Strangers In Paradise

[Jeff From WV]

So I've spent the better part of the weekend reading Terry Moore's Strangers in Paradise.  I'm ashamed to admit that I've owned these books for a few years, but am just now reading them.  I definitely remember the guys talking about these books in some capacity, at some point, but honestly can't remember what they thought....

So what's everyone's opinions on this series?

jeff.

[Jordan]

I just can not seem to get into a Terry Moore book.  I love his art style, but his story and characters always leave me a bit cold.  I was bored to tears with Strangers (I read the first of those smaller collections) and I was not all that interested in Echo; I read the whole thing, it was alright.

He's been doing small "how to draw women" comics that I've been really enjoying; his insights are quite interesting.

I believe Jason really liked Strangers, but I'm not sure about the others. 

[BobBretall]

So what's everyone's opinions on this series?

I think it was mostly brilliant.   I could have done without the diversion into "Molly & Poo", but other than that, a 5/5 read as a whole.   I loved how characters grew over the years it took to tell the story and how he tied together/wrapped up all the many story elements in the end.

[Jon O]

I think they're amazing.  The characters feel real, even in the crazy situations that start to come into.  The relationships are heartbreakingly sincere.  The art is gorgeous.  GORGEOUS.  I felt like I was growing up with these characters as I read through the story, and I think I cried through the last 10 issues or so.  Powerful comics from a modern master.  Echo is an awesome sci fi tale as well and I think I may start picking up the issues of Rachel Rising.

[JoeyN]

I have only read the first pocket edition. Waiting for them to finally go up digitally.

[Jeff From WV]

I'm halfway through pocket book 2, and have to say that I'm mostly loving these books. Moore's art has left me breathless on more than one occasion so far, and the characters have felt very real at times. Biggest bonus?? Francine looks JUST like my wife. I swaer in some panels I would believe that Moore used her for photo reference.

[barrow]

I was hoping this thread was going to say he's reprinting the Strangers Omnibus.

[legion of daves]

i love it, though i'm a bit ashamed to admit i still have never finished it.  not because i don't want it to end, just because i still haven't bought the last pocket book and finished reading it.

[Wood]

I adored it. I read it all after it was complete, probably over a two month span.

I thought it was great, emotional and tightly scripted in a way that few comics have achieved. That's to say nothing of Terry's otherworldly talents as a cartoonist.

[Jeff From WV]

He's easily one of the best. I now feel so involved with these characters that I'm starting to have this gnawing fear of finishing the books because I'm afraid to be "done" with them..

[BobBretall]

He's easily one of the best. I now feel so involved with these characters that I'm starting to have this gnawing fear of finishing the books because I'm afraid to be "done" with them..

Move on to Echo & Rachel Rising after you finish SiP 

[neutron11]

I absolutely loved the series and bought it almost completely in single issues throughout (although I have purchased the pocket books as well 'cause it's easier to read that way).  Waiting for each issue to come out (sometimes more than two months between issues) was extremely painful.  I enjoyed my second read through more than the first because I didn't have to wait.  I'll post my commission art from T.M. when I get home.

I do agree with Bob that the Molly and Poo parts were not my favorite and I skipped those during my second read through.

[Jeff From WV]

Move on to Echo & Rachel Rising after you finish SiP 

I love Rachel Rising....still gotta grab Echo, though...

[Tim H]

I adored it. I read it all after it was complete, probably over a two month span.

I thought it was great, emotional and tightly scripted in a way that few comics have achieved. That's to say nothing of Terry's otherworldly talents as a cartoonist.

From the very beginning, I was hooked.  The characters are some of the most fully formed characters in comics history.  Moore pulls you into the world and keeps you hanging on by the edge of your seat.  This comic has it all from the most heartfelt moments full of laughter to absolute tear jerkers that will leave you weeping like a baby.  Perfect comics and that isn't hyperbole!

[RedMoses]

I have only read the first pocket edition. Waiting for them to finally go up digitally.

These are being converted, and I believe he said that it's not too far off. I'm hoping for a big sale, cause I'm going to have to buy them all.

On March 9th, he tweeted this response to me about SiP digital: "They're prepping to release it all at once. A lot of work!"

I was hoping this thread was going to say he's reprinting the Strangers Omnibus.

I also asked about this at last year's C2E2, and he said he was planning on doing another Omnibus but was waiting for an anniversary (2013?).

[Perseus]

I read all the Strangers in Paradise pocket books in like a week.  It was amazing as I could not put it down.  I love the art so much in the book, and I just loved the characters and the story.  I miss Katchoo, Francine, David, and Casey.  Don't sleep on Terry Moore's other books, Echo and Rachel Rising.  Both awesome in their own ways.  Rachel Rising is currently at the top of my pile every time it comes out.  Terry Moore's art is fantastic, his women very pretty in a realistic way.  He is a master of his craft. 

[TopherB]

I finally sat down and read "Strangers in Paradise" pocket book 1.  I now feel ashamed that I had not read this before. 

Admittedly the story didn't grab me with the first 3 issues; but then it started to ramp up, and I really got hooked.  Is Francine going to hook up with Freddie?  Is Francine and Katchoo going to hook up?  Or Katchoo and David?  I really didn't want anyone to hook up; because Terry Moore did such an excellent job of portraying complete, and utter confusion in his characters thoughts and feelings.

...and the man's art?  Holy shit.  The way he draws hair and the human body is astounding.  For some reason, I kept being reminded of Joe Quesada's art, especially with the way they both draw hair and noses.  Has Quesada ever stated how influence he's been by Moore's art?

Can't wait to read the 2nd book!

[Jon O]

The second book is going to pull you even further in.  I've never felt like I've grown with characters so much as in SiP.