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stephen_arvidson's review against another edition
5.0
Katina Choovanski—“Katchoo,” to her friends— is a beautiful and talented artist living a quiet life with everything going for her. She's smart, independent, and very much in love with her best friend, Francine Peters. Then Katchoo meets the gentle but persistent David Qin who is determined to win her heart. The ensuing love triangle is a charming comedy of romantic blunders until a second plot element emerges in the form of a suspense thriller-type arc involving Katchoo's former employer, Darcy Parker, who’s now hunting Katchoo and a large sum of stolen mob money.
What's most endearing about Strangers in Paradise—aside from the prospect of hot girl-on-girl action (what can I say? I’m a guy.)—is that its principle plotline is centered on real human drama with genuine characters, not superheroes in spandex. If the outstanding, well-paced writing isn’t enough to draw you in, perhaps then the clean, consistent, and incredibly detailed artwork will do the trick. The book is laced with both incredible humor and intensity, along with bits of song and evocative poetry that wonderfully complement the story. There’s even a couple extended prose segments, including a noir-esque police procedural involving Detective Mike Walsh as he investigates the brutal assault and subsequent murder of a former police officer with ties to predatory crime boss Darcy Parker.
Strangers in Paradise is both top-notch and utterly addicting. The believable and rich characterizations in this book are matched by only a small number of comics. Author Terry Moore's stark artistic style deftly captures the variety of characters and the overwhelming emotions etched in their facial expressions. Katina and Francine’s loving friendship is sure to tug at the heartstrings of many readers. What’s more, given the modern cultural and political landscape, Strangers in Paradise imparts a valuable and empowering message about the unseen depth and awe-inspiring beauty of women, regardless of their size or outward appearance.
What's most endearing about Strangers in Paradise—aside from the prospect of hot girl-on-girl action (what can I say? I’m a guy.)—is that its principle plotline is centered on real human drama with genuine characters, not superheroes in spandex. If the outstanding, well-paced writing isn’t enough to draw you in, perhaps then the clean, consistent, and incredibly detailed artwork will do the trick. The book is laced with both incredible humor and intensity, along with bits of song and evocative poetry that wonderfully complement the story. There’s even a couple extended prose segments, including a noir-esque police procedural involving Detective Mike Walsh as he investigates the brutal assault and subsequent murder of a former police officer with ties to predatory crime boss Darcy Parker.
Strangers in Paradise is both top-notch and utterly addicting. The believable and rich characterizations in this book are matched by only a small number of comics. Author Terry Moore's stark artistic style deftly captures the variety of characters and the overwhelming emotions etched in their facial expressions. Katina and Francine’s loving friendship is sure to tug at the heartstrings of many readers. What’s more, given the modern cultural and political landscape, Strangers in Paradise imparts a valuable and empowering message about the unseen depth and awe-inspiring beauty of women, regardless of their size or outward appearance.
celtic_oracle's review against another edition
4.0
So I still love this book, but I had forgotten about the creepiness of David basically inviting Katchoo to abuse him - and not in a BDSM-play kind of way.
I devoured this in no time flat and can’t wait to re-read Volume 2.
I devoured this in no time flat and can’t wait to re-read Volume 2.
corky12's review against another edition
I got a copy from the publisher, but this graphic novel was just not for me. I couldn't get past the retro art style, and the characters got on my nerves.
alexandrabree's review against another edition
5.0
Here are no words for how much I love this entire series
riotsquirrrl's review against another edition
2.0
The only thing that didn't suck was the art. Moore is a talented artist but I just read 350 pages of sexist drivel. With a big chunk of fatphobia and dudes who don't take no for an answer about anything. Flat characters.
the8th's review against another edition
4.0
Katina is deadly, Francine is sweet as pie. The perfect dynamic.
celindin's review against another edition
5.0
This is probably the single most amazing graphic novel series I have ever read! Terry Moore's characters are believable, both in how they are written and how they are drawn!
dantastic's review against another edition
4.0
Strangers in Paradise: Pocket book 1 collects Strangers in Paradise Volume 1 #1-3 and Strangers in Paradise Volume 2 #1-12.
I read a book containing the original Strangers in Paradise miniseries eons ago and probably posted a review on Goodreads. Anyway, I found this at the used bookstore for $4 and decided to jump back into the series.
Strangers in Paradise is the story of two friends, Francie and Katchoo, and their complicated relationship. With older eyes, they remind me of Maggie and Hopey from Love and Rockets a bit, although without as much history. There's no Del Chimney in this. Throw in David, a newcomer in their life that's enamored with Katchoo, and thus the triangle is complete.
The story is driven by some dark stuff in Katchoo's past but the real story is the developing, ever-changing relationship between Francine and Katchoo and whatever David is doing in their orbit. It reminds me of Love and Rockets at times and Stray Bullets in a couple places.
Terry Moore is both a great writer and artist. His characters are believable and his art has some Hernandez Bros, Archie, and manga in its parentage. It looks cartoony at first glance but the man can seriously draw.
Strangers in Paradise: Pocket Book 1 is a promising beginning. I guess I'm on board for the duration. 4 out of 5 stars.
I read a book containing the original Strangers in Paradise miniseries eons ago and probably posted a review on Goodreads. Anyway, I found this at the used bookstore for $4 and decided to jump back into the series.
Strangers in Paradise is the story of two friends, Francie and Katchoo, and their complicated relationship. With older eyes, they remind me of Maggie and Hopey from Love and Rockets a bit, although without as much history. There's no Del Chimney in this. Throw in David, a newcomer in their life that's enamored with Katchoo, and thus the triangle is complete.
The story is driven by some dark stuff in Katchoo's past but the real story is the developing, ever-changing relationship between Francine and Katchoo and whatever David is doing in their orbit. It reminds me of Love and Rockets at times and Stray Bullets in a couple places.
Terry Moore is both a great writer and artist. His characters are believable and his art has some Hernandez Bros, Archie, and manga in its parentage. It looks cartoony at first glance but the man can seriously draw.
Strangers in Paradise: Pocket Book 1 is a promising beginning. I guess I'm on board for the duration. 4 out of 5 stars.
ckausch's review against another edition
3.0
This story follows best friends Katchoo and Francine. Katchoo is a tough girl with a mysterious past, and secretly in love with Francine. Katchoo becomes friends with David, an artist. It's a quick read, but very fun. I like that the girls are drawn realistically, not litle skinny girls. I can't wait to read the next in the series!
amanova's review against another edition
3.0
I thought I read this series years ago, and it is vaguely familiar, but I don't think I finished it so I'm digging in again.