Where I'm currently living right now, its hard to get the current issue of SIP. I had to catch up when I last flew out to NYC. So I haven't had a chance to even get my paws on this one.

However, from what I'm gathering, it seems to all make sense now. After David and Katchoo got hitched in Las Vegas, and David refused the ring, I believed it might've been more than sleeping with Tambi Baker. After David's will reading, issue # 87...yeah, it makes sense now.

I have a feeling that in the end, Katchoo will turn down Francine's intentions. Hey, I could be wrong, considering I haven't read this particular issue. Keep in mind, through out SIP's history, Francine sometimes can be a little bit of a dunce. But after reading other readers' comments...hmmm perhaps it's up to Katchoo to finally break the chain once and for all?

Then again, I would personally love for Katchoo and Francine to be reunited, together in love forever, and never let each other go. After all, never say never.

My ex-boyfriend got me into this series. He said I reminded him of Katchoo. He thought Francine was attractive. He was right; I am very much like Katchoo. I'm an artist, been through a lot, been through a lot of pain but still able to love. I just don't have the Parker connection (thank goodness!) But I look more like a sub-culturial version of Francine. A figure like Francine without the Ann Taylor/Old Navy/Gap mall outfits. So pretty much I have Katchoo's mindset and Francine's body. Oh yeah, and I have done the Francine thang, went with my head instead of my heart, only to have it bite me in the ass. But I am mostly Katchoo.

At first I had dismissed SIP, thinking it was a low-brow Love and Rockets. After all, I was into that hipster Fantagraphics stuff, into Peter Bagge and Joe Matt. Yet SIP won my heart. Gave me hope in real life, even though SIP is fiction. Plus I love the Art Nouveau influnce. I understand that all good things must come to an end, but I will certainly miss SIP with all my heart. Thanks Terry.

THIS IS THE BEST STORY I EVER READ.



tERRY moore u rock

Terry,
...
...
...

I don't know what to say, I've been reading since Pocket Book 1's release, and picking up the issues since Pocket Book 5. "OK. 2 to go."
The best comic book, bar fucking none, is coming to an end. And the story isn't flagging one bit in this final stretch. I cried along with everyone else when David died. And you've been kicking my ass SINCE #86 ... since volume 1 actually ... Thank you. That's all, Terry. I think I've figured out where David's final resting place is going to be... You showed it so long ago. Waiting breathlessly for the finale!

I liked your site.

I'm really saddened by the fact that Yousaka is dead. He was really sweet and truly loved Katchoo for who she was. I really love his character. He was so cute! He'll be missed dearly.

I can't believe it....
Poor David, the onlt guy who really, truly loved Katchoo. I can't belive this is happening! David was nice, and caring, and somehow he was really cute! I'm gonna miss him... Now what will Katchoo and Francine do?

I have to agree with Krista from Sipfans, that guy just shouldn't have been in that hallway. He absolutely ruins the scene. It reminded me of the spaghetti flinging incident of so long ago, which would have been a PERFECT, touching scene if not for the "If you didn't want toast you could have just said so!" line. Argh... I wish that Katchoo could proofread Terry's stories and smack him upside the head once in a while. ;)

The one-sided conversation between Katchoo and David actually made my heart ache. Then, in the middle of trying to find David's final resting place Francine shows up and puts the moves on her. While she's literally carrying David on her back. God, that girl couldn't find a clue if one walked up and bit her on the face. Hopefully she'll realize how inappropriate her timing was and apologize. Other than David has anyone ever said the words "I'm sorry" to Katchoo? I can't remember. I guess I'll have to go re-read the entire series again. Oh well, it'll keep me busy until he next issue arrives. :)

Well I got to say with the end of the series coming near I am saddened. I also have to say this issue is one of the best I've read... I will be very sad to see it end even though with each issue I want to know what is going to happen next

Wow Terry. I don't want the end to come, but after each issue, I can't wait until the next. It's so bitter-sweet!

Loving it as always, though I can see why people are yelling about Katchoo's reaction to that first kiss. I just have one thing to say about the new storyline you've mentioned in your blog: If, at the end of issue 90, Katchoo wakes up and David is in the showrer, I will demand a refund. If she wakes up and Bobby Ewing is in the shower, I'll demand a psychiatric evaluation. If Katchoo's in the shower, or Casey, I'll bring a lunch and stay for the day....

What a sad issue.
Katchoo grand David's wish and wonders off to free his ashes in a beautiful place. Exactly what he wanted it, a beautiful masterpiece. I feel attached to Katchoo's thinking when she softly speaks to David’s remains minimized in a little box. But this is the pain that her anger brings, and what David warned her about.
I know not too many people agree with Francine’s determination to win her again, but I mostly think of it as a test for Katchoo to demonstrate she’s able to forgive. Casey and Francine are the strongholds for her happiness, if she doesn’t accept them, then David’s pledge for forgiveness would have been ignored. I hope Francine doesn’t give up, I somewhat dreamed about it (now you wonder how I dream about a comic, well, I dreamed that I was reading it)…and I wrote to Mr. Moore what I saw. Francine cut her hair and went on seriously to Katchoo to have David’s baby. Was I crazy?! What the hell was that all about?! Omg…lol
It felt very human to see Katchoo’s reaction, I’m very excited about the next issue. I swear I can KILL over it. Thank you, once more.

Love, from a very crazy person.

Cutwristkatina.deviantart.com

Hi Terry

I am speechless. We can see how Katchoo is coping it will be harder for her to let David go once she finds his final resting place :(. Im beginnning to see what may have caused Fran and Katchoo not to speak for 10 years. Katchoo's rejection of Fran. hurt to the core and im wondering how they will find their way back to each other this time.

Great work Terry im still upset with you about David. But im glad you have written a series that i can give to my kids when they are older.

Much Love and My Eternal Thanks
for the Memories

Jennifer M.
New York City.

P.s I wish I could find one of your cover artworks but they are very hard to find.

Hullo Terry,
(I don't wish this letter to be published, actually. Just wanted to share my thought with the autor)

You know what? I've got a problem with issue 88 end. I mean if one really loves somebody that besides one has known for years, and that person reacts the way Katchoo does; I can't picture just going away "tail between legs" as Francine does. Come on, you try harder : slip a note under the door screaming "I LOVE YOU"; bang on the door so much she's got to open it; organize a seating in front of it; whatever! You just don't leave, no way. I mean Francine knows Katchoo, she's got to know she'll have to fight her way back, she should have expected it and be prepared.

That's why I find the end of Issue 88 just doesn't fit pshychologically.

Otherwise I like your work Terry, and I've enjoyed reading it ever since I was introduced to it while leaving in the US. Know I'm back in France and I'm lucky enough to have found a comic books store that carries SIP.

Every fan you've published lately has been fretting about how they were going to miss SIP. I wonder what will YOU do after?

Take care and thanks for the ride all these years.

Nelly.

I have to say Francine is a bit selfish to throw herself at Katchoo like she did! Also DAMN freddie is a Damn good lawyer sheesh

I was so proud of Francine this issue. Even if it didn’t work out the way she planned at the end, you have to give the girl props for trying. Don’t give up Francine, just give her some time!

I picked up the first pocket book two summers ago and have been addicted every day since. I bought one book right after the other thinking, I just gotta see how this ends!

I’m another one rooting for the true love happy ending (trust me there’s plenty of us that don’t see things that are right in front of them til it’s too late).

Thank you Terry for the lovely ache that is SIP and the reminder that love isn’t always a straight and narrow line.

Leslie

Just reading this issue is making me sad that this series is ending. I like how the plot is winding down in toto.

Francine is looking as hot as ever, and Katchoo is as hot headed as ever.

Mix it up,

Dave

Another great issue as the series closes out it's run. This issue managed to accomplish two things for me... first, it nearly made me like Freddy after all these years. The way he handled the situation with Casey showed some real depth and growth on his part and allowed me to appreciate how far the character has come over the years. Second, it made me realize that I don't actually want Katchoo and Francine to get together. I know that saying that is almost heresy since their relationship has been the core of the book for so very long, but this issue made me realize that Katchoo has finally moved past Francine and is evolving in an interesting direction without her. To fall back into the relationship follies with Francine feels like it would be a step backwards for Katchoo and would negate the character growth she has undergone over the past few years. Katchoo is in a vulnerable place at the moment and at a crossroads in her life. Francine making a move at this point is the last thing Katchoo needs during this time of personal upheaval. I honestly no longer feel that these two characters belong together. Friends? Absolutely. Lovers? I think that ship has sailed.

hey Terry;
Feels a bit melancholy to write this, as the story winds down. We are left with the one question asked since Antarctic issue one: are they or aren't they mates, in every sense?
We live in hope for the happy ending, akin to the one Chris Balwin gave his leading lady in the online strip Bruno.
At this point, that looks questionable, with Francine crying alone in the hall. But this is SiP, and a lot can happen in the remaining 60 pages.
Francine and Katchoo deserve a happy ending, but then, don't we all?
Along the way, we've seen them grow and hurt, seen others grow (who would have thought Ready Freddie could be so insightful?), lost a few (Darcy, Emma, David), and maybe grown a bit ourselves in the reading.
Casey, originally a prop used as a somewhat cynical vehicle for commentary on women who buy into male expectations, has shown herself to be a complex and perceptive woman in her own right.
It's a bit odd that Strangers in Paradise will end before the comic I see as its predecessor, Omaha the Cat Dancer, on which I was an assistant for about five minutes a thousand years ago or so. Both books mean a great deal to me, and I will miss them both. You remember that hollow feeling when you went to look for a new issue of Bone and suddenly realized...oh yeah, that's it, it's done? While there is a great deal to be said for closure, this is not a feeling I relish.
Ah well. Kierkegaard said that life must be lived forwards, but can only be understood backwards. So it is with creativity. You never know what you have until you're done and can look back on it as a whole. I hope that you, as a creator, are happy with what you see looking back.
At any rate, thanks, Terry. While the storyline frustrated me a few times over the years, the book has been consistently well drawn, artistically innovative, always worth reading and always human.
When you have time, read Sarah Waters' Tipping the Velvet- it's somewhat akin to a Victorian SiP set in the 1880s London theater scene.
Meanwhile, I'll console myself with 60 more precious pages of SiP.
I know it's a fiction, but you'ce created some storng emotional work. It's hard not to care about these creations of yours and I'll miss them. You can't make new old friends.
to your health,
diana

I read the newest issues a few hours ago - albeit with constant interruptions from that thing they call the real world - and am still left a little bit... um. Confused, I guess.

I loved the scene between Casey and Freddie, even if I think Freddie said "wasn't [that] real" too many times. It was, probably my favourite scene this issue. It reminded me why I like Freddie so much, and I think Casey looks beautiful. Like, real, natural person beautiful.

I liked the scene with Francine and the young man. It was funny, and you could see Francine's growth and comfort in herself.

I think Katchoo's reaction over the kiss was to be expected. Francine was just reading the scenario incorrectly, I think. Katchoo is going through all this turmoil over the loss of David, and Francine thinks this is a good time to start their relationship? 'Chooey just needs her friends right now; not any more of Francine's "boomerang" bull. (As Casey once referred to it.)

I really thought I had the ending all figured out. But now I just feel lost and afraid that the ending will be left too open.

And what the hell happened with the ambulance bomber? Where did that person go? And what about Freddie's coroner girlfriend?

I need to reread the issue, I think. It was good, but I'm at a loss. I think the ending will probably read better once I have the TPB, and can read it in one fell swoop.

Sigh.

I don't know. This issue? gets a four because of the Freddie and Casey scene. It was beautiful. Heartfelt. It had pull. I felt what Casey was feeling and I could see how Freddie went from ready-freddie-i-love-boobs-poem-writer to the man I was looking at the page. Awesome.
However, once again I'm dissappointed by Fran and Kat, and it baffles me, still, when that happens, considering that they are the reason I read this comic.
Do I find the guy walking down the hallway looking at Kat and Fran and wondering wether they are a hetero couple of not, funny? sure. Do I think it's a realistic portrayal of what can happen when two women are kissing in a public environment? yes. Did I find it appropriate? No. It was frackin' anti-climatic, at its best. This was not Katchoo leaning over whispering how she dreams of Fran, not even drunk Kat whispering 'lissen'. Heck, I was more satisfied with the necklace switchin' scene (in which we saw nothing but a blushing Fran) than with this kiss, so public and so courageous of Francine, simply because of that man.

Now, it's not that I think that in real life this stuff doesn't occur - incredibly romantic moments ruined by outside forces - but this is fiction. And unnecessary. Because I was not focusing on the fact that Francine took a huge chance, assuming that Kat was still interested in her in that way after not having spoken about their feelings in such a long time. I was not focusing on the fact that Kat is hurting because this man, who totally was everything that she did not expect him to be, is gone, and here is this woman whom she's wanted for so long, giving herself to her - and it feels great and then it freaks her out and I did not see that... because of this man.

Of course, that's my opinion. It's not like I wanted a soundtrack swelling the whole world melts away scene, but it just didn't resonate as much as it should've. I do admit that I might be bitter as well - I wanted more scenes of Kat and Fran at dinner, just talking, just being friends. As I've stated before, there are two issues left and all I'm thinking is, now this is another hurdle to jump so there go more scenes dedicated to them getting over that and then, I won't get to see them, being Fran and Kat.

Oh, and I have to say: I rejoiced when David died, and felt nothing but happy (if a bit annoyed at all the space it took) in regards to his death. But Kat talking to him? was beautifully done, because at that moment I really felt something for Kat for losing this guy.

Hello Terry and Robyn!

I hope things have been going well with you both. Its been awhile since I talked to either of you and I just wanted to send a quick email just to say hello and wish you the best for the New Year.

With the comic wrapping up soon I am sure your are experiencing a mixture of relief and sadness, getting ready to retire an old, dear, and sometimes high maintenance friend. I for one would like to thank you for all that you have given us fans, especially what you have given us of your time, energy and compassion. You are truly two of the kindest people. Many of us have met you and there is not one of us who does not carry the best memories.

I also just wanted to let you know that the Strangers in Paradise online fans forum I have been managing is still up and running, with many of your old fans still posting, as well as some wonderful new fans we have recently had the pleasure of meeting. I was wondering if you might kindly post an announcement in your next issue to let people know that we are still around, and would warmly welcome any new members. I thought with the series ending soon, more fans might like to have kindred souls they can share their thoughts and hearts with. And maybe their frustrations. *smile*

The address is:

www.sipfans.com

Have a wonderful New Year, and may your lives take on new directions that are equally fulfilling.

-Krista at Sipfans

Wow, each issue leading up to the finish line gets better and better. I was moved by Freddie's transition into a likeable person. I thought he'd seemed more mature in the previous issue with the will reading. As for Francine, I felt sad for her of course, but wasn't terribly surprised at how Katchoo responded. Francine's timing couldn't have been worse. I have little doubt they'll end up together in the end (Terry said in the Treasury that if they remained apart, "everything [he] believed in would be lost: faith, love, hope and tomorrow.") But now Katchoo, having suffered the double-whammy of a loved one's loss and a seeming betrayal, needs her space. Let's hope Francine understands that.

You did it once again Terry. You went and made Freddie human. He's no longer the smartass bastard but the sweet, considerate and loving friend. You even made it easy for me to forgive Casey. Something I was not prepared to do. What you're doing to Katchoo and Fran, stop Terry, let them be. It's been long enough they deserve some good stuff in their lives.

Dear Terry,

I've been waiting for this moment for so long that I thought you were going to give us a big splash page of the Katchoo-Francine kiss, but, when I turned the page, there was this funny guy going down the corridor watching them!

Why haven't you drawn a BIG SPLASH PAGE [or a big half-the-page-size panel] of the kiss?

I think I've been reading too much Marvel...

Lawrence.

PS: Loved Freddie in this issue though.

There is so much to love about this issue.

I read on Terry’s blog a few weeks ago that, in this issue, Francine and Katchoo were going to do something they’d never done before in public. I thought that was going to be the highlight for me. It was cute, but it wasn’t the best part of the 88.

Loved:

* Katchoo driving with David’s ashes buckled into the passenger’s seat. “Frikkin’ choir boy.” So poignant.

* Francine talking to Clay outside the coffee shop. The panel where Francine says: “Hi, Clay. I am ten years older than you and I’m gay.” was one of the best panels in the history of SiP. It speaks volumes about Francine’s character development over the years. No embarrassment, no regret, no insecurity. Same thing when she says to Carolyn Hobbs that yes, she is Portrait of Francine. So glad to see her embrace that!

* The guy in the hotel walking to his room while Francine is kissing Katchoo in the hall. Fu-nny!

(Surprisingly) best part of the issue:

Freddie and Casey. For me, Freddie summed up the entire force of SiP when he was talking to Casey. Sometimes we hurt the people we love most in the world, but we can’t run from that. Love is about forgiveness, and relationships are about sticking it out and fighting for the people you cherish. Hooray, Freddie. I hope Casey does have dinner with him.

When we become invested in characters, they become real people to us. They live on in our imagination long after we close books or turn off movies. It takes an extreme faith to trust someone the way that I have trusted Terry Moore with my heart. I always believed that he would be true to his characters, true to his creation, and that his story would ultimately be one of redemption and love. Terry Moore is probably the best story-teller in any entertainment medium today, and most certainly in the comic book world.

His characters’ hearts are safe with him, and so is mine.

Wow! As always, very surprising! I'm happy to see Freddie's true side (or is it?) But for Francine to make a move like that was amazing. Too bad it didn't turn out the way she wanted. But Katchoo has way too much going on.

I cannot wait for the next issue!

Just finished # 88 ... I really liked it. I feel bad for Francine though .. but Katchoo is going through alot and doesn't know who she can trust. She's got two issues to come around, I know she will. :) I buy the hardcovers but I've been getting the single issues also starting from # 82+ because I can't wait to read what happens next!

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