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Strangers in Paradise Trade Paperbacks #4
Strangers in Paradise, Volume 4: Love Me Tender
This collection presents a restless time for Francine, Kathcoo and David as they struggle with their relationships in the aftermath of the I Dream of You period. However, in their self-absorbing conflicts they fail to notice an ominous presence that rises and surrounds their lives like a deadly storm. A powerful look at the human heart caught off guard. This collection includes a five page color dream sequence by Jim Lee!
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 13, 1998
4 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Terry Moore
833Ìýbooks639ÌýfollowersFollowing 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 31, 2017
The first collected volume of issues from what became the main bulk of the series. Volume 1 had 3 issues and Volume 2 had 13 issues. I recommend you start with those so you know the characters and backstory before you get into new things here. This volume collects issues 1 to 5 of Volume 3.
While in theory this volume is a complete story and it does end with the line “End of Part 1�, it is definitely a reintroduction to the SIP crew that needs to be followed up by continuing into the next volume. There is no way you could read this volume and be fully satisfied with what you got. This is the appetizer and your steak is on the way!
Despite the traditional black and white of the photo above, this volume is in color (unless he re-released it in black and white later). Based on reading some notes on this, it sounds like this approach was taken because he was looking to go more mainstream with a new publisher at the time and that was the way to do it. I do believe, if I recall from reading the first 30 or so issues a few years ago, that he does go back to black and white later on � which I do prefer for Moore!
While Love Me Tender was in color and not a complete story � I still LOVE Strangers In Paradise, the way Moore writes his characters, and just his writing style in general. He does a great job combining humorous and serious content. You want to laugh, and you want to cry. You are always left wanting to know what will happen next!
While in theory this volume is a complete story and it does end with the line “End of Part 1�, it is definitely a reintroduction to the SIP crew that needs to be followed up by continuing into the next volume. There is no way you could read this volume and be fully satisfied with what you got. This is the appetizer and your steak is on the way!
Despite the traditional black and white of the photo above, this volume is in color (unless he re-released it in black and white later). Based on reading some notes on this, it sounds like this approach was taken because he was looking to go more mainstream with a new publisher at the time and that was the way to do it. I do believe, if I recall from reading the first 30 or so issues a few years ago, that he does go back to black and white later on � which I do prefer for Moore!
While Love Me Tender was in color and not a complete story � I still LOVE Strangers In Paradise, the way Moore writes his characters, and just his writing style in general. He does a great job combining humorous and serious content. You want to laugh, and you want to cry. You are always left wanting to know what will happen next!
October 15, 2017
"Take my hand, I'm a stranger in paradise, oh lost in a wonderland, I am a stranger in paradise.
If I stand starry-eyed that's the danger in paradise for mortals who stand beside an angel like you.
Won't you answer this fervent prayer of a stranger in paradise, don't send me in dark despair from all that I hunger for, but open your angels arms to this stranger in paradise and tell her that she need be a stranger no more."
.....and that is the sweet and agonizing tale of Francine and Katchoo!
If I stand starry-eyed that's the danger in paradise for mortals who stand beside an angel like you.
Won't you answer this fervent prayer of a stranger in paradise, don't send me in dark despair from all that I hunger for, but open your angels arms to this stranger in paradise and tell her that she need be a stranger no more."
.....and that is the sweet and agonizing tale of Francine and Katchoo!
August 15, 2019
Beautiful. Heartbreaking. A fantastic read through and through.
I could probably say that about every single volume of this series.
Definitely becoming one of my all-time favorite books.
I could probably say that about every single volume of this series.
Definitely becoming one of my all-time favorite books.
July 28, 2017
Thus us a pretty fantastic installment in the Strangers in Paradise series. The events of this novel hint at interesting story arcs in the future, I never thought this series would suck me in as deep as it did.
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.
February 5, 2016
First colored volume. I prefer the black-and-white but what can you do?
The story is less crazy drama and more slice of life relationship between Francine and Katchoo (and David) now, and I do enjoy the, I'm assuming, breather filler.
The story is less crazy drama and more slice of life relationship between Francine and Katchoo (and David) now, and I do enjoy the, I'm assuming, breather filler.
April 13, 2018
It felt like a transitional entry in the SIP series. The writing and art is great, but overall I was left with a sense of “Okay, but where’s the story? When are things going to start happening?� Based on what I already know about SIP, I figure this volume served as a setup for what is coming up. I will read on.
July 27, 2018
Retreads a lot of the same ground but remains excellent in terms of dialogue and characterisation.
February 25, 2020
Continues to be one of my favorite reads. Beautifully drawn, wonderfully told story. So much to like about this series!
October 12, 2021
I love this series. Faults and all
January 29, 2023
Parte algo irregular, destacando más la historia de Francine. Veamos cómo sigue.
April 20, 2025
This one made me sad.
February 5, 2016
Volume 4 opens with a short, metaphorically inclined superhero sequence as dreamed by a future version of Francine. She is now middle-aged, unhappily married, and the mother of a 4-year-old daughter. We are told Francine hasn't seen Katchoo since she got married ten years ago. From this disheartening bit of foreshadowing we travel back to the present, where Francine and Katchoo have returned from Hawaii and are moving into a new apartment together. David confesses another part of himself to Katchoo, which leads to yet another rift between them. Then Francine suffers through a bizarre job interview at an advertising agency, lands the job, has to wear a hideous outfit for her first day at work, and ends up as the poster girl for a brand of condoms represented by her new employer (it's a long story). Meanwhile, one of Francine's new coworkers, Rachel, starts dating one of Francine's ex-boyfriends, Chuck, and she seems to be taking an unhealthy interest in both Francine and Katchoo.
Poor Francine reaches uncomfortable new plateaus of humiliation in this volume, which are mostly played for laughs. After a point you might begin to wonder if Moore is causing his heroine a little too much anguish, but it all works out in the end. The superhero opening to this volume will fly right over most readers' heads, since a heavy amount of "comic geek" insider information is required to understand it, as is an appreciation for the sequence's illustrator, Jim Lee (a favorite of the "tights and capes" crowd). All in all, not the strongest volume in the series, but there should be enough bright spots to keep even a casual reader interested.
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.
June 8, 2019
"Strangers in Paradise" has two modes: a plot-driven mode, and a genre-bending character-driven mode. This volume, the start of the third publication of the series proper, is very much in the second category... or so it seems. By the end of Volume 5, so many of the seemingly wheel-spinning (but entertaining) character interludes here will have proven to be very important to what's coming. Plus, by introducing new elements like David's faith, this volume builds the foundation for the rest of the ninety-issue run.
October 24, 2015
This is a very sweet slice-of-life story about characters whose lives seem very real, due to the wonderful writing of Terry Moore. What struck me about them is that Moore manages to make the silly parts of life very real, and make the serious parts serious without making them melodramatic.
The ad agency subplot was hysterical, and it amazes me that this series hasn't yet been adapted for a show on cable tv. It's rich and quirky, sweet and rowdy all at once.
The ad agency subplot was hysterical, and it amazes me that this series hasn't yet been adapted for a show on cable tv. It's rich and quirky, sweet and rowdy all at once.
April 23, 2020
Volume 4 of the Darcy files. Reading this along with the other 4 volumes of the Darcy files is a treat. I read this series when it came out in it's original comic book form, so it took a few years to get the whole story. This is a treat and a treasure. Katchoo, Francine and David are worth reading about. Trust me. This story will make you laugh out loud, cry your eyes out and transport you to another place where you can lose yourself. Love it.
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.
May 11, 2015
I'm not 100% about the "later in life flashback" start to this one, but I'm intruiged about where we're going.
Still enjoying the series. Natch.
The downside to an ongoing series in seperate books like this is that, until I reach the end, it's all just "yup, still reading, still liking" unless something radically shifts. Boring blog material, but still.
Still enjoying the series. Natch.
The downside to an ongoing series in seperate books like this is that, until I reach the end, it's all just "yup, still reading, still liking" unless something radically shifts. Boring blog material, but still.
September 11, 2012
Happily, I only found one more volume after this, at which point I will call it a day. Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ I see you indicating that many more volumes exist but do you know what I hate to be greedy I will leave the rest for the others..the...Others...hahaa lolol fuck Lost
April 1, 2013
This series is incredible. Beyond the graphic novel world, I think there would be a far broader fan base if it were advertised to the general public. Whoever you are, man or woman, you should definitely give it a chance.
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 1, 2009
LOVE LOVE LOVE the Jim Lee superhero sequence and covers! :)
December 15, 2013
Not the best of the Strangers in Paradise series, but still a fun read.
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.
December 25, 2016
This is like bad TV. Terrible, but I can't stop watching.
November 14, 2011
Very enjoyable.
March 30, 2017
The story is becoming more compelling, focusing on Katchoo's relationship with David and Francine's quest for a job. Good art, with some color this time.
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