’t already been said. But here is what Neil Gaiman said about it on the back of Vol I: “What most people don’t know about love, sex and relations with other human beings would fill a book. Strangers in Paradise is that book.”
And that is sort of how I feel about it. The characters here are all very different from one another and so are their tempers and experiences and how they deal with certain situations. I want to almost say that perhaps now a days young people don’t go through so much drama anymore, but I could be wrong on that or too old by now. But what used to be more taboo just isn’t so anymore today. This graphic novel talks about some of those taboos, which I had not come in contact much in the 90’s since it simply wasn’t talked about.
“And still the storm approaches. And there's nothing I can do. So I wait and watch and feel his breath against my face, cool and brave. His salt licks my skin, his promise brushes my hair. His fury drives the wind to touch my cheek and whisper something I can't hear.
I think he loves me.
I think he comes to see me.
I am young. I will learn”
― Terry Moore, Strangers in Paradise, Pocket Book 1
“The ocean tosses up a thousand arms to embrace the storm that falls across her like a drunken sailor. His thunder slaps her thighs, his lighting piercing her waters.
They pound me between the hips and I begin to panic, knowing their passion will destroy me.”
― Terry Moore, Strangers in Paradise, Pocket Book 1
To sum it up, I will be following Katchoo and her friends along for a few more volumes in the series. I have heard many great things about it since my interest was piqued in it and our library has most of the volumes. As a matter of fact, the staff just contacted me that they are getting a whole new set of all the volumes, since it is having such popular come back.
August 24, 2014
I was handed this in trade paperback form when I wandered into a comic book shop one day asking if there were any "realistic" comics without all of the tights and capes. I took it home and fell in love with Katchoo, Francine, and David. Over the years I have re-read this story over an over again as the trio worked their way to the only possible conclusion they could have. It is a beautiful adventure and I recommend whenever I am given the opportunity. It was my gateway drug to the comicbook world and I am forever grateful. The series has recently ended, which only means you don't have to wait for the next issue to get written to keep reading. There are 7 pocket books in all and I would highly suggest buying them all after reading the first one. You won't want to put this one down.
June 25, 2019
WHAT WAS LIFE BEFORE STRANGERS IN PARADISE? WHY AM I SO LATE TO THE PARTY?
February 9, 2018
This was a real strange book. It's not great, it's not bad, it's weird.
So it's about two women trying to figure out life. This involves all the things in life such as bad breakups, family issues, love and drama, oh yeah and spy shit. So with the two women going through insane issues you have this undercover cop situation going on with a chain, stealing money, and a lot of weird crap that keeps piling up. Really, it's so odd it's hard to explain but it's def a interesting plot none the less.
Good: I enjoy the art a lot. Simple and fun. I also enjoy a lot of the dialog. it's easy, fun, and bouncing. They also feel like people talking and not cartoon characters. The ending was also interesting and keeps it open for new ideas.
Bad: The plot itself is all over the place, and sometimes it doesn't know how to hold back. Like it's going for all out wacky story but then it wants to settle down and it feels disjointed.
Overall fun little weird story. I'll check out volume 2 sometime but this didn't make me go "I MUST READ 2 RIGHT AWAY" Like after finished Rachel Rising.
So it's about two women trying to figure out life. This involves all the things in life such as bad breakups, family issues, love and drama, oh yeah and spy shit. So with the two women going through insane issues you have this undercover cop situation going on with a chain, stealing money, and a lot of weird crap that keeps piling up. Really, it's so odd it's hard to explain but it's def a interesting plot none the less.
Good: I enjoy the art a lot. Simple and fun. I also enjoy a lot of the dialog. it's easy, fun, and bouncing. They also feel like people talking and not cartoon characters. The ending was also interesting and keeps it open for new ideas.
Bad: The plot itself is all over the place, and sometimes it doesn't know how to hold back. Like it's going for all out wacky story but then it wants to settle down and it feels disjointed.
Overall fun little weird story. I'll check out volume 2 sometime but this didn't make me go "I MUST READ 2 RIGHT AWAY" Like after finished Rachel Rising.
November 22, 2010
This is like a rip-off of "Love & Rockets" for people who are intimidated by punk rock and Latinas(Katchoo & Francine are JUST LIKE Hopey and Maggie, but you know--more "girl next door" looking!). And written by a Nice Guy(tm) hoping to get into a pseudo-lesbian's pants(cuz he can CHANGE her with his love!) if he acts sympathetic enough to the fact that "yeah, men are jerks, amirite"? Ever notice that everyone with a penis (save Moore's milquetoasty Gary-Stu stand-in David) in this book is EEEEEEEE-VUUUUUULLLLLL? Or at least has to make an ass of themselves. I've encountered many people who adore "Strangers In Paradise", but I can't help it---it creeps me out! Do yourself a favor and get some actual "Love & Rockets" books instead!
May 3, 2009
Just read the first volume of Strangers in Paradise. Boy oh boy, did it rile me up. In a good way, of course. Let's just say I admire this graphic novel, but I'm not its intended audience. Loved the art. It put me in the mind of Berke Breathed's Bloom County. For some reason Francine's mother reminded me of Bill the Cat.
OK, let's get down to it. Every single male character in this volume is an asshole. Every. Single. One. Does Terry Moore hate men? I doubt it – he is a man, after all. I think it's more likely that he's a shrewd marketer who knows his audience. I admire his audacity: you've got to admire a guy who can make moving statements about feminine empowerment and draw great cheesecake at the same time and get away with it.
SIP is a graphic novel about sex, minus the sex (the first volume is, anyway). Instead we have the slow, richly deserved torment of the male characters. Let's talk about those male characters, shall we? Freddie and David, the scalp-taker and the teddy bear.
Freddie, first; he's the scalp-taker. Go to a used-car lot and he'll try to sell you a car. Go to a bar and he'll try to pick you up. He's an asshole, but at least he's up-front about it. In the interests of fairness I must also state that guys like Freddie get laid a lot. Moore nails him; the only thing he doesn't get right is that there's no way he would wait a year for sex. A real scalp-taker cuts ties and says bye-bye after two weeks.
David is the teddy bear. He's worst than Freddie, because he can’t take responsibility for his filthy sexual urges. Here’s a scoop: every man has filthy sexual urges. David neuters himself. He is the mascot, the little buddy, the pet. David is the type of character women like, because he’s harmless; men despise and pity him. Unfortunately for him, no woman will ever, ever find him attractive.
I give Katchoo credit; she tells David to go away. He doesn't, of course. David’s job is to read puerile poetry and tell Katchoo he loves her and be her designated punching bag while she works out her aggression. This is empowering, for Katchoo. In the spirit of abusive relationships David sits there and takes it. At one point he tells her he had it coming. I guess it’s Katchoo's pure soul; either that, or he likes being slapped in the face. Whatever; he stays.
The laundered Mob money storyline was a bit incoherent. It also put my Melodrama Meter off the charts. One of the characters ends up being related to another character, which - in the words of the Church Lady - is rather convenient.
Oh, and there's a wonderful fight scene between a female assassin and a fat guy. Yes, I know comic book violence is not realistic, but if you outweigh somebody by 100 pounds, all you need to do is sit on them and the fight is over. By the end of that one I was waiting for the ninjas to show up; maybe they will, in Volume 2.
OK, let's get down to it. Every single male character in this volume is an asshole. Every. Single. One. Does Terry Moore hate men? I doubt it – he is a man, after all. I think it's more likely that he's a shrewd marketer who knows his audience. I admire his audacity: you've got to admire a guy who can make moving statements about feminine empowerment and draw great cheesecake at the same time and get away with it.
SIP is a graphic novel about sex, minus the sex (the first volume is, anyway). Instead we have the slow, richly deserved torment of the male characters. Let's talk about those male characters, shall we? Freddie and David, the scalp-taker and the teddy bear.
Freddie, first; he's the scalp-taker. Go to a used-car lot and he'll try to sell you a car. Go to a bar and he'll try to pick you up. He's an asshole, but at least he's up-front about it. In the interests of fairness I must also state that guys like Freddie get laid a lot. Moore nails him; the only thing he doesn't get right is that there's no way he would wait a year for sex. A real scalp-taker cuts ties and says bye-bye after two weeks.
David is the teddy bear. He's worst than Freddie, because he can’t take responsibility for his filthy sexual urges. Here’s a scoop: every man has filthy sexual urges. David neuters himself. He is the mascot, the little buddy, the pet. David is the type of character women like, because he’s harmless; men despise and pity him. Unfortunately for him, no woman will ever, ever find him attractive.
I give Katchoo credit; she tells David to go away. He doesn't, of course. David’s job is to read puerile poetry and tell Katchoo he loves her and be her designated punching bag while she works out her aggression. This is empowering, for Katchoo. In the spirit of abusive relationships David sits there and takes it. At one point he tells her he had it coming. I guess it’s Katchoo's pure soul; either that, or he likes being slapped in the face. Whatever; he stays.
The laundered Mob money storyline was a bit incoherent. It also put my Melodrama Meter off the charts. One of the characters ends up being related to another character, which - in the words of the Church Lady - is rather convenient.
Oh, and there's a wonderful fight scene between a female assassin and a fat guy. Yes, I know comic book violence is not realistic, but if you outweigh somebody by 100 pounds, all you need to do is sit on them and the fight is over. By the end of that one I was waiting for the ninjas to show up; maybe they will, in Volume 2.
August 26, 2012
Remember that summer that you read Scott Pilgrim, lighting one book off the next, until you were dreaming in Pilgrim-ese and finished the entire series in what seemed like minutes. Then you went into that post-Pilgrim funk, missing those loveable -- and sometimes infuriating -- characters and thought that hole would never be filled. Then you said, “Screw it. I’ll turn this hole into a doorway into the graphic novel genre.” You started searching for that magical series that would capture the inexplicable thing that Brian Lee O'Malley captured with those six volume. While you never found anything that made you feel like you felt when you scoured the city limits for the second and third volumes, you did stumble on some dynamite stuff that deviates from the whole dark-alley, caped do-gooder vein. So that was good.
I have a hypothesis: If Scott Pilgrim had never been born, I might have had a similar experience with Terry Moore’s “Strangers In Paradise." I’m don’t have that same “Must. Buy. Book. Two.” rush, but that’s more because a) I now understand the addictive nature of a series; b) I’ve read more comic books since that summer. Scott Pilgrim had the added tug of being a first love. I will read book two, I just won’t be at the bookstore, blurry-eyed, when it opens tomorrow. Hell. I could wait a month.
Pocket Book 1 of Moore’s series is the first 13 volumes of the story about Katchoo and Francine -- longtime best friends and currently roommates. The former has the hots for the latter and Francine has the playing-it-cools for Freddie Femur, her boyfriend for the past 364 days. Francine has cinched on her chastity belt for length of the relationship, which really (ahem) rubs Femurs the wrong way. First he storms out of her apartment, then when she goes to make nice she finds him sawing away at one of the women who works in his office.
This enrages Katchoo, a woman one does not want to piss off. Consider this: She fires bullets into her alarm clock one morning. While Francine dissolves into self destruction, Katchoo finds a way to publically humiliate the jerk, first scaring the beejeebees out of him with a common kitchen utensil. In the meantime, David has entered the scene. He’s an arty sort who is totally smitten with Katchoo and won’t take her “I don’t like men” for an answer. He inches his way into her life as a friends, but does nothing to hide his interest in more.
Book one includes an always-shifting love triangle, secrets will be revealed, characters will almost die, and some mysterious characters hunt Kachoo to shake her down for the $850,000 they believe she stole from the mob.
Oddly enough: I picked up “Strangers in Paradise” at one comic bookstore before walking into another one and having the owner recommend it to me. These kind of quirky coincidences always make it mandatory that I read the book in question. This series is fun, funny, fresh and sometimes almost sexy. Katchoo, part artist, part ass kicker, is a sassy character. It leans a little too close to madcap and some of the poetic and lyrical moments are a little oh-for-crying-out-loud-ish, but whatever.
I have a hypothesis: If Scott Pilgrim had never been born, I might have had a similar experience with Terry Moore’s “Strangers In Paradise." I’m don’t have that same “Must. Buy. Book. Two.” rush, but that’s more because a) I now understand the addictive nature of a series; b) I’ve read more comic books since that summer. Scott Pilgrim had the added tug of being a first love. I will read book two, I just won’t be at the bookstore, blurry-eyed, when it opens tomorrow. Hell. I could wait a month.
Pocket Book 1 of Moore’s series is the first 13 volumes of the story about Katchoo and Francine -- longtime best friends and currently roommates. The former has the hots for the latter and Francine has the playing-it-cools for Freddie Femur, her boyfriend for the past 364 days. Francine has cinched on her chastity belt for length of the relationship, which really (ahem) rubs Femurs the wrong way. First he storms out of her apartment, then when she goes to make nice she finds him sawing away at one of the women who works in his office.
This enrages Katchoo, a woman one does not want to piss off. Consider this: She fires bullets into her alarm clock one morning. While Francine dissolves into self destruction, Katchoo finds a way to publically humiliate the jerk, first scaring the beejeebees out of him with a common kitchen utensil. In the meantime, David has entered the scene. He’s an arty sort who is totally smitten with Katchoo and won’t take her “I don’t like men” for an answer. He inches his way into her life as a friends, but does nothing to hide his interest in more.
Book one includes an always-shifting love triangle, secrets will be revealed, characters will almost die, and some mysterious characters hunt Kachoo to shake her down for the $850,000 they believe she stole from the mob.
Oddly enough: I picked up “Strangers in Paradise” at one comic bookstore before walking into another one and having the owner recommend it to me. These kind of quirky coincidences always make it mandatory that I read the book in question. This series is fun, funny, fresh and sometimes almost sexy. Katchoo, part artist, part ass kicker, is a sassy character. It leans a little too close to madcap and some of the poetic and lyrical moments are a little oh-for-crying-out-loud-ish, but whatever.
September 12, 2012
Let me clarify: the art in this comic deserves nothing less than a 5. The linework is incredible, the pacing of the panels is top-notch, the light/dark contrasts stagger, and everything works to convey the story Moore is trying to get across.
Unfortunately, the stars get docked off for the story itself. It feels like a whole bunch of tropes and cliches haphazardly thrown together: macho lesbian former prostitute (if this was a fan fiction we would all be rolling our eyes), emotional over-eater bombshell, sleazy rich sharkskin-suit wearing boyfriend (who gets walked in on having an office affair? come ON!), and overly-understanding-artist-dude-standing-in-for-the-author. It's so over-the-top and soap-opera-esque, which is jarring considering the careful and precise artwork. I also almost went inSANE when there was suddenly PAGES OF TEXT we were expected to read (why didn't Moore illustrate these instead?!), and I just flat-out skipped over any poetry/lyrics because FUCK DAT SHIT.
I can understand how this was groundbreaking, but I think it's more groundbreaking as a bridge between great works than a great work itself: the artwork and composition brings new dignity to the graphic novel genre despite the story staying firmly in the melodramatic vein of older comic books. Nevertheless, still planning on finishing this series just for the artwork and panel composition, because DAMN.
Unfortunately, the stars get docked off for the story itself. It feels like a whole bunch of tropes and cliches haphazardly thrown together: macho lesbian former prostitute (if this was a fan fiction we would all be rolling our eyes), emotional over-eater bombshell, sleazy rich sharkskin-suit wearing boyfriend (who gets walked in on having an office affair? come ON!), and overly-understanding-artist-dude-standing-in-for-the-author. It's so over-the-top and soap-opera-esque, which is jarring considering the careful and precise artwork. I also almost went inSANE when there was suddenly PAGES OF TEXT we were expected to read (why didn't Moore illustrate these instead?!), and I just flat-out skipped over any poetry/lyrics because FUCK DAT SHIT.
I can understand how this was groundbreaking, but I think it's more groundbreaking as a bridge between great works than a great work itself: the artwork and composition brings new dignity to the graphic novel genre despite the story staying firmly in the melodramatic vein of older comic books. Nevertheless, still planning on finishing this series just for the artwork and panel composition, because DAMN.
July 18, 2009
Bad, really bad. Trashy, soapy and with annoyingly stupid characters.
April 8, 2020
With unfiltered estrogen coating every level herein, a menstrual deluge of exacerbated PMS’s laden madness drives this gynocentric tale forward. Based in reality yet well dosed with cartooney hi-jinks, it can be something of a wonky mish-mash to trudge through here. Never quite sure were to apply suspension of disbelief or focus on the dimension of reality herein, the ensuing connectives between the reader and the text here are quite jarring.
April 28, 2017
Three and a half stars? I think?
I read a lot of Strangers In Paradise, when they came out in the nineties. I'm certain I missed large chunks of story. By coincidence, I ran across SiP again just recently. It kinda holds up. Kinda. My thoughts about it are complicated.
The easy part, the relationship between Katchoo and Francine and David is the story's heart. It's charming, and difficult, infuriating and messy. This came out at time when Defense of Marriage laws were being contemplated across the country, and federally, so let's give the book and Terry Moore credit for being ahead of its time.
Katrina Choovanski and Francine Peters are best friends since high school (??). They know each others issues and have that best friend shorthand. In most situations Katrina goes by the portmanteau Katchoo. She has a complicated, even dangerous, past, most of which she has kept hidden from Francine. She aspires to be a professional painter. Francine, I will argue in one respect, would be a proto-Gilmore Girl. Lorelai and Rory Gilmore ate all the time; one show was them going to seven Thanksgiving dinners. Francine Peters would fit right in. There is obviously love between Francine and Katchoo, and in this volume Moore flirts with the idea that it could be something more. At least Katchoo seems more open to the idea than Francine.
David Parker is the readers entrance into their world, and an important connection to the other part of SiP. He takes an immediate shine to Katchoo. Katchoo attempts to set him straight, but David is persistent and loyal. Katchoo's past leads her eventually to trust that loyalty. As the story unfolds it becomes apparent a multitude of issues are holding Katchoo back from a relationship with David; her past; her love for Francine, and David's connection to other part of SiP.
It's not a depiction of human friendships without its flaws. Moore has a couple of very trite scenes including Katchoo and David in a downpour sorting things out. But I think its one of the best depictions of human relationships in comics we've had in the past 25 years.
The complicated part comes from the second story line in SiP. The crime drama I guess I'll call it. I'm not sure its good. It's infuriating and messy, and not in the slightest charming. Moore makes it very simple for the reader to distinguish who are the bad guys and who are the good in this story. While the crime drama section of Moore's story gives him an avenue to give us background on Katchoo and David adding depth to his characters, the criminals are narratively portrayed in a very simplistic way.
There's a lot of poetry and music in this volume (and series, if memory serves), most of it original. You're mileage may vary on its quality, but Moore adds some nice story beats giving him reasons to include it. (I seem to remember Moore listened to music while he created? Maybe I'm wrong.)
There is also the issue of violence. There's a surprising amount of violence in this book for a book not based in say, Gotham. There is two types of violence in this book. The type that ties into the criminal stuff, and the violence between Katchoo and David. Katchoo lets David have it physically a couple of times. I could argue that Moore depicts each sort of violence differently, and tries to play the stuff between David and Katchoo, like the Looney Tunes characters. David is never physically bruised as a result, but that lets Moore off the hook too easy. It tempers a lot of praise for the work.
Strangers in Paradise is Moore's first big work on the comic book scene. There's a a lot to like about SiP and some stuff that may annoy, but it worth a read. It's very much a creation of its decade.
I read a lot of Strangers In Paradise, when they came out in the nineties. I'm certain I missed large chunks of story. By coincidence, I ran across SiP again just recently. It kinda holds up. Kinda. My thoughts about it are complicated.
The easy part, the relationship between Katchoo and Francine and David is the story's heart. It's charming, and difficult, infuriating and messy. This came out at time when Defense of Marriage laws were being contemplated across the country, and federally, so let's give the book and Terry Moore credit for being ahead of its time.
Katrina Choovanski and Francine Peters are best friends since high school (??). They know each others issues and have that best friend shorthand. In most situations Katrina goes by the portmanteau Katchoo. She has a complicated, even dangerous, past, most of which she has kept hidden from Francine. She aspires to be a professional painter. Francine, I will argue in one respect, would be a proto-Gilmore Girl. Lorelai and Rory Gilmore ate all the time; one show was them going to seven Thanksgiving dinners. Francine Peters would fit right in. There is obviously love between Francine and Katchoo, and in this volume Moore flirts with the idea that it could be something more. At least Katchoo seems more open to the idea than Francine.
David Parker is the readers entrance into their world, and an important connection to the other part of SiP. He takes an immediate shine to Katchoo. Katchoo attempts to set him straight, but David is persistent and loyal. Katchoo's past leads her eventually to trust that loyalty. As the story unfolds it becomes apparent a multitude of issues are holding Katchoo back from a relationship with David; her past; her love for Francine, and David's connection to other part of SiP.
It's not a depiction of human friendships without its flaws. Moore has a couple of very trite scenes including Katchoo and David in a downpour sorting things out. But I think its one of the best depictions of human relationships in comics we've had in the past 25 years.
The complicated part comes from the second story line in SiP. The crime drama I guess I'll call it. I'm not sure its good. It's infuriating and messy, and not in the slightest charming. Moore makes it very simple for the reader to distinguish who are the bad guys and who are the good in this story. While the crime drama section of Moore's story gives him an avenue to give us background on Katchoo and David adding depth to his characters, the criminals are narratively portrayed in a very simplistic way.
There's a lot of poetry and music in this volume (and series, if memory serves), most of it original. You're mileage may vary on its quality, but Moore adds some nice story beats giving him reasons to include it. (I seem to remember Moore listened to music while he created? Maybe I'm wrong.)
There is also the issue of violence. There's a surprising amount of violence in this book for a book not based in say, Gotham. There is two types of violence in this book. The type that ties into the criminal stuff, and the violence between Katchoo and David. Katchoo lets David have it physically a couple of times. I could argue that Moore depicts each sort of violence differently, and tries to play the stuff between David and Katchoo, like the Looney Tunes characters. David is never physically bruised as a result, but that lets Moore off the hook too easy. It tempers a lot of praise for the work.
Strangers in Paradise is Moore's first big work on the comic book scene. There's a a lot to like about SiP and some stuff that may annoy, but it worth a read. It's very much a creation of its decade.
May 13, 2017
Katina Choovanski—“Katchoo,” to her friends— is a beautiful and talented artist living a quiet life with everything going for her. She's smart, independent, and very much in love with her best friend, Francine Peters. Then Katchoo meets the gentle but persistent David Qin who is determined to win her heart. The ensuing love triangle is a charming comedy of romantic blunders until a second plot element emerges in the form of a suspense thriller-type arc involving Katchoo's former employer, Darcy Parker, who’s now hunting Katchoo and a large sum of stolen mob money.
What's most endearing about Strangers in Paradise—aside from the prospect of hot girl-on-girl action (what can I say? I’m a guy.)—is that its principle plotline is centered on real human drama with genuine characters, not superheroes in spandex. If the outstanding, well-paced writing isn’t enough to draw you in, perhaps then the clean, consistent, and incredibly detailed artwork will do the trick. The book is laced with both incredible humor and intensity, along with bits of song and evocative poetry that wonderfully complement the story. There’s even a couple extended prose segments, including a noir-esque police procedural involving Detective Mike Walsh as he investigates the brutal assault and subsequent murder of a former police officer with ties to predatory crime boss Darcy Parker.
Strangers in Paradise is both top-notch and utterly addicting. The believable and rich characterizations in this book are matched by only a small number of comics. Author Terry Moore's stark artistic style deftly captures the variety of characters and the overwhelming emotions etched in their facial expressions. Katina and Francine’s loving friendship is sure to tug at the heartstrings of many readers. What’s more, given the modern cultural and political landscape, Strangers in Paradise imparts a valuable and empowering message about the unseen depth and awe-inspiring beauty of women, regardless of their size or outward appearance.
What's most endearing about Strangers in Paradise—aside from the prospect of hot girl-on-girl action (what can I say? I’m a guy.)—is that its principle plotline is centered on real human drama with genuine characters, not superheroes in spandex. If the outstanding, well-paced writing isn’t enough to draw you in, perhaps then the clean, consistent, and incredibly detailed artwork will do the trick. The book is laced with both incredible humor and intensity, along with bits of song and evocative poetry that wonderfully complement the story. There’s even a couple extended prose segments, including a noir-esque police procedural involving Detective Mike Walsh as he investigates the brutal assault and subsequent murder of a former police officer with ties to predatory crime boss Darcy Parker.
Strangers in Paradise is both top-notch and utterly addicting. The believable and rich characterizations in this book are matched by only a small number of comics. Author Terry Moore's stark artistic style deftly captures the variety of characters and the overwhelming emotions etched in their facial expressions. Katina and Francine’s loving friendship is sure to tug at the heartstrings of many readers. What’s more, given the modern cultural and political landscape, Strangers in Paradise imparts a valuable and empowering message about the unseen depth and awe-inspiring beauty of women, regardless of their size or outward appearance.
January 7, 2017
This year I'm going to finally read the complete Strangers in Paradise series. I've read much of it over the years, but never the entire series from start to finish.
This is different than pretty much any other comic ever published. It's almost like a comic book soap opera, but it's got enough going on it doesn't seem stale or turn off comic book readers. It's a story of two women who are best friends and the different baggage they bring with them through the journey of life.
This first issue introduces us to Katchoo and Francine, who are very sexy characters even though they don't fit the usual "comic book sexy" stereotype. They aren't unrealistic sexual fantasies come to life, they are real women who are just as sexy as the super heroines that normally inhabit the comic world. We see them having real life struggles such as weight, money, relationships, etc. But to keep things interesting, there's also murder and dark secrets from the past.
Overall this is a really strong volume. If I have any complaint it's that Terry Moore's art sometimes come across a little cartoony in serious situations. Domestic violence and murder just don't have the right edge with his artstyle, even though he is great at portraying emotion.
A really good series and something that many readers, especially female readers, would love even if they've never read a graphic novel.
This is different than pretty much any other comic ever published. It's almost like a comic book soap opera, but it's got enough going on it doesn't seem stale or turn off comic book readers. It's a story of two women who are best friends and the different baggage they bring with them through the journey of life.
This first issue introduces us to Katchoo and Francine, who are very sexy characters even though they don't fit the usual "comic book sexy" stereotype. They aren't unrealistic sexual fantasies come to life, they are real women who are just as sexy as the super heroines that normally inhabit the comic world. We see them having real life struggles such as weight, money, relationships, etc. But to keep things interesting, there's also murder and dark secrets from the past.
Overall this is a really strong volume. If I have any complaint it's that Terry Moore's art sometimes come across a little cartoony in serious situations. Domestic violence and murder just don't have the right edge with his artstyle, even though he is great at portraying emotion.
A really good series and something that many readers, especially female readers, would love even if they've never read a graphic novel.
August 23, 2011
Gee, even though this is pretty stupid and annoying and the guy in it is such a pony-tailed sissy and the poetry and songs are terrible and everybody is needy and mooshy and all the men are sleazy even though it's clearly written by a man whatwithall the flirtatious lesbian shit and whatnot and it has this nerdy manga vibe and I can't tell if the far-fetched gangster plotline is a distraction or the only thing keeping this book together- it's still really readable, and the lettering is well done, and I read it all in one sitting. I'll probably read the rest because it will keep me out of trouble. I don't know, I hate to use the term, but could this be... a guilty pleasure?
(PS This book isn't as bad as 1-star but it sure doesn't deserve 4.5 stars so I thought I'd fuck with the statistics)
(PS This book isn't as bad as 1-star but it sure doesn't deserve 4.5 stars so I thought I'd fuck with the statistics)
July 2, 2016
Güzeldi ama basım hatalarıyla doluydu. Yarım cümleler vardı. Pantolon kelimesi birden fazla yerde pantalon olarak yazılmıştı, motherfucker da ana sevici olarak çevrilmişti. Hepsini bir araya toplayınca bir yıldız kırdım.
Ayrıca bana iki kitaplık bir seri diye sattılar fuarda, altı kitabı varmış. Görevli arkadaşlara da güvenemeyeceğiz artık girip her alacağımız kitaba bakmamız gerekiyor....
Ayrıca bana iki kitaplık bir seri diye sattılar fuarda, altı kitabı varmış. Görevli arkadaşlara da güvenemeyeceğiz artık girip her alacağımız kitaba bakmamız gerekiyor....
June 26, 2010
I'm a big fan of poutine. For those of you who are not Canadian, nor have Canadians in your life, poutine is a Quebecois dish based on french fries, which have cheese curds placed on top of them, and then the whole thing is smothered in gravy.
This seems off-topic, but I swear it relates.
The thing with poutine is that it's a really common dish, because it's simple and easy to put together, but few people make it really well. I've been in restaurants where they've just shredded some mozzarella cheese and tossed it on top of the gravy, and other places where the curds are rubbery, or the gravy's watered down or tasteless. It's easy to make, but real easy to get wrong as well. When it's done right, though, poutine is artery-clogging ambrosia, and one of the tastiest foods on the planet.
Strangers in Paradise is poutine literature. It takes a lot of common elements from other stories and mixes them together - between the emo-before-emo-was-a-thing characters, the love triangle between those characters, the feminist politics, the complex interplays of sexuality, cross-gender friendships, and attraction, and the "on the run from the mafia" plot, you've got elements of around half of the cinema and indie comics of the early 1990s represented here in some way, shape, or form. And it works. My gods does it work. Everything fits in perfectly together - the plot, the characters, the artwork - and you end up both loving and hating those characters at the same time for the choices that they're making as the story progresses. It's a difficult, demanding story to read at some points, but it's a very rewarding read at the same time, one that gives you all it has and leaves you wanting even more once you're done.
Another highlight of this GN is the artwork - Moore's black and white brushwork might seem a little simplistic at first, but it's a concious choice, done to get you to pay more attention to the words on the page, and the way he varies style and layout throughout it (for example, cartoonish styles for dream sequences and complex, multi-balooned conversations in one panel between good friends), as well as incorporating things like music, poetry, and prose writing throughout the book - it's almost like he's using Strangers in Paradise to teach a seminar on what the GN is capable of while at the same time telling a great story.
This seems off-topic, but I swear it relates.
The thing with poutine is that it's a really common dish, because it's simple and easy to put together, but few people make it really well. I've been in restaurants where they've just shredded some mozzarella cheese and tossed it on top of the gravy, and other places where the curds are rubbery, or the gravy's watered down or tasteless. It's easy to make, but real easy to get wrong as well. When it's done right, though, poutine is artery-clogging ambrosia, and one of the tastiest foods on the planet.
Strangers in Paradise is poutine literature. It takes a lot of common elements from other stories and mixes them together - between the emo-before-emo-was-a-thing characters, the love triangle between those characters, the feminist politics, the complex interplays of sexuality, cross-gender friendships, and attraction, and the "on the run from the mafia" plot, you've got elements of around half of the cinema and indie comics of the early 1990s represented here in some way, shape, or form. And it works. My gods does it work. Everything fits in perfectly together - the plot, the characters, the artwork - and you end up both loving and hating those characters at the same time for the choices that they're making as the story progresses. It's a difficult, demanding story to read at some points, but it's a very rewarding read at the same time, one that gives you all it has and leaves you wanting even more once you're done.
Another highlight of this GN is the artwork - Moore's black and white brushwork might seem a little simplistic at first, but it's a concious choice, done to get you to pay more attention to the words on the page, and the way he varies style and layout throughout it (for example, cartoonish styles for dream sequences and complex, multi-balooned conversations in one panel between good friends), as well as incorporating things like music, poetry, and prose writing throughout the book - it's almost like he's using Strangers in Paradise to teach a seminar on what the GN is capable of while at the same time telling a great story.
August 19, 2019
COSE PIACIUTE:
La caratterizzazione dei personaggi
La predominanza di figure femminile
Lo svolgimento della storia
Si parla di uba profonda amicizia tra donne
COSE CHE NON MI SONO PIACIUTE:
-la tematica dell'AIDS solamente accennata
-l eccessiva violenza sugli uomini( non fraintendetemi ma secondo me alcune questioni potevano essere risolte diversamente e non con la violenza)
-la frettolosa risoluzione della storline di Katina
Nonostante questo un ottima grafic novel
La caratterizzazione dei personaggi
La predominanza di figure femminile
Lo svolgimento della storia
Si parla di uba profonda amicizia tra donne
COSE CHE NON MI SONO PIACIUTE:
-la tematica dell'AIDS solamente accennata
-l eccessiva violenza sugli uomini( non fraintendetemi ma secondo me alcune questioni potevano essere risolte diversamente e non con la violenza)
-la frettolosa risoluzione della storline di Katina
Nonostante questo un ottima grafic novel
September 29, 2019
Zevkle okudum ama pazarlandığı gibi (özellikle)kadınların severek okuduğu/okuyacağı ilişkiler üzerine bir kitap olduğu konusunda kuşkuluyum. Eşcinsellik üzerine klişeler barındırıyor. Cinsel yönelim üzerine olan bu bakışı fobik değil ama demode ve tutarsız buldum. Düğümün çözüldüğü sahnelere gelene kadar tanıtılan Parker gibi kötü karakterler yapay duruyor.
Son diyeceğim, gerekli şeyler serinin devamını getirse güzel olur.
Son diyeceğim, gerekli şeyler serinin devamını getirse güzel olur.
October 3, 2021
Letto in troppe rate, questo primo volume di Strangers in Paradise non mi ha entusiasmato, ma non mi ha nemmeno annoiato. Sento molto gli anni 90 nell’approccio e nei dialoghi, ma secondo me, tempo un paio di volumi e vorrò bene a Katchoo e Francine come a due vecchie amiche.
Andiamo avanti e vediamo!
Andiamo avanti e vediamo!
January 20, 2023
Hat Spaß gemacht! Tatsächlich sehr wie eine Soap: over-dramatic, stark überzogene, flache Charaktere & Emotionen. Die Geschichte hätte man genauso gut mit mehr Tiefe / Mut zur Komplexität schreiben können, dann hätte sie mir noch mehr gefallen.
October 6, 2012
This is perhaps the most profound soap opera in the world. It’s not about a plot – the roommates are not going to run from the cops or toss the ring into Mount Doom. Rather, it’s about intertwining lives, and most often defined by either love or friendship between people. Katchoo has been in love with Francine since their teens, but Francine may not even be gay, let alone recognize Katchoo’s affection; David enters the picture, falls for Katchoo, and while Katchoo feels something for him, it’s clear Francine dominates her heart; Francine, meanwhile, dates a string of men who are no good for her; and things spiral from there.
What’s profound about that? It’s not in the challenging of heteronormative romance, or the effortless depiction of someone in unconscious questioning of her own sexuality, but in every stage of their relationships. Moore builds characters out of moments most of us don’t even think to record; the overreaction of a friend to your heartbreak, or hiding lust in playful banter, or all those crucial times when the day made us focus on one thing so that we entirely missed the other. There are at least two times in this volume where characters are distracted by serious problems, put into believable mindsets, and then entirely miss out on what might have been the loves of their lives because they overlooked signals. It hurts that your few opportunities at love can be that delicate sometimes, but it’s worth capturing them, every bit as much as capturing the humor of leaving a used tampon as a protest in the hands of a misogynist statue. That happens, too.
There is plot. There is big honking, "You stole my mob money, my goons are going to shoot you" plot, and it's great at shaking up the status quo. It certainly fits with the soap opera motif, down to one character (dramatically) turning out to be the sibling of the villain. And honestly, I could have done without it. I (and likely, a much smaller audience than Moore actually attracted) would have happily read a domestic series that was solely about these endearingly flawed, confused and funny people trying to make life work better. Nothing in the police procedurals, or even the eventual rush of a protagonist to the hospital, matches the attachment of simply watching Katchoo's old friend slip away in a long and quiet sequence.
I’d praise Moore just for his storycraft, but there’s much more ambition to the series than that. Our first chapter resembles a friendly Comedy, where a lesbian fails to date her (seemingly hetero) best friend, her best friend is emotionally abused by her boyfriend, and so the lesbian sets out to ruin him as payback. It’s somewhat lighthearted, yet not many pages later we enter a deeply mournful, low-dialogue story about a loved one dying of AIDS. This is only the beginning of Moore’s experiments, as he shifts how sequential works, sometimes putting his dialogue in all lower case, or mixing up where the word balloons are, or abandons them entirely and leaves us to guess who is speaking based on what they say. One tense section features bits of a character’s poem running along the bottom of the pages, not intruding on the sequence, but allowing bits of rumination to seep in if you want them. There are a few pages midway into this volume where it turns into a prose short story, pulpy down to its paragraph structure, telling the perspective of a detective on a case related to the women. Not all of the experiments work – the short story is choppy even by pulp standards – but the sheer ambition merits progression.
For all that experimentation, Moore exhibits mastery over simple sequential narrative. There’s a three-panel spread of a kidnapper reading something, the victim smirking and asking something derisive, and lastly the kidnapper looking up with a full-faced expression that is pregnant with character. There’s detail in and under the cheeks that few other artists barely ever remember to draw.
Just like that ability to focus on singular responses and details in his art, over and over again Moore displays a sense for what matters in the lives of his characters. Companionship, friendly, romantic, or much messier, is what makes this world go around. Why do people shut each other out? How can we help each other through our flaws, and which ones are worth overlooking? No character is a role model for progressive behavior, but the heart behind our leads is something fiction and non-fiction could learn from.
What’s profound about that? It’s not in the challenging of heteronormative romance, or the effortless depiction of someone in unconscious questioning of her own sexuality, but in every stage of their relationships. Moore builds characters out of moments most of us don’t even think to record; the overreaction of a friend to your heartbreak, or hiding lust in playful banter, or all those crucial times when the day made us focus on one thing so that we entirely missed the other. There are at least two times in this volume where characters are distracted by serious problems, put into believable mindsets, and then entirely miss out on what might have been the loves of their lives because they overlooked signals. It hurts that your few opportunities at love can be that delicate sometimes, but it’s worth capturing them, every bit as much as capturing the humor of leaving a used tampon as a protest in the hands of a misogynist statue. That happens, too.
There is plot. There is big honking, "You stole my mob money, my goons are going to shoot you" plot, and it's great at shaking up the status quo. It certainly fits with the soap opera motif, down to one character (dramatically) turning out to be the sibling of the villain. And honestly, I could have done without it. I (and likely, a much smaller audience than Moore actually attracted) would have happily read a domestic series that was solely about these endearingly flawed, confused and funny people trying to make life work better. Nothing in the police procedurals, or even the eventual rush of a protagonist to the hospital, matches the attachment of simply watching Katchoo's old friend slip away in a long and quiet sequence.
I’d praise Moore just for his storycraft, but there’s much more ambition to the series than that. Our first chapter resembles a friendly Comedy, where a lesbian fails to date her (seemingly hetero) best friend, her best friend is emotionally abused by her boyfriend, and so the lesbian sets out to ruin him as payback. It’s somewhat lighthearted, yet not many pages later we enter a deeply mournful, low-dialogue story about a loved one dying of AIDS. This is only the beginning of Moore’s experiments, as he shifts how sequential works, sometimes putting his dialogue in all lower case, or mixing up where the word balloons are, or abandons them entirely and leaves us to guess who is speaking based on what they say. One tense section features bits of a character’s poem running along the bottom of the pages, not intruding on the sequence, but allowing bits of rumination to seep in if you want them. There are a few pages midway into this volume where it turns into a prose short story, pulpy down to its paragraph structure, telling the perspective of a detective on a case related to the women. Not all of the experiments work – the short story is choppy even by pulp standards – but the sheer ambition merits progression.
For all that experimentation, Moore exhibits mastery over simple sequential narrative. There’s a three-panel spread of a kidnapper reading something, the victim smirking and asking something derisive, and lastly the kidnapper looking up with a full-faced expression that is pregnant with character. There’s detail in and under the cheeks that few other artists barely ever remember to draw.
Just like that ability to focus on singular responses and details in his art, over and over again Moore displays a sense for what matters in the lives of his characters. Companionship, friendly, romantic, or much messier, is what makes this world go around. Why do people shut each other out? How can we help each other through our flaws, and which ones are worth overlooking? No character is a role model for progressive behavior, but the heart behind our leads is something fiction and non-fiction could learn from.
January 31, 2025
I could’ve done without them calling Francine fat every other issue but I really liked the art style and the pure hatred for men
Read
August 10, 2022I knew almost nothing about this series when I bought it—just that it had good ratings and that it was a slice of life romance series, of which I hadn't yet gotten myself into. I became a little apprehensive about reading it once I saw some of the reviews slating this as misogynistic and over-sexualised, but personally I have to disagree.
That's not to say it isn't a product of its time, because it absolutely is, but I still found this comic charming. I know people also think the tone and genre-swapping is disjointed, but I didn't feel that way. I liked each arc even more than the one before it and I think the blend of comedy, drama and romance with the crime/thriller story in the middle about Katchoo was perfect! It kept my attention and with each page I didn't want to put it down, I was gripped.
The art, too, is really lovely to look at, the women are gorgeous (and as someone who is definitely critical of over-sexualisation when it's unnecessary, I didn't feel it here. Characters are sexualised through the eyes of obviously gross male characters and have a lot of agency themselves), and easily intersperses a comedic, more cartoony look during comedic moments.
I'm now totally invested in the lives of Katchoo and Francine (and David), and I can't wait to read the next pocket book. I can see this becoming a favourite series of mine when I want to read something funny and relaxing, with some crime/thriller going on in there a little too.
That's not to say it isn't a product of its time, because it absolutely is, but I still found this comic charming. I know people also think the tone and genre-swapping is disjointed, but I didn't feel that way. I liked each arc even more than the one before it and I think the blend of comedy, drama and romance with the crime/thriller story in the middle about Katchoo was perfect! It kept my attention and with each page I didn't want to put it down, I was gripped.
The art, too, is really lovely to look at, the women are gorgeous (and as someone who is definitely critical of over-sexualisation when it's unnecessary, I didn't feel it here. Characters are sexualised through the eyes of obviously gross male characters and have a lot of agency themselves), and easily intersperses a comedic, more cartoony look during comedic moments.
I'm now totally invested in the lives of Katchoo and Francine (and David), and I can't wait to read the next pocket book. I can see this becoming a favourite series of mine when I want to read something funny and relaxing, with some crime/thriller going on in there a little too.
March 24, 2022
#ThrowbackThursday - Back in the '90s, I used to write comic book reviews for the website of a now-defunct comic book retailer called Rockem Sockem Comics. (Collect them all!)
From the November 1998 edition with a theme of "Women in the Comics":
INTRODUCTION
This month's column reflects on the depiction of women in the comics. From the selections below, you'd have to generalize that women are either whup-ass, big-breasted superheroes and villains or confused bisexuals.
Yeah.
I'm sure these stereotypes are going to bring in that mainstream female audience the comics industry has always wanted . . .
But, hey, I review what is produced, not what should exist. And some of these comics ain't half bad.
THE THREESOME
STRANGERS IN PARADISE VOLUME ONE #1-3 (Antarctic Press)
STRANGERS IN PARADISE VOLUME TWO #1-14 (Abstract Studio)
STRANGERS IN PARADISE VOLUME THREE #1-18 (Homage Comics/Image Comics and Abstract Studio)
Whenever I see a comic featuring two women -- one blonde and one brunette -- I can't help but think of Archie Comics' Betty and Veronica. Turn the two women into a romantic triangle by adding a man -- an Archie, if you will -- who is interested in both of them and whom both women find attractive and the Archie Comics analogy is complete. However, I don't think Archie Comics will be publishing an issue any time soon wherein Betty and Veronica are as interested in kissing each other as they are in kissing Archie.
No, for that you need to pick up STRANGERS IN PARADISE.
Writer/artist Terry Moore has created a quirky little book about love and romance, sex and violence, babes and bazookas, poetry and life. At the center of the book is the relationship between Francine Peters, Katina "Katchoo" Choovanski, and David. Francine and Katchoo have been friends since high school. Ten years after high school they are roommates coping with life.
The first volume of STRANGERS IN PARADISE takes a madcap,over-the-top tone as it introduces the major players in the series. Francine's bad taste in men is leaving her depressed, and that is contributing to her weight problem. Fortunately, her bubbly spirit and general ditziness keep her out of the suicidal category. Katchoo, meanwhile, is a gun-toting misanthrope who'd rather kill a man than talk to one. Specifically, she's ready to kill the man who has just wronged Francine. Soft-spoken David, meanwhile, finds himself attracted to Katchoo and begins the arduous task of scaling her icy slopes. Pointless gunfire, the presence of a bazooka (!), and tons of gratuitous violence only detract a bit from the introduction of an engaging trio.
The second volume of STRANGERS IN PARADISE reveals Katchoo's dark past and the origin of her hatred of men and people in general. In short order it is revealed that Katchoo has been . In her dark world, the only constant light has been her affection for Francine. David's gentle ways allow him to work his way into Katchoo's world, but the romantic triangle takes a back seat to danger when Katchoo is stalked by Darcy Parker.
Darcy heads up a prostitution/blackmail ring of which Katchoo was once a part. One day in the past Darcy lost two valuable possessions: $850,000 and Katchoo. She sends her henchwomen after Katchoo to find out what happened to the money and to bring Katchoo back into her employ. While the second volume ends with
While mostly enjoyable, STRANGERS IN PARADISE can be a frustrating book to read. It is loaded with garbage I hate: long narrative text pieces, poetry, song lyrics, and dream sequences. The romance and drama of the book are often thrown head over heels when the rug is literally yanked by some outlandish pratfall or sight gag. The gags in the book are amusing, but they always seem out of place. The strength of the book is the interaction between the three characters. Whenever they are on-screen together, I am happy. When the trio is split up -- I'm not unhappy, but I'm thinking about how I could be happier.
Terry Moore's artwork, at least, is wonderful and consistent. He's found the happy middle ground between Archie Comics' cartoonishness and photo realism. His women characters -- especially the well-rounded Francine -- are simply gorgeous. He gives the cute Katchoo enough of a dark glint in her eye and hunch to the shoulders to make it believable when she starts kicking the ass of some guy twice her size. The art is realistic enough to make the drama particularly moving and crazy enough to make the slapstick tolerable.
I can't give STRANGERS IN PARADISE a rave review, but it's one of those books I will collect until Terry Moore says it's done. While their adventures may not always be interesting, the relationships binding Francine and Katchoo and David have hooked me. I want to see where these people are going to be in two months when the next issue comes out. I want to see how their lives work out. I only hope it doesn't take the fifty years (and counting) that Archie, Betty and Veronica's status quo has lasted.
Grade: B
From the November 1998 edition with a theme of "Women in the Comics":
INTRODUCTION
This month's column reflects on the depiction of women in the comics. From the selections below, you'd have to generalize that women are either whup-ass, big-breasted superheroes and villains or confused bisexuals.
Yeah.
I'm sure these stereotypes are going to bring in that mainstream female audience the comics industry has always wanted . . .
But, hey, I review what is produced, not what should exist. And some of these comics ain't half bad.
THE THREESOME
STRANGERS IN PARADISE VOLUME ONE #1-3 (Antarctic Press)
STRANGERS IN PARADISE VOLUME TWO #1-14 (Abstract Studio)
STRANGERS IN PARADISE VOLUME THREE #1-18 (Homage Comics/Image Comics and Abstract Studio)
Whenever I see a comic featuring two women -- one blonde and one brunette -- I can't help but think of Archie Comics' Betty and Veronica. Turn the two women into a romantic triangle by adding a man -- an Archie, if you will -- who is interested in both of them and whom both women find attractive and the Archie Comics analogy is complete. However, I don't think Archie Comics will be publishing an issue any time soon wherein Betty and Veronica are as interested in kissing each other as they are in kissing Archie.
No, for that you need to pick up STRANGERS IN PARADISE.
Writer/artist Terry Moore has created a quirky little book about love and romance, sex and violence, babes and bazookas, poetry and life. At the center of the book is the relationship between Francine Peters, Katina "Katchoo" Choovanski, and David. Francine and Katchoo have been friends since high school. Ten years after high school they are roommates coping with life.
The first volume of STRANGERS IN PARADISE takes a madcap,over-the-top tone as it introduces the major players in the series. Francine's bad taste in men is leaving her depressed, and that is contributing to her weight problem. Fortunately, her bubbly spirit and general ditziness keep her out of the suicidal category. Katchoo, meanwhile, is a gun-toting misanthrope who'd rather kill a man than talk to one. Specifically, she's ready to kill the man who has just wronged Francine. Soft-spoken David, meanwhile, finds himself attracted to Katchoo and begins the arduous task of scaling her icy slopes. Pointless gunfire, the presence of a bazooka (!), and tons of gratuitous violence only detract a bit from the introduction of an engaging trio.
The second volume of STRANGERS IN PARADISE reveals Katchoo's dark past and the origin of her hatred of men and people in general. In short order it is revealed that Katchoo has been . In her dark world, the only constant light has been her affection for Francine. David's gentle ways allow him to work his way into Katchoo's world, but the romantic triangle takes a back seat to danger when Katchoo is stalked by Darcy Parker.
Darcy heads up a prostitution/blackmail ring of which Katchoo was once a part. One day in the past Darcy lost two valuable possessions: $850,000 and Katchoo. She sends her henchwomen after Katchoo to find out what happened to the money and to bring Katchoo back into her employ. While the second volume ends with
While mostly enjoyable, STRANGERS IN PARADISE can be a frustrating book to read. It is loaded with garbage I hate: long narrative text pieces, poetry, song lyrics, and dream sequences. The romance and drama of the book are often thrown head over heels when the rug is literally yanked by some outlandish pratfall or sight gag. The gags in the book are amusing, but they always seem out of place. The strength of the book is the interaction between the three characters. Whenever they are on-screen together, I am happy. When the trio is split up -- I'm not unhappy, but I'm thinking about how I could be happier.
Terry Moore's artwork, at least, is wonderful and consistent. He's found the happy middle ground between Archie Comics' cartoonishness and photo realism. His women characters -- especially the well-rounded Francine -- are simply gorgeous. He gives the cute Katchoo enough of a dark glint in her eye and hunch to the shoulders to make it believable when she starts kicking the ass of some guy twice her size. The art is realistic enough to make the drama particularly moving and crazy enough to make the slapstick tolerable.
I can't give STRANGERS IN PARADISE a rave review, but it's one of those books I will collect until Terry Moore says it's done. While their adventures may not always be interesting, the relationships binding Francine and Katchoo and David have hooked me. I want to see where these people are going to be in two months when the next issue comes out. I want to see how their lives work out. I only hope it doesn't take the fifty years (and counting) that Archie, Betty and Veronica's status quo has lasted.
Grade: B
May 13, 2016
This has to be one of my favorite comic series if not my absolute favorite. The story involves a love triangle between three people: Francine, Katchoo, and David. Katchoo is in love with her best friend Francine, who claims she doesn't see Katchoo that way and is battling some self-image issues. David is introduced a little ways into the story and befriends both of them but develops feelings for Katchoo. All three of them have a past, especially Katchoo's which is probably the most dark and involves some unsavory characters to say the least. The comic plays out like a serious drama but the characters and situations feel genuine and real. I will say towards the later part of the series I felt it lagged and could have ended much sooner. But on the whole this is the start to a really original and fantastic series.
April 28, 2012
Very disappointing. If you are expecting the delicate realistic line drawing, sophisticated characterization, and wry humor of Moore's later works, Rachel Riding and Echo, then Strangers is a big letdown. This is Moore before he got good. He also makes no attempt to keep his sexist oogling of women's bodies in check. It is amazing when you see an artist's work before he found his groove and it's just as bad as the later stuff is good. My advice: Take a pass and go right to the good stuff.
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