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Strangers in Paradise Trade Paperbacks #9
Strangers in Paradise, Volume 9: My Child Of Rage
Violence. She has been running from it for seven long years. Violence. She has seen what these people are capable of. Violence. She knows they will never stop looking for her. Violence. And now they've found her.
Child of Rage is the conclusion to the saga of Katina Choovanski (Katchoo)'s flight from her own violent past, from a time spent with power junkies and murderous psychopaths, where decency was a weakness and human lives were handled with reckless abandon. Now the running is over. The huntred becomes the hunted when Katina turns the tables and stalker her own demons in a desperate attempt to reclaim her life, and the lives of her gentle friends, David and Francine.
Child of Rage is the ninth collection in the Eisner Award-winning comic boko seris, Strangers in Paradise. Published in nine languages, SiP is recognized around the world as the comic book for people who don't read comics, an illustrated contemporary novel about love and friendship.
Collects Abstract comic 31-32, 34-38
Child of Rage is the conclusion to the saga of Katina Choovanski (Katchoo)'s flight from her own violent past, from a time spent with power junkies and murderous psychopaths, where decency was a weakness and human lives were handled with reckless abandon. Now the running is over. The huntred becomes the hunted when Katina turns the tables and stalker her own demons in a desperate attempt to reclaim her life, and the lives of her gentle friends, David and Francine.
Child of Rage is the ninth collection in the Eisner Award-winning comic boko seris, Strangers in Paradise. Published in nine languages, SiP is recognized around the world as the comic book for people who don't read comics, an illustrated contemporary novel about love and friendship.
Collects Abstract comic 31-32, 34-38
154 pages, Trade Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
6 people are currently reading
125 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 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 25, 2018
Whew! Action packed! I held my breath a lot throughout this volume. So much is revealed, so much of the past is resolved, and so many relationship dynamics changed.
I will admit that at the beginning of this storyline it felt like we were stumbling a little clumsily back into some of the skeletons from past issues. It isn't something I can put my finger on, but I honestly thought to myself, "uh oh, I don't think I am going to care for this one". Part of it may be an unfortunate side effect of the fact that the beginning of this volume is where I have stopped reading this series twice before.
But, oh man! Moore finishes up this storyline with a great mix of political intrigue, action, and meaningful moments between characters. And, a lot of unanswered questions and cliffhangers are left for future volumes - there are just so many ways this could go!
I will admit that at the beginning of this storyline it felt like we were stumbling a little clumsily back into some of the skeletons from past issues. It isn't something I can put my finger on, but I honestly thought to myself, "uh oh, I don't think I am going to care for this one". Part of it may be an unfortunate side effect of the fact that the beginning of this volume is where I have stopped reading this series twice before.
But, oh man! Moore finishes up this storyline with a great mix of political intrigue, action, and meaningful moments between characters. And, a lot of unanswered questions and cliffhangers are left for future volumes - there are just so many ways this could go!
October 21, 2017
DIRTY BUSINESS
BAD DEALS
EVIL WOMEN
BAD KARMA
This one has it all! LOVED IT!
Every issue in this series has something special inside. Great poetry or art, puns and star appearances. In this volume, the SiP and Bone Buddies in Paradise, Popeye, and Pan references, as well as the Snoopy in Paradise tribute were a special touch at the end.
BAD DEALS
EVIL WOMEN
BAD KARMA
This one has it all! LOVED IT!
Every issue in this series has something special inside. Great poetry or art, puns and star appearances. In this volume, the SiP and Bone Buddies in Paradise, Popeye, and Pan references, as well as the Snoopy in Paradise tribute were a special touch at the end.
February 5, 2016
http://morethansuperhumans.blogspot.c...
Child of Rage concludes the plotline that began in the previous volume. One year after the events in volume 8, David is living with Francine and her mom in Tennessee while he recuperates from his injuries. Francine is engaged to Brad, whom she met the day Katchoo disappeared from their lives. But now that David has finally received his inheritance he decides it's time for him to travel to New York and track down Katchoo. What neither he nor Francine knows is that Katchoo has started her own company and plans to take down the Big Six crime syndicate, with the help of Mrs. Parker's old right hand, Tambi. Unfortunately, Mrs. Parker's cousin--and former chauffeur--Veronica (a.k.a. Rachel) has her own plans for taking over the syndicate, and isn't above sacrificing David and Francine to get what she wants.
Of the "Mrs. Parker" volumes, this is perhaps the most satisfying in that it ties up many of the loose ends that were left dangling after volumes 2 and 5. This volume also features the first meeting between Katchoo and Francine's fiancé, Brad, which--if you've read this far into the series--you know is going to be an electrifying scene.
Child of Rage concludes the plotline that began in the previous volume. One year after the events in volume 8, David is living with Francine and her mom in Tennessee while he recuperates from his injuries. Francine is engaged to Brad, whom she met the day Katchoo disappeared from their lives. But now that David has finally received his inheritance he decides it's time for him to travel to New York and track down Katchoo. What neither he nor Francine knows is that Katchoo has started her own company and plans to take down the Big Six crime syndicate, with the help of Mrs. Parker's old right hand, Tambi. Unfortunately, Mrs. Parker's cousin--and former chauffeur--Veronica (a.k.a. Rachel) has her own plans for taking over the syndicate, and isn't above sacrificing David and Francine to get what she wants.
Of the "Mrs. Parker" volumes, this is perhaps the most satisfying in that it ties up many of the loose ends that were left dangling after volumes 2 and 5. This volume also features the first meeting between Katchoo and Francine's fiancé, Brad, which--if you've read this far into the series--you know is going to be an electrifying scene.
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 26, 2020
All I have to say is "just read it", and when I say read it, I mean, the whole damn series. It's a roller coaster ride, and you probably won't like all of it, but you will fall in love with Katchoo, Francine and David and you will get caught up in their story. Gibe it a shot.
October 12, 2021
I love this series. Faults and all
February 20, 2022
Continues to entertain. With great characters like Katchoo and Francine it’s always great to spend some time in the SIP universe.
March 5, 2023
Sobresaliente
August 31, 2016
Paste from my review of Volume 1. I've read most of the series and feel the same review overall applies to everything:
The series has beautiful black and white line art throughout. It's the main reason I ever started it. Terry Moore is a masterly graphic artist and a riveting storyteller. I suspect I'll read anything he puts out. That said, I prefer Rachel Rising (horror) and Echo (science fiction), personally. SiP (as fans tend to call it) is a work focused almost entirely on how people relate to each other.
What an odd duck. This thing is described in quite a wide variety of ways, and mostly accurately. It's resemblance to a soap opera, happily, is all in the title. For that, it's a bit too realistic, too low in character count, too well-written, too laden with mafia intrigue/action, and too often taught in college literature classes. I'm curious as to why though. I wouldn't teach it in mine. It's not *that* good. It might be particularly relevant to a fem lit class, however, which might elevate the collegiate value of the book because of what it says and how it says it from a sociocultural standpoint rather than from a literary one.
The series has beautiful black and white line art throughout. It's the main reason I ever started it. Terry Moore is a masterly graphic artist and a riveting storyteller. I suspect I'll read anything he puts out. That said, I prefer Rachel Rising (horror) and Echo (science fiction), personally. SiP (as fans tend to call it) is a work focused almost entirely on how people relate to each other.
What an odd duck. This thing is described in quite a wide variety of ways, and mostly accurately. It's resemblance to a soap opera, happily, is all in the title. For that, it's a bit too realistic, too low in character count, too well-written, too laden with mafia intrigue/action, and too often taught in college literature classes. I'm curious as to why though. I wouldn't teach it in mine. It's not *that* good. It might be particularly relevant to a fem lit class, however, which might elevate the collegiate value of the book because of what it says and how it says it from a sociocultural standpoint rather than from a literary one.
November 12, 2012
2012 Reread: I got lost in this for a month. My very first full reread since the series hit its ending. Since I knew where it would start and go and end up. It was just as terrible, wonderful, painful, heartbreaking, heart healing, amazing as every other read. I never stop knowing my heart belongs to this.
February 23, 2008
Another great book with great designs by Terry Moore
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.
May 11, 2010
I kind of inhaled the entire series. At the end, I was sad to part ways with Francie and Katchoo.
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.
April 12, 2017
An end of an intense arc. Lots revealed. One thing I noticed and remembered from previous volumes - it's not so clear-cut distinguishing the characters from one another, especially the blonde ones. Francine's got a distinctive face, but Katchoo does not. I can't tell Tambi from Bambi from Katina.... etc. Perhaps because they're siblings. Or maybe Terry Moore made some mistakes with the facial structuring. Or maybe it was on purpose all along........
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews