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Strangers in Paradise Trade Paperbacks #18
Strangers in Paradise, Volume 18: Love & Lies
In the 18th trade paperback in the ongoing Strangers in Paradise series, Francine and Katchoo meet face to face for the first time since Francine's wedding. With Katchoo's career in full swing and Francine trying to be the happy homemaker have the two grown too far apart to come back together? When David's secret is revealed the friends try to make sense of the devastating news. Casey has her own plans to make David happy while Tambi handles things the way only Tambi can. After so much time apart, the gang is back together and things have never been more dramatic
120 pages, Paperback
First published August 16, 2006
2 people are currently reading
136 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 13, 2019
The Strangers In Paradise series is winding down to a finish. With only one volume left after this one, a lot of the storylines are approaching resolution and many long standing questions are being answered. While the series did change a lot in the 15 years or so it was published, it has remained entertaining throughout.
As mentioned in previous reviews, the artwork has evolved dramatically throughout the series. Also, Moore likes to move through different styles and mediums in the same issue. Some examples seen in this volume are the quick transition to a cartoonish look (see below) as well as a "rubbed" looking pencil sketch.
While there is definitely a lot of humor (as usual) there is also a lot of emotional turmoil (as usual). There are so many revelations in this issue, fans will need a still drink and a box of tissues to go along with it.
Excited to see the conclusion in the next issue, but sad that it is coming to an end. This whole series has been a treat to experience on and off for the past 20 years.
As mentioned in previous reviews, the artwork has evolved dramatically throughout the series. Also, Moore likes to move through different styles and mediums in the same issue. Some examples seen in this volume are the quick transition to a cartoonish look (see below) as well as a "rubbed" looking pencil sketch.
While there is definitely a lot of humor (as usual) there is also a lot of emotional turmoil (as usual). There are so many revelations in this issue, fans will need a still drink and a box of tissues to go along with it.
Excited to see the conclusion in the next issue, but sad that it is coming to an end. This whole series has been a treat to experience on and off for the past 20 years.
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 9, 2017
Having followed these characters for quite awhile, it feels sad to think the story is coming to an end. Some major new revelations come down in this book, and all the major characters are brought together again. I would not suggest STARTING to read the series with this book, but if you know the characters, if is a great read.
June 22, 2019
So this is the way it's gonna end... I have only one volume left before the end and I can feel the gears clicking into place for the final arc. There's still all the humor and heart and drama as before, but the tearjerker elements are coming to the forefront like any good soap in its final moments.
May 3, 2020
Second to last volume and I'm sad. Hopefully everything wraps up in the last one.
October 12, 2021
I love this series. Faults and all
February 15, 2024
I appreciate the drawing, don’t care for the story, skip all the poetry/song lyrics.
February 5, 2016
http://morethansuperhumans.blogspot.c...
In this penultimate volume to the Strangers in Paradise series, David's dire medical condition is brought to the attention of Katchoo and Casey, who jointly decide they want to have David's baby. Though of course they're not alone in this desire, as Tambi returns to Houston for a second try. But this time she's using a different tactic, and that tactic's name is Annie Graham, Hollywood starlet. Meanwhile, David and Casey lock Francine and Katchoo in a room together and refuse to let them out until they make up--but will it work? Finally, Francine discovers a cell phone she's never seen before in one of Brad's coats. It has only one number programmed into it, and it's not Francine's.
Finally, Moore settles down to business and begins wrapping up his story in earnest. The best thing about this volume is that Moore finds drama in situations he has not previously explored in SiP, and this provides his readers with a fresh appreciation for the characters we have been following for so long.
In this penultimate volume to the Strangers in Paradise series, David's dire medical condition is brought to the attention of Katchoo and Casey, who jointly decide they want to have David's baby. Though of course they're not alone in this desire, as Tambi returns to Houston for a second try. But this time she's using a different tactic, and that tactic's name is Annie Graham, Hollywood starlet. Meanwhile, David and Casey lock Francine and Katchoo in a room together and refuse to let them out until they make up--but will it work? Finally, Francine discovers a cell phone she's never seen before in one of Brad's coats. It has only one number programmed into it, and it's not Francine's.
Finally, Moore settles down to business and begins wrapping up his story in earnest. The best thing about this volume is that Moore finds drama in situations he has not previously explored in SiP, and this provides his readers with a fresh appreciation for the characters we have been following for so long.
September 26, 2007
Warning: This review contains spoilers
I liked this book. It's hard to believe that it's the penultimate book in the series, it seems like there's still a lot of loose ends to tie up.
As for the rest, there are spoilers.
I thought Katchoo already knew about David and Casey, apparently not. I'm not wild about this whole "everybody wants David's baby" development. I sort of understand it, but that's a big decision to make in what is basically the spur of the moment. And I have issues with the whole lesbian couples must have children thing, though it's less of an issue this time since it's clearly a way to hold onto David rather than a way to become a "real" family.
I liked this book. It's hard to believe that it's the penultimate book in the series, it seems like there's still a lot of loose ends to tie up.
As for the rest, there are spoilers.
I thought Katchoo already knew about David and Casey, apparently not. I'm not wild about this whole "everybody wants David's baby" development. I sort of understand it, but that's a big decision to make in what is basically the spur of the moment. And I have issues with the whole lesbian couples must have children thing, though it's less of an issue this time since it's clearly a way to hold onto David rather than a way to become a "real" family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
September 15, 2022
I read all of SiP as it came out, in single issues. But I also bought each book when it came out so I guess I got this in... 2006?
Some time I should re-read all of SiP and actually review these, but I'm afraid I won't irrationally love them as much on a re-read as I did the first time and it would kill my fond memories of this series.
Some time I should re-read all of SiP and actually review these, but I'm afraid I won't irrationally love them as much on a re-read as I did the first time and it would kill my fond memories of this series.
January 6, 2015
I only got 50 pages into this book before I gave up. It was really confusing and hard to read. I really wanted to enjoy this book as I had heard great things about it. But it was much too wordy. I didn't think I could care about any of the characters at all. I may give it another try in the future. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood for it.
July 27, 2008
The thing I don't like about these comics is that they're too bloody short. I just feel like I'm getting into the story again and then it ends. And there's only one volume left! Bleh. This was good though - I really liked Katchoo and Francine finally getting back together.
September 16, 2011
Aaaah, I love Strangers in Paradise... Unfortunatley you can aleady feel that everything is coming to a conclusion and that the story will soon be over. It's one of those stories you never want to end. Like life.
December 25, 2007
Good book. Like the story
Very fun
Very fun
May 19, 2008
The end is near... :(
May 9, 2009
Finally finishing up the series. Forgot how good this comic was!
Read
August 21, 2012I love this book from the word go
November 30, 2014
Francine and Katchoo back together after Francine's wedding.
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.
February 27, 2014
The series began a repetitive cycle midway. It's still good, but nowhere near as good as it had been.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews