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Strangers in Paradise Trade Paperbacks #6
Strangers in Paradise, Vol. 6: High School
Collects Vol. 3 issues #13-16.
Francine and Katchoo in high school! Learn how this enduring relationship began. Although they are complete opposites, Francine and Katchoo find a common bond in the one thing neither one has, friendship. Also included in this volume is a side splitting spoof of the popular Xena television show with Francine, Katchoo, and David showing up in the oddest places.
Francine and Katchoo in high school! Learn how this enduring relationship began. Although they are complete opposites, Francine and Katchoo find a common bond in the one thing neither one has, friendship. Also included in this volume is a side splitting spoof of the popular Xena television show with Francine, Katchoo, and David showing up in the oddest places.
84 pages, ebook
First published March 10, 1999
3 people are currently reading
124 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 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 27, 2017
This is a nice, short transitional volume after the high drama of the last volume. The main purpose here is to give some backstory on our heroines (Francine and Katchoo) and at least one of our less than favorite characters (Freddie Femurs).
A typical High School morning for Francine and Katchoo:
I would write more of a review here, but I am going to let my 20 year old self do that. After reading the High School mini-series I wrote a letter to Terry Moore (on what was then VERY new email technology). He published the letter in the back of issue 16 in July of 1998 - here it is!
Side note on issue 16: It is grouped with the High School series, but it is a one shot shout out to Xena Warrior Princess and did not advance the main story.
A typical High School morning for Francine and Katchoo:
I would write more of a review here, but I am going to let my 20 year old self do that. After reading the High School mini-series I wrote a letter to Terry Moore (on what was then VERY new email technology). He published the letter in the back of issue 16 in July of 1998 - here it is!
Side note on issue 16: It is grouped with the High School series, but it is a one shot shout out to Xena Warrior Princess and did not advance the main story.
October 16, 2017
High School.
Awkward, fun, embarrassing, cheesy, insecure, scary, harsh, daring and vulnerable.
If you have stuck around till now, then you have gone on a turbulent ride with Francine and Katchoo.
I love how this volume made a full circle to the beginnings of their friendship smack down in the middle of the 90's. Michael Bolton at Prom, Xena and Gabrielle imaginations, Bomber jackets and cigarettes, nightly visits through the windows to see your friend.
I am enjoying how the underlying issues are addressed that gave each character their personality. Their upbringings are very different and some of the gaps are now filled for the reader to paint a complete picture.
The poetry in this series is one of my favorite parts. This one, of course, by Katchoo in High School stood out to me in this issue:
"THIS MASK I WEAR, YOU GAVE TO ME ONE WINTER NIGHT BENEATH THE TREES; ITS BLACK AND BLUE ENSHROUDS MY LIFE, SURROUNDS MY EYES AND FINDS MY SIGHT.
THIS MASK I WEAR PRETENDS I'M HERE, AND HIDES ME FROM THE AWFUL FEAR, THAT YOU MIGHT FIND THE HEART OF ME AND TAKE THAT TOO, BENEATH THE TREES.
THIS MASK I WEAR TO HIDE THE PAIN. IT'S ALL I HAVE TO KEEP ME SANE. I JUST FELL DOWN, I'M TOLD TO TELL. THERE ARE NO WORDS TO STOP THIS HELL.
THIS MASK I PRAY TO GOD FOR WHY HE HATES ME SO TO WATCH ME DIE, A LITTLE MORE WITH EVERY NIGHT, THIS MAN COMES IN AND RAPES MY LIFE.
BUT LITTLE GIRLS GROW UP, MY FRIEND, AND LEARN THE WICKED WAYS OF MEN. AND THIS MASK I WEAR COMES OFF THE DAY THIS MASK I WEAR LAYS ON YOUR GRAVE"
Yes, this graphic novel goes deep sometimes and I can see why it has been so popular.
It is really good!
Awkward, fun, embarrassing, cheesy, insecure, scary, harsh, daring and vulnerable.
If you have stuck around till now, then you have gone on a turbulent ride with Francine and Katchoo.
I love how this volume made a full circle to the beginnings of their friendship smack down in the middle of the 90's. Michael Bolton at Prom, Xena and Gabrielle imaginations, Bomber jackets and cigarettes, nightly visits through the windows to see your friend.
I am enjoying how the underlying issues are addressed that gave each character their personality. Their upbringings are very different and some of the gaps are now filled for the reader to paint a complete picture.
The poetry in this series is one of my favorite parts. This one, of course, by Katchoo in High School stood out to me in this issue:
"THIS MASK I WEAR, YOU GAVE TO ME ONE WINTER NIGHT BENEATH THE TREES; ITS BLACK AND BLUE ENSHROUDS MY LIFE, SURROUNDS MY EYES AND FINDS MY SIGHT.
THIS MASK I WEAR PRETENDS I'M HERE, AND HIDES ME FROM THE AWFUL FEAR, THAT YOU MIGHT FIND THE HEART OF ME AND TAKE THAT TOO, BENEATH THE TREES.
THIS MASK I WEAR TO HIDE THE PAIN. IT'S ALL I HAVE TO KEEP ME SANE. I JUST FELL DOWN, I'M TOLD TO TELL. THERE ARE NO WORDS TO STOP THIS HELL.
THIS MASK I PRAY TO GOD FOR WHY HE HATES ME SO TO WATCH ME DIE, A LITTLE MORE WITH EVERY NIGHT, THIS MAN COMES IN AND RAPES MY LIFE.
BUT LITTLE GIRLS GROW UP, MY FRIEND, AND LEARN THE WICKED WAYS OF MEN. AND THIS MASK I WEAR COMES OFF THE DAY THIS MASK I WEAR LAYS ON YOUR GRAVE"
Yes, this graphic novel goes deep sometimes and I can see why it has been so popular.
It is really good!
February 26, 2016
Fun story, good return to the first pages of the very first issue. Maybe a bit too teen drama/angsty, but I didn't mind too much.
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 12, 2019
Volume 6 introduces two time-bends: the first, jumping forward to the "years later" plot we glimpsed in issue 1 of this imprint, then just as suddenly hopping backwards to the high school era glimpsed in the very first issue ever. The backstory here doesn't add too much that we don't already know, but the characters are so lived-in that it's nice spending time with them.
August 1, 2020
Sometimes you find a writer with characters you just flat out like. As long as the writer is telling their stories, you enjoy the result. Such is the case with Strangers in Paradise for me. I really enjoy spending time with these characters, so I think I lose some objectivity when evaluating these books.
June 13, 2024
While I am eh towards this installment like I have been so far I do have 2 things to say
1. That scene with Katchoo yelling at her mom about what she's been through....too true and sadly not uncommon
2. Ok that odd Xena inspired thing at the end
1. That scene with Katchoo yelling at her mom about what she's been through....too true and sadly not uncommon
2. Ok that odd Xena inspired thing at the end
July 19, 2017
Read our review at https://bookthreat.com/2017/07/17/ive...
August 1, 2018
Classic Strangers in Paradise formula of geniuine fun with heavy drama. I enjoyed this momentary change of pace.
October 12, 2021
I love this series. Faults and all
February 6, 2023
Breve volumen qué cuenta el famoso incidente de la obra de teatro, y como se vuelven amigas Katchoo y Francine.
February 5, 2016
http://morethansuperhumans.blogspot.c...
As you can tell by the title, this volume takes us back in time to witness the birth of Francine and Katchoo's friendship in high school. The pivotal moment in the story is the same one that introduced us to Francine in the first volume: her singularly embarrassing moment during the school play when good ol' Freddie Femur accidentally disrobes her in front of the entire audience. This time, however, it's not played (entirely) for laughs. Also, at the end of this volume, is Moore's charming parody of Xena: Warrior Princess, with Francine as Xena and Katchoo as her sidekick, Gabrielle (whose secondary position galls Katchoo, of course).
Moore begins this volume brilliantly by contrasting Francine and Katchoo's diametrically opposed upbringings side-by-side. As Francine wakes up bright-eyed in a pristine teenage girl's bedroom to the strains of Bill Haley's "Rock around the Clock," Katchoo simultaneously wakes up in a barren, trash-cluttered room on a bare mattress, smashes her alarm clock into silence, and lights up a cigarette. Thus we learn that Katchoo's had it bad pretty much from the start. If I have only one complaint, it's that Moore doesn't spend nearly enough time with the high school versions of his two protagonists, and the story is over all too quickly.
As you can tell by the title, this volume takes us back in time to witness the birth of Francine and Katchoo's friendship in high school. The pivotal moment in the story is the same one that introduced us to Francine in the first volume: her singularly embarrassing moment during the school play when good ol' Freddie Femur accidentally disrobes her in front of the entire audience. This time, however, it's not played (entirely) for laughs. Also, at the end of this volume, is Moore's charming parody of Xena: Warrior Princess, with Francine as Xena and Katchoo as her sidekick, Gabrielle (whose secondary position galls Katchoo, of course).
Moore begins this volume brilliantly by contrasting Francine and Katchoo's diametrically opposed upbringings side-by-side. As Francine wakes up bright-eyed in a pristine teenage girl's bedroom to the strains of Bill Haley's "Rock around the Clock," Katchoo simultaneously wakes up in a barren, trash-cluttered room on a bare mattress, smashes her alarm clock into silence, and lights up a cigarette. Thus we learn that Katchoo's had it bad pretty much from the start. If I have only one complaint, it's that Moore doesn't spend nearly enough time with the high school versions of his two protagonists, and the story is over all too quickly.
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.
October 30, 2010
Is it possible for Terry Moore to write a bad volume of SiP? Well, my answer would be no. Every volume might not be a slam bang success, but every volume is entertaining & a thrill to read.This one is no exception.
In this volume we learn about the high school past of our favorite girls, and we see the difference between their upbringing. While Francine's relatively happy teen years were filled mostly with light (minus the pre-divorce parents), Katchoo's was filled with darkness and sorrow. Both find in each other what they've been lacking, proving to us once again that they've always been each other's soul mates... they just weren't ready for it yet.
Would I recommend this? YES! This series is fantastic. It's got a bit of everything for everyone.
In this volume we learn about the high school past of our favorite girls, and we see the difference between their upbringing. While Francine's relatively happy teen years were filled mostly with light (minus the pre-divorce parents), Katchoo's was filled with darkness and sorrow. Both find in each other what they've been lacking, proving to us once again that they've always been each other's soul mates... they just weren't ready for it yet.
Would I recommend this? YES! This series is fantastic. It's got a bit of everything for everyone.
April 6, 2012
Strangers in Paradise is a fantasy comic about what happens when two warriors of the past, Francine and Katchoo, are catapulted into the future. During this time, they act as modern day teens in high school. Both girls are unaware that they are living in the wrong time. The graphic novel is entertaining and humorous. However, it is somewhat dark as well. Both girls suffer through teenaged drama that is completely familiar and relatable. On top of this, there are multiple poems throughout the story. If you're someone who is looking for an entertaining, yet meaningful read, this is the book for you.
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.
July 28, 2011
Sixth trade paperback collection of the series, including issues 13 through 16 of Volume 3. A three issue arc flashes back to the nascent friendship of Francine and Katchoo, followed by a one-shot parody of Xena: Warrior Princess. The high school issues show the reader how much past is prologue. Recommended.
April 23, 2020
I have a new favorite volume of SIP. This visits Katchoo and Francine when they were in high school together. A short and sweet story, I dare you not to cry by the end of this gem. Terry Moore has outdone himself this time. We get a funny and poignant tale of my two favorite women in comics. You can't miss this one.
June 8, 2013
Great choice to take break from frenetic action of prior episode to do some backstory. It must have been fun for Moore to reveal the underpinnings of these characters. Nothing surprising here but still enjoyable.
October 12, 2008
More of the greatness that is Terry Moore.
August 22, 2008
*giggle* *sniffle* *sigh*
August 2, 2009
Very adult and very violent. Was an interesting read. Kept you going.
January 4, 2017
Strangers in Paradise was the first comic title I was obsessed with, not counting The Crow, which was a different thing all together. SIP was consistently astounding.
September 9, 2009
a fun flashback story, but seems expendable... meh.
October 15, 2011
This was a nice look back after suffering a lot of drama. Somehow it still end up just being very sad though.
July 4, 2013
Retrospective back to Francine and Katchoo in high school and the beginnings of their unlikely friendship.
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.
November 18, 2013
Just OK. Probably not the best volume by which to sample the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews