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Strangers in Paradise Trade Paperbacks #19
Strangers in Paradise, Volume 19: Ever After
Ever After is the final trade paperback in the Strangers in Paradise series chronicling the lives of Francine and Katchoo. When her famous brother-in-law falls prey to a crazed fan's bullet, Francine is forced to confront her own doubts and fears about the life she has chosen. In a bold move, she leaves her cheating husband and tries to reconnect with the only person she ever truly loved, Katchoo. But things have changed since Francine left, Katchoo has changed, and it soon becomes apparent that if Francine wants her friend back she's going to have to fight for her.
160 pages, Paperback
First published September 4, 2007
3 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Terry Moore
826 books649 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 32 reviews
January 30, 2019
It is finished! An adventure about 25 years in the making has come to an end – I have finally read the entire original run Strangers in Paradise series. I restarted reading it from the beginning twice and was finally able to take the time to push it through to the end!
It wasn’t that at any point the series was not good. I have always loved it very much. The thing was I started reading it in college back when it was still being released monthly. As life is topsy-turvey during the college years, I got away from comics around 2000 when there were only about 30 issues out. Then, later I went back (about 10 years ago) and bought up the whole series and started again. But, shortly after that (when I had, ironically, made it back up to about issue 30) I moved across country and started a new career. Strangers In Paradise - back on the back burner!
I like to thank modern technology and Goodreads for helping me finish on this most recent push. Because of easy access to graphic novels on Hoopla and through my local library I have made it a habit of reading one volume of a graphic novel series per week. This was a goal I could easily track through Goodreads and connect with others who had similar graphic novel interests. Because of all this, I started again by including Strangers in Paradise in the rotation. I was not reading an SIP volume each week, but interspersing it at a rate of about one a month so I could savor the journey.
After about 2 years or so of this most recent effort, here I am at the end of the ride. Kinda weird to say how sad I am that something is over when it actually ended 12 years ago . . . but I am! This series is amazing in so many ways – love, heartache, action, espionage, humor, birth, death, LIFE! Terry Moore is a wonderful writer and artist. Unlike some other graphic novels, he remained both writer and artist throughout the entire run. If you haven’t tried his work, it is so worth it and I cannot stress enough that Strangers In Paradise is a great place to start!
I already have the first volume of his next series, Echo, lined up and ready to go. There is also Rachel Rising after that, so I do have more of Moore to go (HA! More of Moore, I like that!). Also, I will be looking into the fact that he started releasing new issues of Strangers In Paradise last January to celebrate 25 years since he started the original series. I think it is up to 7 or 8 issues and I will be excited to continue this adventure – I know it will be just as awesome as his first run!
It wasn’t that at any point the series was not good. I have always loved it very much. The thing was I started reading it in college back when it was still being released monthly. As life is topsy-turvey during the college years, I got away from comics around 2000 when there were only about 30 issues out. Then, later I went back (about 10 years ago) and bought up the whole series and started again. But, shortly after that (when I had, ironically, made it back up to about issue 30) I moved across country and started a new career. Strangers In Paradise - back on the back burner!
I like to thank modern technology and Goodreads for helping me finish on this most recent push. Because of easy access to graphic novels on Hoopla and through my local library I have made it a habit of reading one volume of a graphic novel series per week. This was a goal I could easily track through Goodreads and connect with others who had similar graphic novel interests. Because of all this, I started again by including Strangers in Paradise in the rotation. I was not reading an SIP volume each week, but interspersing it at a rate of about one a month so I could savor the journey.
After about 2 years or so of this most recent effort, here I am at the end of the ride. Kinda weird to say how sad I am that something is over when it actually ended 12 years ago . . . but I am! This series is amazing in so many ways – love, heartache, action, espionage, humor, birth, death, LIFE! Terry Moore is a wonderful writer and artist. Unlike some other graphic novels, he remained both writer and artist throughout the entire run. If you haven’t tried his work, it is so worth it and I cannot stress enough that Strangers In Paradise is a great place to start!
I already have the first volume of his next series, Echo, lined up and ready to go. There is also Rachel Rising after that, so I do have more of Moore to go (HA! More of Moore, I like that!). Also, I will be looking into the fact that he started releasing new issues of Strangers In Paradise last January to celebrate 25 years since he started the original series. I think it is up to 7 or 8 issues and I will be excited to continue this adventure – I know it will be just as awesome as his first run!
January 13, 2014
So now I've read the entire story to the end, and I can comment on the series as complete entity.
Which means I can ask and answer the big question:
Does it end well?
It does. Story ends sweetly and gently. The arcs resolve well, leaving me satisfied with the story as a whole.
Is it my favorite series ever?
No. It's probably not even in my top ten.
That said, I can honestly say that reading this story has changed the way I think about my life. I am probably going to change the way I live because of reading this.
There are a lot of comics I've enjoyed more that I can't say that about.
I'm tempted to go on a bit. But I've rambled enough in my previous reviews on this series. Ultimately, anything I say just detracts from the previous statement.
So I'll say it again:
Reading this story has changed the way I think about my life. Seriously. I am going to change the way I live because of reading Strangers in Paradise.
Which means I can ask and answer the big question:
Does it end well?
It does. Story ends sweetly and gently. The arcs resolve well, leaving me satisfied with the story as a whole.
Is it my favorite series ever?
No. It's probably not even in my top ten.
That said, I can honestly say that reading this story has changed the way I think about my life. I am probably going to change the way I live because of reading this.
There are a lot of comics I've enjoyed more that I can't say that about.
I'm tempted to go on a bit. But I've rambled enough in my previous reviews on this series. Ultimately, anything I say just detracts from the previous statement.
So I'll say it again:
Reading this story has changed the way I think about my life. Seriously. I am going to change the way I live because of reading Strangers in Paradise.
June 4, 2022
Terry Moore makes the landing! Can’t believe it’s over. Beautiful ending to one of the best comic series I’ve ever read.
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.
May 3, 2020
Everything wraps up and I'm more or less satisfied with how everything shook out. All the character arcs wrap up and I'm happy with the ending. This was well worth the ride. This series features two very strong females and the evolution of them as people. We also get the story of David, but I feel like there wasn't enough of him. Except for Freddie Femur, I enjoyed every character within these pages and don't regret a single moment spent reading this series. If you are in the mood for a roller coaster ride with some strong character development and some off the wall happening once in a while, give this a try.
June 22, 2019
DONE. Cue "Layla (Piano Coda)."
So, that's how our story wraps up. Spanning over a decade, 2200 pages, dozens of plots and subplots, in the end it comes down to "will they or won't they?" And anyone who has read this far has a feeling how this one will go. It was tough saying goodbye to these characters. Even Freddie by the end was someone I realized I'd miss.
Plus, there's one final twist I never saw coming, and I doubt you did either.
So, that's how our story wraps up. Spanning over a decade, 2200 pages, dozens of plots and subplots, in the end it comes down to "will they or won't they?" And anyone who has read this far has a feeling how this one will go. It was tough saying goodbye to these characters. Even Freddie by the end was someone I realized I'd miss.
Plus, there's one final twist I never saw coming, and I doubt you did either.
January 28, 2024
Wow, this series was a wild ride. Loved how the characters developed over time and how the story evolved and unfolded in layers. Great writing, great art.
Unfortunately I think many people may be missing out on this because they don't have the patience to get through the first couple of volumes and then get to the more substantial parts of the story.
Unfortunately I think many people may be missing out on this because they don't have the patience to get through the first couple of volumes and then get to the more substantial parts of the story.
September 20, 2017
good art, good story. Sadness that this is the final installment. Loose ends are wrapped up, storylines come to a satisfying end.
October 12, 2021
I love this series. Faults and all
June 19, 2023
Un buen final para esta tremenda serie, salvo un par de vuelcos de trama no del todo bien armados, SiP es excelente.
February 5, 2016
http://morethansuperhumans.blogspot.c...
After following the lives of Francine, Katchoo, David, Casey, Tambi, and Freddie (among others) in the 2000+ pages that make up Terry Moore's Strangers in Paradise, it would be a disservice to readers to outline any aspect of this final volume's plot. Suffice it to say, volume 19 is a bittersweet ending to a saga that, honestly, no one (except perhaps the author himself) ever wanted to say goodbye to. But it is a thoroughly satisfying end.
What more can I say? Like the end of a particularly long and engrossing novel (and I'm talking War and Peace long here), or the end of a long-running and beloved TV series, the ending of Strangers in Paradise simultaneously filled me with sorrow at its passing and helped to reinforce why I love this particular comic book so much. Terry Moore has accomplished something no other comic book creator has yet matched. But I sure hope someone else tries.
After following the lives of Francine, Katchoo, David, Casey, Tambi, and Freddie (among others) in the 2000+ pages that make up Terry Moore's Strangers in Paradise, it would be a disservice to readers to outline any aspect of this final volume's plot. Suffice it to say, volume 19 is a bittersweet ending to a saga that, honestly, no one (except perhaps the author himself) ever wanted to say goodbye to. But it is a thoroughly satisfying end.
What more can I say? Like the end of a particularly long and engrossing novel (and I'm talking War and Peace long here), or the end of a long-running and beloved TV series, the ending of Strangers in Paradise simultaneously filled me with sorrow at its passing and helped to reinforce why I love this particular comic book so much. Terry Moore has accomplished something no other comic book creator has yet matched. But I sure hope someone else tries.
January 20, 2008
Wow, this is one of the few times that the end of an epic lived up to all the expectations I had built up over the time it took to get there. Terry Moore manages to tie up all the loose ends while saving some of the biggest jaw-dropping revelations for the last few chapters of the story. It's a tribute to Mr. Moore's capacity as an observer of human nature and crafter of characters that his cast of complex, exasperating, flawed and loveable people came to feel like old friends, and it was hard to turn the last page and say goodbye. A very satisfying ending to a great story. Now I'm going to have to go back and read it all again from the beginning!
July 14, 2008
This is the last book in the Strangers in Paradise series, and I have to say it may very well be one of the best stories I've ever read. I've spent the last eight years or so reading it, re-reading it, and getting to know all the characters. Because of this, the final book was an amazing catharsis. I think I must have gone through every single emotion a human being can feel. And despite all angst and the pain and the injustice, there was humor and peace, and even a sense of bittersweet joy at the end. When I turned the last page, it really felt like an ending should feel. If you haven't read this series, you can't possible imagine what you are missing.
July 15, 2016
what a cool series this was, reading the final year and saying goodby to so many valuable characters, was frankly...a little rough. And then, there was the whole "is it a parallel world or not" question that had been asked since the start of volume three. but the ending was worth the wait. Heartwarming, sadness, life changes...the whole kitten kaboodle is there, with the same great writing and artwork. If one of my nieces came to me and asked for a good comic series to start on; it would be this classic, the feminine characters are strong, funny, and carry the series. I have actually read these 3-4 times, and I get something new out of it everytime.
September 27, 2007
Warning: This review contains spoilers
It was a fitting end to the series.
Spoiler space. This space is for spoilers to hide it from people who do not wish to see the spoilers. Goodreads really needs to get on the spoiler space project so I don't have to keep rambling like this.
I had hoped that David would survive, but I vaguely recall in that book that skipped ahead to the future that he'd died so I wasn't really surprised. Anyway, a nice conclusion.
It was a fitting end to the series.
Spoiler space. This space is for spoilers to hide it from people who do not wish to see the spoilers. Goodreads really needs to get on the spoiler space project so I don't have to keep rambling like this.
I had hoped that David would survive, but I vaguely recall in that book that skipped ahead to the future that he'd died so I wasn't really surprised. Anyway, a nice conclusion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2016
I finished rereading this a decade after its original release. It's always interesting rereading a comics series. Some I can reread many times. This isn't one of them, even as good as it is. I can now see character flaws I missed. This is due in part to the difference between waiting for new issues in contrast to reading the whole thing from start to finish. I can see an artist's style evolve. I can see how my own tastes have evolved.
This is a good story with solid interesting characters. Only the Molly and Poo story arc doesn't belong in the larger work.
This is a good story with solid interesting characters. Only the Molly and Poo story arc doesn't belong in the larger work.
July 14, 2008
Amazing is what I have to say about the story line. It dealt with death so well. I loved how Terry Moore addressed the issue and pain of death.
And the way the story ended was great. One of the best of the series.
Having just reread the whole series and ending with this story, all I can do is reiterate how amazing this story is and how well Terry Moore ends the series and deals with death. Amazing and awesome
And the way the story ended was great. One of the best of the series.
Having just reread the whole series and ending with this story, all I can do is reiterate how amazing this story is and how well Terry Moore ends the series and deals with death. Amazing and awesome
June 2, 2019
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.
November 12, 2007
This was a wonderful finale/send-off for a much beloved series. I'm glad I hung in there through the whole thing, the payoff was great, didn't feel forced or hackneyed, but sweetly inevitable. Sigh.
I really want more of their stories now, though. Haven't quite "accepted" that it's all over.
I really want more of their stories now, though. Haven't quite "accepted" that it's all over.
September 16, 2011
A great conclusion to one of the most brilliant series ever written.[return]I fell in love with the characters years ago, laughed with them, cried with them, suffered with them. Ultimately I almost cried because there will be no more stories about Katchoo, Francine, David, Casey, Tambi, Freddy,...[return]It was a great time, thank you!
February 2, 2008
This is the last of the Strangers in Paradise series, and I've finally finished it. Terry Moore is amazing, and this is a fitting end to the series; I'm jealous of those who are about to start reading these.
February 7, 2008
This is the last volume of Terry Moore's amazing series Strangers in Paradise and Mr. Moore absolutely knows how to finish a story.
Funny, sad, surprising, and always skillful this sums of the very best of Moore's classic graphic novel.
Funny, sad, surprising, and always skillful this sums of the very best of Moore's classic graphic novel.
February 4, 2011
I had always wanted to read this comic as I had heard the story was interesting and it dealt with mature issues. Unfortunately, I never quite got to it, but now that I have read the end I want to go back and get details from the beginning. I guess that says this is quite a good story.
November 7, 2014
A fitting conclusion to the long running strip. While bittersweet rather than wall to wall happy - plus a few revelations that I didn't see coming - it gave the beloved characters the send off they deserved. Well observed and beautifully drawn, as always.
October 1, 2007
A nice conclusion to the Strangers in Paradise series - I liked that everyone mostly gets a happily-ever-after.
March 20, 2010
i invested some time in reading this series. while it is readable the end is hokey, sappy: i feel cheated.
March 11, 2012
The final chapter of the SIP saga- one of my favorite series. Moore writes the most believable characters, and lovingly illustrates them.
March 17, 2016
Excellent finish to a beautiful 13 year journey. Happy for Katchoo, Francine and Casey. Sad for David.
February 27, 2014
The end was finally back to the quality of the earlier volumes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews