In yet another story of a universally heralded creator heading back to one of their most popular works, Terry Moore announced that he is returning to Strangers In Paradise in 2013.
Moore will be changing up his creative direction and celebrating the series’ 20th anniversary when he writes his first prose novel in the world of Strangers In Paradise. The characters in Strangers In Paradise are beloved by most who read them and will certainly be excited about this surprising turn of events.
Earlier this month, I was lucky enough to visit this year’s Baltimore Comic-Con.
Now I can go on and on about how great the convention was. I could say how awesome it was to meet Terry Moore, Steve Lieber, and Marc Silvestri. I tell you how nice it was to see Cliff Chiang, Khoi Pham, and JG Jones again. I could also tell you how great of an artist colorist Laura Martin is but why not show you guys in a series of photographs?
If you were one of the many people who attended the San Diego Comic-Con this year, hopefully you were smart enough to stop by Abstract Studio’s booth and picked up a copy of the Strangers In Paradise Omnibus. The entire indie comic classic created by writer/artist Terry Moore is collected together in 2 volumes for the first time and made its unofficial debut at the Con and I was able to snag a copy with the help of GoD co-owner Dave3.
Strangers in Paradise is a romantic dramedy that centers around two best friends who have known each other since high school. Francine is the plus-sized shy one, who is unaware of just how special she really is. Katina (aka Katchoo) is the fiery outspoken artist, who is extremely loyal to and in love with Francine. The series follows their adult lives and their ever complicated relationship filled with men, women, guns, and of course, the Mafia.
If you are not familiar with the series, I must say that my summarization of the series does not do the book justice. It is a great read and provides the reader with a variety of emotions. I cannot think of a comic that has so many funny lines of dialogue and heartbreaking scenes all at once. The story, while mostly soap opera-esque, isn’t afraid to tap into other types of genres as well. At any point in time, the comic shifts from a soap opera to a comedy, to a mystery, drama, and even action. It is a story that should entertain anyone who is interested in a great story. Above all else, thanks to the writing, you actually feel for these characters and relate to them. Don’t be surprised if halfway into the story, you start actually thinking these characters are real.
Those of us lucky enough to check in on the smaller panel “Cartoon Books and Abstract Studios Happy Hour” at the San Diego Comic-Con last weekend by Jeff Smith (Bone) and Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise, Echo) were privy to some exciting news from both of the artists, as well as just a fun discussion.
The first news of the day was that Terry Moore’s newest book, Echo has been given a film deal by producer Lloyd Levin (Watchmen, Hellboy II) which means that we will be seeing a film adaptation at some point in the future. Echo is a sci-fi tale that tells the story of Julie Martin, a young photographer whose life gets turned upside down when she gets coated in a layer of metal that gives her strange powers. The series is currently on issue 14, with a planned run of 30 issues. Moore also said that his next goal is to get Strangers in Paradise produced as a TV series.
Students of the Unusual™ comic cover used with permission of 3BoysProductions
The Mercuri Bros.™ comic cover used with permission of Prodigal Son Press