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drkottke's review
3.0
I read this for a MOOC on Gender Through Comic Books, and I'll admit that I probably might not have picked it up if I only read a description of it. What I liked is how the story turns the archetypes and dynamics of Archie Comics on their head. What seems light and fluffy carries some serious darkness, hints of which appear in this volume.
sashaknits's review
3.0
Poorly baby yesterday would only nap on me or Daddy but fortunately I was able to snag a graphic novel off the shelf once she was asleep. I haven't read these since I was a student and have been meaning to go back and finish the series (think I stalled around volume 9) so I guess this is the start of my reread before I do so.
This was very much a set-up volume with some back story for Francine, Katchoo and David so not a huge amount happens. Freddie getting his comeuppance was fun though, if a little OTT.
This was very much a set-up volume with some back story for Francine, Katchoo and David so not a huge amount happens. Freddie getting his comeuppance was fun though, if a little OTT.
mselke's review
3.0
Excellent illustrations with a good story, but one that makes me thankful that I never went through many of the problems these young women faced with men. Somewhat unrealistic (Okay, maybe it was... maybe it's just my background... it will be interesting to discuss this one with others), but I liked the illustration style.
My first text for the Gender Through Comics MOOC starting tomorrow. The first guest speaker is Terry Moore, so we are reading some of his work. The first question will be "What is Gender?"
My first text for the Gender Through Comics MOOC starting tomorrow. The first guest speaker is Terry Moore, so we are reading some of his work. The first question will be "What is Gender?"
librovert's review against another edition
4.0
Strangers in Paradise makes the normal everyday activities of roomates Francine and Katchoo into something fun to read about.
What I liked most about SiP is that the characters are realistic. They may be a tad bit on the eccentric side, but they are 3-dimensional people that you or I could actually know.
What I liked most about SiP is that the characters are realistic. They may be a tad bit on the eccentric side, but they are 3-dimensional people that you or I could actually know.
scrubjayspeaks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
psychologist_reads's review
1.0
Yeeeah... no. I didn't like the artwork, I didn't like the story and the main characters are both horrible. Katchoo is insane. Seriously. She's a terrible person, violent, rude and full of hatred, she's dangerous and should probably be either in jail or committed. Francine is a hysterical idiot. She acts like the victim all the time, when all that's been happening to her has been the result of her own choices. Freddie is outrageously and with no reason at all portrayed as a bad person in the beginning (how sexist of him! to want to sleep with his girlfriend of one year! OMG, the misogyny!) and then turned into a complete carricature as the volume progresses. He's a cheater, a womaniser, he's sexist and homophobic and he's also corrupted and stealing money from his clients. And all this, to make us sympathize with Francine and Katchoo, whose actions are batshit crazy either way. Poetry was pretty decent, though, and David was a fairly nice character. I'm surprised, since every other man in the book has been an awful, sexist pig, but David is OK. Bottom line: I have a strong reaction to works of art trying to force feed me ideas. I like to question things and be challenged, that's what I want from a work of art. Not hitting me repeatedly on the head with "Feminism for Dummies".
simply_munch's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
ed_correa's review
3.0
Un cómic de comedia romántica que aún se mantiene como referencia de calidad con sus historias. Estas primeras entregas son bastante sencillas pero como todo lo bueno, ya evidencia la clase de serie en la que luego se va a convertir. Interesante.
roklobster's review
4.0
Feeling nostalgic so read some Strangers. The out-dated pop culture references aside, man does this comic stand the test of time. Solid story telling, great art. Ah to make such a thing myself...
decapode's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0