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Strangers in Paradise Trade Paperbacks #11
Strangers in Paradise, Volume 11: Brave New World
This new trade paperback is the eleventh in the series! Katchoo is in Hawaii missing Francine, Francine is in Tennessee missing Katchoo. In two storylines that weave together, both girls make radical changes in their lives that bring them back together at last--but at what cost? A riveting storyline about love and friendship featuring two of the comic industry's most unlikely heroes.
88 pages, Paperback
First published July 31, 2002
4 people are currently reading
133 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 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 19, 2018
Ah, the old heart strings tugged. Issues resolved. Questions answered. New situations arise. Nothing but usually ups and downs of paradise.
This was another transitional volume. There was another one a few volumes back. It is almost like this series breathes with and action packed, information filled volume as you breath in. Then a slower paced, more introspective volume as you breathe out. Often feels like the calm before the storm.
I continue to love this series and recommend it highly. I don’t think you can start in the middle, though, so go to your local library or comic books store and hunt down those early issues – you won’t regret it!
Now for a big spoiler – this one has big ramifications over the story as a whole and going into the next volume:
This was another transitional volume. There was another one a few volumes back. It is almost like this series breathes with and action packed, information filled volume as you breath in. Then a slower paced, more introspective volume as you breathe out. Often feels like the calm before the storm.
I continue to love this series and recommend it highly. I don’t think you can start in the middle, though, so go to your local library or comic books store and hunt down those early issues – you won’t regret it!
Now for a big spoiler – this one has big ramifications over the story as a whole and going into the next volume:
May 20, 2017
Another solid installment in the series as Fran and Katchoo take stock of their lives and weigh their options and their possible futures before making choices.
July 15, 2021
(Zero spoiler review for the series as a whole and the score for the individual volume)
So I am writing this literally a few minutes after finishing this story, and it all feels a little bit raw and unexpected. Unexpected for the fact that I thought a had a couple of hundred pages to go. I had been powering through the second book for the last two days, and I stopped after a binge read this morning. When I came back to it just now, I read a page, turned another one, and found the story abruptly ended. A few days before, I had carefully flipped through to the last few pages to see how long it was, so I knew how much I had to read and look forward to. It seemed like there was no added content at the end, and the story went to the final page. Good I thought, and returned to my reading. To say the end of the story hit me like a tone of bricks would be an understatement. Its true the story had sort of reached a natural conclusion, although going off the little twist in the middle of the book, I kind of thought there was one more arc to come, although maybe I need to go back and read it again. I kind of feel like I was robbed of something. I read 200 pages today, and then somehow stopped two pages before the end without realising it. I settled in for another 200 pages, to find I only had 2 left. I don't really feel like reading the additional content. Most of it isn't the story itself, and I don't want to add those memories to what is something pretty close and personal right now. I think I'll sit with it and let it gestate before I delve into it, if I ever do. Let the grieving process commence.
So what's the story like? It's certainly not perfect, although I just can't imagine finding another graphic novel that will ever come close to doing what this one did. In a medium that is overflowing with easily digestible content and two bit superheroes, Strangers in Paradise stands apart as something pretty damn special. Francine and Katchoo, and the small but memorable cast of side characters will stay with me for a considerable time to come. Yes, the conspiratorial/crime aspects of the story were a little far fetched and weak at times (especially in the first half of the story where it was most prominent). Pretty much every male character played second fiddle to the female cast. Very one dimensional, with the slight exception of David, who was obviously more fleshed out, although always came across as subservient to the women around him. You can tell Terry Moore leans very much to the left, although I could have done without much of the modern day identitarianism that reared its head throughout. Whilst the females characters were flawed, they were never portrayed as the sexist Neanderthals most of the men were. It was at times, grossly stereotypical. Moore might have been going for humour, although it just soured a wonderful story somewhat. In fact, if I wasn't so invested in the story, you would be looking at lesser marks, and a much more critical review from me. Not to mention that every female character seems to be a lesbian. I guess I'm still a big softie at heart, that this rather lovely tale about love shone through, despite the flaws. Moore's artwork was near to faultless throughout. Some of his panels I just lingered on, feeling the emotions dripping off of the page. True, he occasionally over reached, like the excessive poetry and lyrics, although when he nailed it, it was pretty damn memorable. I've read Echo, which was written after this, as far as I know, and the art just didn't resonate the same way as it did here. Though Echo will never be as adored or heralded as SiP is. Even the title is one of the most poignant and evocative titles a work of fiction has ever had. I really miss that this is over. You absolutely need to read this, now! 4.75/5
OmniBen.
So I am writing this literally a few minutes after finishing this story, and it all feels a little bit raw and unexpected. Unexpected for the fact that I thought a had a couple of hundred pages to go. I had been powering through the second book for the last two days, and I stopped after a binge read this morning. When I came back to it just now, I read a page, turned another one, and found the story abruptly ended. A few days before, I had carefully flipped through to the last few pages to see how long it was, so I knew how much I had to read and look forward to. It seemed like there was no added content at the end, and the story went to the final page. Good I thought, and returned to my reading. To say the end of the story hit me like a tone of bricks would be an understatement. Its true the story had sort of reached a natural conclusion, although going off the little twist in the middle of the book, I kind of thought there was one more arc to come, although maybe I need to go back and read it again. I kind of feel like I was robbed of something. I read 200 pages today, and then somehow stopped two pages before the end without realising it. I settled in for another 200 pages, to find I only had 2 left. I don't really feel like reading the additional content. Most of it isn't the story itself, and I don't want to add those memories to what is something pretty close and personal right now. I think I'll sit with it and let it gestate before I delve into it, if I ever do. Let the grieving process commence.
So what's the story like? It's certainly not perfect, although I just can't imagine finding another graphic novel that will ever come close to doing what this one did. In a medium that is overflowing with easily digestible content and two bit superheroes, Strangers in Paradise stands apart as something pretty damn special. Francine and Katchoo, and the small but memorable cast of side characters will stay with me for a considerable time to come. Yes, the conspiratorial/crime aspects of the story were a little far fetched and weak at times (especially in the first half of the story where it was most prominent). Pretty much every male character played second fiddle to the female cast. Very one dimensional, with the slight exception of David, who was obviously more fleshed out, although always came across as subservient to the women around him. You can tell Terry Moore leans very much to the left, although I could have done without much of the modern day identitarianism that reared its head throughout. Whilst the females characters were flawed, they were never portrayed as the sexist Neanderthals most of the men were. It was at times, grossly stereotypical. Moore might have been going for humour, although it just soured a wonderful story somewhat. In fact, if I wasn't so invested in the story, you would be looking at lesser marks, and a much more critical review from me. Not to mention that every female character seems to be a lesbian. I guess I'm still a big softie at heart, that this rather lovely tale about love shone through, despite the flaws. Moore's artwork was near to faultless throughout. Some of his panels I just lingered on, feeling the emotions dripping off of the page. True, he occasionally over reached, like the excessive poetry and lyrics, although when he nailed it, it was pretty damn memorable. I've read Echo, which was written after this, as far as I know, and the art just didn't resonate the same way as it did here. Though Echo will never be as adored or heralded as SiP is. Even the title is one of the most poignant and evocative titles a work of fiction has ever had. I really miss that this is over. You absolutely need to read this, now! 4.75/5
OmniBen.
June 19, 2019
Thankfully, the oddball twist at the end of Volume 10 turned out to be just a "what if" to be contrasted against another "what if." If Terry Moore doesn't ENTIRELY stick the landing on Francine's choice, at least the character development, including the internal monologues of the central trio, ring true and as familiar as ever.
July 27, 2025
Francine is pregnant. Does she go through with the wedding to a man? Or does she tell Katchoo that she loves her? There’s still that sexual identity crisis here. Loved the illustrations! A nice read about love entanglements and afflictions.
February 15, 2018
I liked it. Hooray francine and katchoo... Not sure if I love the side stories — or are they the actual main stories? I cannot tell anymore. David, Veronica, Freddie, Molly and Poo?
September 12, 2018
This title is just so stupid to me because it's so forced!
April 27, 2020
Not what I expected after I read volume 10, and I loved it. Never boring.
November 26, 2020
Thumbs up to different perspectives, would read more of this series
October 12, 2021
I love this series. Faults and all
March 21, 2023
Moore sigue construyendo mas subtramas, y aprovechando de tocar más temas sensibles
February 5, 2016
http://morethansuperhumans.blogspot.c...
Volume 11 begins with Francine imagining her future taking a different path from the one she imagined at the end of volume 10. Her two choices seem clear: a life with Katchoo and Ashley, or a life with Brad and Ashley. So why is it that neither choice makes her happy? Then Francine comes to the realization that she should be the star of her own life and moves back to Houston, alone. In Hawaii, David realizes that Katchoo will never love him the way she loves Francine, so he leaves her and returns home to Tokyo to live out the rest of his life in peace. But it's not long before Tambi tracks him down, and she doesn't look happy. Meanwhile, FBI Agent Sara Bryan has been called in to investigate the discovery of a badly decomposed body found near the incarcerated mob boss Sal Tucciani's summer home. Turns out it's a Parker girl, and Bryan's not going to rest until she brings the killer to justice.
Just when you thought the Mrs. Parker storyline was dead, Moore resurrects it . . . again. But it's a part of the Strangers in Paradise mythos by now so why not just go with it? And although at this point one can't help but picture the Francine/Katchoo relationship as resembling a high speed ping-pong match, this volume does provide readers with another heartwarming high point (thanks to Casey of all people).
Volume 11 begins with Francine imagining her future taking a different path from the one she imagined at the end of volume 10. Her two choices seem clear: a life with Katchoo and Ashley, or a life with Brad and Ashley. So why is it that neither choice makes her happy? Then Francine comes to the realization that she should be the star of her own life and moves back to Houston, alone. In Hawaii, David realizes that Katchoo will never love him the way she loves Francine, so he leaves her and returns home to Tokyo to live out the rest of his life in peace. But it's not long before Tambi tracks him down, and she doesn't look happy. Meanwhile, FBI Agent Sara Bryan has been called in to investigate the discovery of a badly decomposed body found near the incarcerated mob boss Sal Tucciani's summer home. Turns out it's a Parker girl, and Bryan's not going to rest until she brings the killer to justice.
Just when you thought the Mrs. Parker storyline was dead, Moore resurrects it . . . again. But it's a part of the Strangers in Paradise mythos by now so why not just go with it? And although at this point one can't help but picture the Francine/Katchoo relationship as resembling a high speed ping-pong match, this volume does provide readers with another heartwarming high point (thanks to Casey of all people).
January 27, 2014
Paste from my review of Volume 1. I've read most of the series and feel the same review overall applies to everything:
The series has beautiful black and white line art throughout. It's the main reason I ever started it. Terry Moore is a masterly graphic artist and a riveting storyteller. I suspect I'll read anything he puts out. That said, I prefer Rachel Rising (horror) and Echo (science fiction), personally. SiP (as fans tend to call it) is a work focused almost entirely on how people relate to each other.
What an odd duck. This thing is described in quite a wide variety of ways, and mostly accurately. It's resemblance to a soap opera, happily, is all in the title. For that, it's a bit too realistic, too low in character count, too well-written, too laden with mafia intrigue/action, and too often taught in college literature classes. I'm curious as to why though. I wouldn't teach it in mine. It's not *that* good. It might be particularly relevant to a fem lit class, however, which might elevate the collegiate value of the book because of what it says and how it says it from a sociocultural standpoint rather than from a literary one.
The series has beautiful black and white line art throughout. It's the main reason I ever started it. Terry Moore is a masterly graphic artist and a riveting storyteller. I suspect I'll read anything he puts out. That said, I prefer Rachel Rising (horror) and Echo (science fiction), personally. SiP (as fans tend to call it) is a work focused almost entirely on how people relate to each other.
What an odd duck. This thing is described in quite a wide variety of ways, and mostly accurately. It's resemblance to a soap opera, happily, is all in the title. For that, it's a bit too realistic, too low in character count, too well-written, too laden with mafia intrigue/action, and too often taught in college literature classes. I'm curious as to why though. I wouldn't teach it in mine. It's not *that* good. It might be particularly relevant to a fem lit class, however, which might elevate the collegiate value of the book because of what it says and how it says it from a sociocultural standpoint rather than from a literary one.
November 12, 2012
2012 Reread: I got lost in this for a month. My very first full reread since the series hit its ending. Since I knew where it would start and go and end up. It was just as terrible, wonderful, painful, heartbreaking, heart healing, amazing as every other read. I never stop knowing my heart belongs to this.
January 8, 2013
Strangers in Paradise is my all time favorite. I would recommend this series to anyone. Terry Moore has been my favorite author for over 10 years. He is a wonderful writer who has this amazing understanding of women's emotions. A must read.
June 12, 2008
Awesome story and awesome graphics. Really enjoyed reading the story.
October 15, 2009
another reason why SiP is perfect break-up reading material...
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews