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Strangers in Paradise Trade Paperbacks #5
Strangers in Paradise, Volume 5: Immortal Enemies
Strangers In Paradise: Immortal Enemies is the ongoing tale of three friends, Katchoo, Francine and David. This volume finds Katchoo leaving her beloved Francine to look for David, the only male friend she's ever had, but finds his wicked sister Darcy Parker instead. Given an offer she can't refuse, Katchoo is forced to return to work for Darcy in the sordid world of sex and politics, or lose Francine forever. When Francine enlists the aid of Det. Walsh to help find Katchoo, she soon discovers the horrible secrets her friend has been hiding-secrets that may destroy them both!
152 pages, Paperback
First published June 2, 1998
6 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
Terry Moore
824 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 17, 2017
YAS! On top of the ongoing relationship turmoil, this volume gets deeper into the political intrigue and espionage touched on in the earlier volumes. A quick glance at this series and you might think it is only about the wacky adventures of our suburban heroines Francine and Katchoo. But, in every closet, there are a few skeletons, and sometimes those skeletons come back from the dead.
With this volume, Terry Moore returned his creation to his own private studio – Abstract. The first few issues of this volume were still with Image/Homage comics and I think that the influence of that studio was felt. After he started to get back to his own studio with only himself to report to, the feel of the story went back to some of his early work when he was publishing out of his own studio. This is a very good thing!
A few of the cool things he does in this volume:
• Mixes prose with comic panels
• One issue includes guitar tablature so that you can play along with his original song if you like
• And, despite the aforementioned suspense and intrigue, he does a great job including humor, little inside jokes, and subtle side stories within the bigger story. (Taking a closer look at some of the panels – and sometimes in-between the panels – will reveal new things you may not have noticed in the first place
This series is awesome! Read it!
Note: This volume is a compilation of the original run series Vol. 3 Issues 6-12
With this volume, Terry Moore returned his creation to his own private studio – Abstract. The first few issues of this volume were still with Image/Homage comics and I think that the influence of that studio was felt. After he started to get back to his own studio with only himself to report to, the feel of the story went back to some of his early work when he was publishing out of his own studio. This is a very good thing!
A few of the cool things he does in this volume:
• Mixes prose with comic panels
• One issue includes guitar tablature so that you can play along with his original song if you like
• And, despite the aforementioned suspense and intrigue, he does a great job including humor, little inside jokes, and subtle side stories within the bigger story. (Taking a closer look at some of the panels – and sometimes in-between the panels – will reveal new things you may not have noticed in the first place
This series is awesome! Read it!
Note: This volume is a compilation of the original run series Vol. 3 Issues 6-12
October 16, 2017
"Mercy, please! We always cry, just before we have to die.
But no hope drives the raven wild, that comes upon the godless child"
Immortal Enemies, Elegant Waste, twists and turns. Wunderbar!
But no hope drives the raven wild, that comes upon the godless child"
Immortal Enemies, Elegant Waste, twists and turns. Wunderbar!
February 10, 2016
Going to have to rate this one lower. Plot didn't make much sense or at least it didn't have much weight with me, and it wrapped up pretty weirdly. I'm not much for fictional conspiracy theories and espionage, so I am most likely biased. I prefer the everyday life stories of Katchoo and Francine.
The prose sections felt out of place (If I want to read paragraphs I'll just pick up a book!), and I found the music notation parts distracting. It made the comic amateurish to me, but I guess I can see the appeal of it to nonprofessional musicians maybe.. I also couldn't help but feel creeped out by all the way-too-sexual lesbian seduction nonsense. Yeah I suppose it's the whole premise, but unfortunately Terry Moore's a guy, so it comes across like he's got some obsessive fetish.
Back to b&w, which I preferred. Overall general quality of the art and dialogue stayed in the upper stellar levels with the exception of some scenes where I couldn't tell the characters apart, which isn't new to this volume. Character development lacked a bit, but it's expected with such a plot-heavy story crammed into a few pamphlets.
Too invested in the characters to stop at this point, though it would be a pretty nice place to call it quits. Hoping the story doesn't get all convoluted again, but I'm positive it will get all crazy again. I just want to see Francine struggling in the gym after work!
The prose sections felt out of place (If I want to read paragraphs I'll just pick up a book!), and I found the music notation parts distracting. It made the comic amateurish to me, but I guess I can see the appeal of it to nonprofessional musicians maybe.. I also couldn't help but feel creeped out by all the way-too-sexual lesbian seduction nonsense. Yeah I suppose it's the whole premise, but unfortunately Terry Moore's a guy, so it comes across like he's got some obsessive fetish.
Back to b&w, which I preferred. Overall general quality of the art and dialogue stayed in the upper stellar levels with the exception of some scenes where I couldn't tell the characters apart, which isn't new to this volume. Character development lacked a bit, but it's expected with such a plot-heavy story crammed into a few pamphlets.
Too invested in the characters to stop at this point, though it would be a pretty nice place to call it quits. Hoping the story doesn't get all convoluted again, but I'm positive it will get all crazy again. I just want to see Francine struggling in the gym after work!
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.
April 23, 2020
The Darcy Files, Volume 5 of 5 is done and I'm flying high. Terry Moore crafted a fabulous story and it took me away to another place and I thank him for it. There are at least 14 more volumes after this and I'm eagerly looking forward to reading every last one of them. Soooo good.
July 31, 2018
Another solid entry in the series that concludes multiple character arcs and hints at a new dynamic. I am enjoying this series but haven’t been blown away yet.
October 12, 2021
I love this series. Faults and all
February 1, 2023
Intenso. No se cómo sigue esto por tantos números más...
January 6, 2024
The story is more and more interesting, no spoiler. just read 😍
November 3, 2024
Okay but with that ending where are we going next?? It feels like this was a wrap to the series so I’m confused.
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.
February 5, 2016
http://morethansuperhumans.blogspot.c...
Immortal Enemies is a return to the Mafia-driven storyline from volume 2. The love triangle that connects Francine, Katchoo, and David gets more complicated, which eventually forces David to return to his sister in Los Angeles. But when it becomes clear that Francine's coworker, Rachel (who has disappeared), is one of Mrs. Parker's girls, Katchoo heads out to L.A. to bring David home. Instead, she gets drawn back into Mrs. Parker's most recent ploy for control over the nation's highest office. But Francine (unwilling to let her best friend go) enlists the help of Detective Walsh and a D.C. reporter to help draw Katchoo back to safety. The result is another exciting climax that brings the Mrs. Parker saga to a satisfying close. Sort of.
Truth be told, the climax to this volume is not as satisfying as the climax to volume 2, but it does have its moments. As always, it's the relationship between our three lead characters that makes the cloak-and-dagger stuff enjoyable, and even compelling at times.
Immortal Enemies is a return to the Mafia-driven storyline from volume 2. The love triangle that connects Francine, Katchoo, and David gets more complicated, which eventually forces David to return to his sister in Los Angeles. But when it becomes clear that Francine's coworker, Rachel (who has disappeared), is one of Mrs. Parker's girls, Katchoo heads out to L.A. to bring David home. Instead, she gets drawn back into Mrs. Parker's most recent ploy for control over the nation's highest office. But Francine (unwilling to let her best friend go) enlists the help of Detective Walsh and a D.C. reporter to help draw Katchoo back to safety. The result is another exciting climax that brings the Mrs. Parker saga to a satisfying close. Sort of.
Truth be told, the climax to this volume is not as satisfying as the climax to volume 2, but it does have its moments. As always, it's the relationship between our three lead characters that makes the cloak-and-dagger stuff enjoyable, and even compelling at times.
May 11, 2015
This is the last of the stack of these that mythfish has given me so far, although I understand he has more that he will loan us. Yay for that.
However, this is the end of one particularly intense story arc and I thought it was handled well. I really loved that the story appears to have finally come to a place that - while I get that it probably won't work out based on some of the foreshadowing in the piece - I've thought all along was a natural solution to the love triangle. It's always good to feel vindicated.
Right. So that's it for awhile, but more to come eventually. I really love this series and recommend it even to those who don't enjoy graphic novels, especially women. Moore writes women REALLY well.
However, this is the end of one particularly intense story arc and I thought it was handled well. I really loved that the story appears to have finally come to a place that - while I get that it probably won't work out based on some of the foreshadowing in the piece - I've thought all along was a natural solution to the love triangle. It's always good to feel vindicated.
Right. So that's it for awhile, but more to come eventually. I really love this series and recommend it even to those who don't enjoy graphic novels, especially women. Moore writes women REALLY well.
June 8, 2019
The Darcy Parker storyline comes to its explosive yet emotional end here. There's a certain Twin Peaks quality sometimes to Terry Moore's work- the magic realism and metafictional elements floating alongside the more predominant comedy, soap opera and crime drama pieces of the overall puzzle- and here Moore stays mainstream while still growing experimental. (For one thing, how many comics have you read that have sheet music baked into the page so you can play the underscoring while you read it?)
October 30, 2010
This series gives me goosebumps. The great thing about this series is how Terry Moore thinks nothing about changing the format a little & switching between prose, comics, and a one panel page.
This volume has been very well described so far & to say anything more would give away too much. Needless to say, this is a pivotal point in the series & is definately a must-read of Terry Moore's! (Just make sure that you read everything prior to it beforehand.)
This volume has been very well described so far & to say anything more would give away too much. Needless to say, this is a pivotal point in the series & is definately a must-read of Terry Moore's! (Just make sure that you read everything prior to it beforehand.)
July 28, 2011
Fifth paperback collection of the series, including issues 6 through 12 of Volume 3. It concludes the "Big Six" conspiracy arc, which I had mixed feelings about. On the one hand, it took much of the focus away from Katchoo's and Francine's relationship; on the other hand, I can see that these elements brought in readers more accustomed to the traditional tropes of comic books. A satisfying end to a chapter in the lives of our two protagonists.
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.
October 12, 2008
Terry Moore does it again! Such a great series!
May 31, 2013
Action packed issue where he really shapes the story and kicks it into film noir thriller.
June 11, 2013
I could and have re read this series over and over. It has made me laugh out loud, cry and just come to understand how powerful comics can be.
March 5, 2016
With the death of Darcy Parker, the main antagonist up to now is gone. Katchoo, Francine, and David still have a lot of ground to cover, though.
September 1, 2009
the buildup of the last two volumes really pays off in this crazy thrill ride!
October 15, 2011
Wow. Super action.
September 12, 2012
Aiiichiiwowwow. I shan't read another no never another nay.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews