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Strangers in Paradise XXV #1-10
Strangers In Paradise XXV Omnibus
To celebrate its 25th-anniversary, Terry Moore's Eisner Award-winning series is back with an all new story! Katchoo and Francine's family is in danger when a former Parker Girl threatens to reveal her criminal past in a tell-all book about Darcy Parker's empire. Now Katchoo is on a mission to stop the rogue Parker Girl, but first she'll have to find her. Here is the entire new story in a single affordable collection, plus sketches and behind the scenes notes of the return of America's favorite couple!
200 pages, Hardcover
First published April 10, 2019
65 people want to read
About the author
Terry Moore
833 books647 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 8, 2025
This graphic novel is an ambitious major project intended to (start to) tie up several loose ends, not only as far as the Strangers In Paradise series is concerned, but also regarding other works from the Terry Moore Universe. You need a great deal of knowledge to understand what’s going on here (and it’s still confusing then …), but it’s entertaining as ever nevertheless and it arouses the reader’s curiosity to know what is looming ahead (“Five Years”). And as usual, if things are getting serious, a lot of concentrated womanpower is in demand.
I really feel like rereading SIP now. :)
5 stars.
I really feel like rereading SIP now. :)
5 stars.
July 8, 2024
Incredible!
This graphic novel is full to bursting with exuberant ideas, but still manages to combine the plot threads of several comic series and decades in an amazingly elegant and logical way. The story is funny and sad, moving and heart-wrenching and often just astonishing, and the art work simply breathtaking.
And: Strong (and sapphic ;-)) women, as far as the eye can see!
I just have to say it: Terry Moore is a genius, and this book proves it once more.
10 stars!
This graphic novel is full to bursting with exuberant ideas, but still manages to combine the plot threads of several comic series and decades in an amazingly elegant and logical way. The story is funny and sad, moving and heart-wrenching and often just astonishing, and the art work simply breathtaking.
And: Strong (and sapphic ;-)) women, as far as the eye can see!
I just have to say it: Terry Moore is a genius, and this book proves it once more.
10 stars!
March 5, 2022
Moore's Strangers in Paradise is one of my favorite pieces of fiction ever. In any format. SIP XXV isn't so good BUT allows readers to revisit characters from SIP, Echo, Motor Girl, and Rachel Rising. It also sets the stage for events to come.
I guess the objective rating would be 3*. But I love these characters so I'll make it 4.
A must-read for Moore's fans, but not the best entry for newcomers.
I guess the objective rating would be 3*. But I love these characters so I'll make it 4.
A must-read for Moore's fans, but not the best entry for newcomers.
September 6, 2021
This is very much the first half of a two part story, the second part being ’five years later’. I really enjoyed it overall.
November 16, 2021
(Zero spoiler review)
Strangers in Paradise was very special to me. Whilst being far from perfect, at its heart, 'this will they won't they' tale of suburbia featuring Francine and Katchoo, was one of those reads that, when it was over, left you feeling sombre. Empty. Like the passing of a close friend or pet. Something you loved is over, never to be the same. Like I said, it was very special to me. It is with considerable anger and disgust that I can say that this was not only a shocking disappointment, but typified everything wrong with the original story, with none of its wholesomeness or charm.
The original SiP was a story about Francine and Katchoo (and a few side characters). The D grade espionage/thriller plot that occasionally reared its head throughout and either strongly or passively drove the narrative was always the weakest element of the story. So of course, this is basically the only thing that gets focused one here. All of the best side characters in the original story (Freddie and Casey) are nowhere to be seen (thank god for small mercy's). Instead, we get Moore's generic Mary-Sue hit squad, which is about as welcome as a severe case of crabs. Francine (my favourite character) Barely even features. Seriously, she is an afterthought in this entire story. It may as well have been called the lame and nonsensical adventures of Katchoo, and at least I wouldn't have gone into it thinking this was Strangers in Paradise. Also, I don't know what Terry Moore was smoking when he came up with the ending, but I have never wanted to throw a book so much in my life. Garbage. The only reason this is getting two stars instead of one, is Moore's art has clearly progressed since the original SiP, and even though this was a disaster, it at least was an attractive one.
This is not Strangers in Paradise. Repeat this like a mantra until you convince yourself its the case. It might take me a while. And the children... Why? Just why? The ending to the original story was just fine. Nothing else was needed. They get together. Happy ending. That's where this should have stayed. The addition of the children (disgustingly drawn as miniature versions of the adults) were as pointless and superfluous as Francine was. I hate them. This is as big of a shit on the original story and the fans as The Last of Us Part II. I am sorely tempted to tear out the sketchbook at the back, as those dozen or so pencil drawings of the characters contained more nostalgia, more heart and more feels than the 200 awful pages of story did. I would destroy a lovely hardcover for a few pages of art, if they weren't tainted by association from the book they came out of. I am really, really pissed off with this shit, and I will never read it again. This is not Strangers in Paradise. This is not Strangers in Paradise. This is not Strangers in Paradise... 2/5
OmniBen.
Strangers in Paradise was very special to me. Whilst being far from perfect, at its heart, 'this will they won't they' tale of suburbia featuring Francine and Katchoo, was one of those reads that, when it was over, left you feeling sombre. Empty. Like the passing of a close friend or pet. Something you loved is over, never to be the same. Like I said, it was very special to me. It is with considerable anger and disgust that I can say that this was not only a shocking disappointment, but typified everything wrong with the original story, with none of its wholesomeness or charm.
The original SiP was a story about Francine and Katchoo (and a few side characters). The D grade espionage/thriller plot that occasionally reared its head throughout and either strongly or passively drove the narrative was always the weakest element of the story. So of course, this is basically the only thing that gets focused one here. All of the best side characters in the original story (Freddie and Casey) are nowhere to be seen (thank god for small mercy's). Instead, we get Moore's generic Mary-Sue hit squad, which is about as welcome as a severe case of crabs. Francine (my favourite character) Barely even features. Seriously, she is an afterthought in this entire story. It may as well have been called the lame and nonsensical adventures of Katchoo, and at least I wouldn't have gone into it thinking this was Strangers in Paradise. Also, I don't know what Terry Moore was smoking when he came up with the ending, but I have never wanted to throw a book so much in my life. Garbage. The only reason this is getting two stars instead of one, is Moore's art has clearly progressed since the original SiP, and even though this was a disaster, it at least was an attractive one.
This is not Strangers in Paradise. Repeat this like a mantra until you convince yourself its the case. It might take me a while. And the children... Why? Just why? The ending to the original story was just fine. Nothing else was needed. They get together. Happy ending. That's where this should have stayed. The addition of the children (disgustingly drawn as miniature versions of the adults) were as pointless and superfluous as Francine was. I hate them. This is as big of a shit on the original story and the fans as The Last of Us Part II. I am sorely tempted to tear out the sketchbook at the back, as those dozen or so pencil drawings of the characters contained more nostalgia, more heart and more feels than the 200 awful pages of story did. I would destroy a lovely hardcover for a few pages of art, if they weren't tainted by association from the book they came out of. I am really, really pissed off with this shit, and I will never read it again. This is not Strangers in Paradise. This is not Strangers in Paradise. This is not Strangers in Paradise... 2/5
OmniBen.
March 19, 2020
More please! I adore these characters, the art is beautiful, and it was interesting to see all the Terry Moore stories tie together. This is a lovely book in so many ways.
April 27, 2023
I loved spending more time in the Terryverse. To see all the characters from his different series in one book is very rewarding. This tells a great story and sets up the next series in a great way.
April 16, 2019
I really liked this! I am a long-time fan of the original Sip series, and this was just as good.
Just a heads up; you should read Rachel Rising before you read this...
Just a heads up; you should read Rachel Rising before you read this...
June 25, 2019
I'm not QUITE sure what to feel about this one. The long-awaited sequel to "Strangers in Paradise" brings back Francine, Katchoo and Tambi, but sidelines all the other recurring characters, with cameos from characters from Terry Moore's other series. (That's not Ma Malai, it's Lilith the First Woman.)
The plot is fascinating, and would have been one of the greatest SiP plotlines... except it just sort of ends. There's a sequel tease, but I think we're supposed to read it as "the end, the open-ended end." As such, much like "Twin Peaks the Return," it almost chides you for wanting another happy ending.
The plot is fascinating, and would have been one of the greatest SiP plotlines... except it just sort of ends. There's a sequel tease, but I think we're supposed to read it as "the end, the open-ended end." As such, much like "Twin Peaks the Return," it almost chides you for wanting another happy ending.
May 30, 2023
I rate the original Strangers in Paradise as one of the greatest series ever, and so when I belatedly heard about this TPB I was overjoyed.
It was great getting reacquainted with Katchoo and Francine and seeing how their lives have moved on. It was also nice seeing characters from Moore's other series (Rachel Rising, Motorgirl & Echo) make appearances. The dialogue was as quick and pithy as ever. It was like pulling on a comforable shirt.
I won't give the plot away... suffice it to say that this is the first part of a 2-series story (the second part is called 'Five Years'), so it does feel incomplete and unsatisfying. Many characters get short shrift and it is irritating to see them used sparingly or not at all.
This is really a three-star book... but because I'm so grateful to return to these characters, I'm unashamedly adding an extra star.
It was great getting reacquainted with Katchoo and Francine and seeing how their lives have moved on. It was also nice seeing characters from Moore's other series (Rachel Rising, Motorgirl & Echo) make appearances. The dialogue was as quick and pithy as ever. It was like pulling on a comforable shirt.
I won't give the plot away... suffice it to say that this is the first part of a 2-series story (the second part is called 'Five Years'), so it does feel incomplete and unsatisfying. Many characters get short shrift and it is irritating to see them used sparingly or not at all.
This is really a three-star book... but because I'm so grateful to return to these characters, I'm unashamedly adding an extra star.
August 5, 2019
El regreso de Strangers in Paradise, la obra más emblemática creada por Terry Moore, salta la valla del dinosaurio resucitado por meros intereses económicos. Y lo consigue en buena parte gracias a abandonar la búsqueda del equilibrio romance/suspenso en favor de una premisa siempre efectiva (la amenaza atada al pasado del/la protagonista) y acá reforzada por nexos a otras series del autor; un thriller que apenas visita el mundo de Katchoo y Francine, pero no decepciona y sugiere posteriores episodios en sus colecciones hermanas.
May 25, 2020
This is something of a bridge story. The blurb text is really sort of a distraction to the real purpose of the story, which is to unite all the characters from Strangers, Echo, Rachel Rising and Motor Girl into a single story that's going to go forward in Five Years. It was a pretty story and it hung together reasonably well but it, like many (most?) bridge stories didn't really seem to go anywhere despite the fact that it covered a lot of ground (literally and metaphorically).
January 7, 2024
I was expecting more Francine and Katchoo but this was really a Strangers in Paradise mash-up with characters from Echo, Rachel Rising Serial and Motor Girl and it was good but felt a little crammed in and you might not like it or understand it if you haven't read all of the other non-SIP stories. Also, I just now realized I sound like my husband when he talks about Marvel characters. Jesus.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
February 6, 2026
This book combines the worlds of Rachel Rising and Strangers in Paradise in a Fantastic story.
The art is simple and beautiful. Author and artist Terry Moore knows how to create amazing emotion with minimal lines.
If you are a fan of Strangers in Paradise and Rachel Rising you should seek out this omnibus. If you have read one of them then read the other title first before reading this book; you will enjoy it more knowing who the characters are and their backstories.
The art is simple and beautiful. Author and artist Terry Moore knows how to create amazing emotion with minimal lines.
If you are a fan of Strangers in Paradise and Rachel Rising you should seek out this omnibus. If you have read one of them then read the other title first before reading this book; you will enjoy it more knowing who the characters are and their backstories.
March 26, 2020
Hacía tanto que no leía algo sobre Katchoo y Francine... Me ha encantado. Terry Moore tiene una sensibilidad muy especial al retratar las emociones de la gente. Algunas veces me ha hecho un nudo en el estómago solo con ver un par de dibujos. Y además, aparecen personajes de Echo, de Rachel rising y de Motor girl... Ha sido una delicia leerlo. Me he quedado con ganas de más.
March 22, 2020
More of a prequel to Five years that’s a Katchoo adventure, than a continuation of Strangers in Paradise, with many other characters from Moore’s comics.
Great read but looking forward to Five Years
Great read but looking forward to Five Years
July 27, 2023
Not reading other strangers in paradise I found this book hard to follow with a storyline that bounced around too much while also being sort of light. Great illustrations though.
February 10, 2025
Good to see more of this series! And it's an adventure story! And love the art!
April 25, 2021
I loved to get to spend time with Francie & Chooie again after all these years. I also really loved the way he connected SiP with Echo, Motorgirl AND Rachel Rising in such a good way. It all seems to be very carefully planned - Terry Moore deserves a lot of cred for his storytelling skills as well as beautiful artwork.
April 11, 2022
Love all Terry Moore books.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews