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ComicsGAF Book Club #1 | Strangers in Paradise

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I didn't have a chance to read yesterday so here is a quick recap of my thoughts of

Vol. 2, #7-9

So now i can finally reveal a fact that is never mentioned with SiP. Sure when people talk about the series they talk about the romance, and characters and love triangles which is the heart of the series. But SiP also likes to spend time delving into Katchoo's past which lends itself into more action oriented areas. Yes things are resolved for now but that last shot of Tambi looking on, the fact Parker is still loose, and the money is tied to the mob, washington and a dead senator is probably not likely to go away.

The other thing i'm surprised about was how early a lot of these plot points are revealed (David, the introduction of Mrs Parker, etc). For some reason in my mind this all happened much later in the series. But no matter its great to see it all in action again

The switch to prose was could have been a big mistep and i usually hate it when writers do this (I love books but i hate switching reading styles midway through a book) but it works well here. Especially with the Freddie and Chuck discussion. Ah poor Freddie the grass is always greener eh?

And Now David finds a new kind of friendzone. Good luck buddy. I'll try to read today's sample later in the afternoon or so.
 

Kipp

but I am taking tiny steps forward
Hmm. Seems that quite a few people are falling behind a bit. A lot less posts today than previous days. Would you guys like to take an extra day off? Tomorrow's already a day off because of new comics, but we could count today as a day off too if you guys would like. I don't want anyone to feel rushed or feel like reading is a chore. Just let me know.

Oh, and also, there was a transition between issues that really wasn't clear this time, and although I did guess where the issues ended correctly, if anyone ever wants to be sure about the beginning/ending of issues, you can always preview the issues on Comixology and see the first pages of them.

But anyways:

Vol 2, #10-12

These issues just flew by. Even more so than usual.
But wow. Every single time I'm shocked at how much stuff is jam-packed into each issue. So much happened in the last three issues that I don't even know where to start talking about it. Honestly, I think I'm gonna wait for a nice recap post by gketter or someone and just piggyback off of that. Haha

One thing off the top of my head though, issue 12 was a total trip. Really interesting writing by Moore.
 
Hmm. Seems that quite a few people are falling behind a bit. A lot less posts today than previous days. Would you guys like to take an extra day off? Tomorrow's already a day off because of new comics, but we could count today as a day off too if you guys would like. I don't want anyone to feel rushed or feel like reading is a chore. Just let me know.

Oh, and also, there was a transition between issues that really wasn't clear this time, and although I did guess where the issues ended correctly, if anyone ever wants to be sure about the beginning/ending of issues, you can always preview the issues on Comixology and see the first pages of them.

But anyways:

Vol 2, #10-12

These issues just flew by. Even more so than usual.
But wow. Every single time I'm shocked at how much stuff is jam-packed into each issue. So much happened in the last three issues that I don't even know where to start talking about it. Honestly, I think I'm gonna wait for a nice recap post by gketter or someone and just piggyback off of that. Haha

One thing off the top of my head though, issue 12 was a total trip. Really interesting writing by Moore.

Well taking a break for Christmas wouldn't be a bad idea. That throws a wrench into people's schedule some. Off to go reading!
 

Zombine

Banned
Hey guys just wanted to let you know that I'm hot to trot.

I have a ton of catching up to do, but holy fuck is this book gorgeous.

Edit:

#1-3 Really blew my mind. The set up and execution of the plot was perfect. The way they wrapped the story up, and Francine dropping that sex bomb on Freddie made my mouth drop. That was soogood.gif
 
Yea Zombine is finally jumping in.

SiP Vol 2 #10-12

Now that the action events are calming down it is time to dive back into the bread and butter of this series..romance triangles, misunderstandings, confusion, and great characters trying to make sense of this crazy world we live in. Like Kipp said these issues fly by fast and a ton happense so lets do some recapping.

Katchoo & Francine are back from a two week hawaii trip and seem as close as ever. Very close! Meanwhile during this time Freddie has ventured into full obsession mode now. I've seen this happen to people before, they are always pining for things they can't have or wax nostalgic about what was. The funny thing is if he does hook back up with Francine (shocking cliff hanger of #12) you just know he'll be miserable. He'd eventually lust after someone else, cheat on her, etc. Because at the end of the day Freddie is not happy with himself.

But enough about Freddie and his nonsense, this is about the Francine for the first time actually considering and seeing Katchoo as a possible girlfriend. The flirtation through the issues was non-stop. But its really when she receives external validation from an acquaintance that not only them being a couple would not be a big deal, but was happy for it, was the first time Francine really thinks about it. Which honestly makes sense for her, given that she is so insecure having external encouragement probably would have to happen for her to at least look into it. Well things do start to get pretty serious until David "third wheel specialist" shows up to throw a wrench into everything.

What a powerful sequence between Katchoo and David. Prior to this we had another of Katchoo's heart breaking looks when she got off the phone with David. So when they meet, with David in the rain this becomes an interesting showdown. And David pulls out his sincerity card and "i will never leave" moves to dig in and weather the storm...and punches. Oh and art of Katchoo in her underwear in the rain brawling was quite good ;)

In other parts of the issues we get more backstory of how Katchoo and David first meet. Its another fun fake out since everyone (and Katchoo) thinks it means the meeting at the art gallery but its actually a time when Katchoo was at her worst. And even then good 'ol David was smitten with a very drunk call girl that worked for her sister and just humiliated and stole money from a senator. Hey if he's digging her at her lowest point then i think it shows not only why He'd jump at the chance (even having to lie about why he was there) when Darcy asks him to go. And then we have some fun fakeout scenes where you think David & Katchoo hook up, but its just a mixture of dream/nightmares and Katchoo messing with poor David. And even when he's thrown into the ultimate friendzone the guy won't give up..and even Katchoo seems to leave the door "slightly" open

But at the end of the day I think Katchoo again has a good friend in her life, and was very clear about her feelings toward Francine. Of course poor Francine is misunderstanding the whole set of events and flies to Hawaii. Noooooooooo!

Random Thoughts

- That exchange between Francine and her friend at the video store was great. The contrast between inner thoughts and external i think is quite true in many cases
- The Neighbor Drunk Wife and Pervy Husband are back and funnier than ever. That wimper plea to drag him to the window to see Katchoo in the rain was hilarious
- Sign of the times moment - Hey video stores..remember those? And answering machines??
- What was David going to tell Katchoo before things got too serious? A very effective plot device used, but one that always gets me frustrated. Just spend one more minute to explain it, but its a good tease for later.
- eh..i don't think Chuck and his new G/F are going to make it that long
- Attn Messi - Does Casey remind you of any character you're a big fan of? Oh say from the DC staple of female characters? =)
 

Kipp

but I am taking tiny steps forward
Hey guys just wanted to let you know that I'm hot to trot.

I have a ton of catching up to do, but holy fuck is this book gorgeous.

Edit:

#1-3 Really blew my mind. The set up and execution of the plot was perfect. The way they wrapped the story up, and Francine dropping that sex bomb on Freddie made my mouth drop. That was soogood.gif

Looking forward to hearing what you think as things get even crazier! (Assuming you meant Vol. 1, 1-3, rather than Vol. 2, 1-3)
So glad you're enjoying it though!

Well taking a break for Christmas wouldn't be a bad idea. That throws a wrench into people's schedule some. Off to go reading!

Yeah, I'm up for this if everyone else is. I'm good either way though.

Katchoo & Francine are back from a two week hawaii trip and seem as close as ever. Very close!

But enough about Freddie and his nonsense, this is about the Francine for the first time actually considering and seeing Katchoo as a possible girlfriend. The flirtation through the issues was non-stop. But its really when she receives external validation from an acquaintance that not only them being a couple would not be a big deal, but was happy for it, was the first time Francine really thinks about it. Which honestly makes sense for her, given that she is so insecure having external encouragement probably would have to happen for her to at least look into it. Well things do start to get pretty serious until David "third wheel specialist" shows up to throw a wrench into everything.

What a powerful sequence between Katchoo and David. Prior to this we had another of Katchoo's heart breaking looks when she got off the phone with David. So when they meet, with David in the rain this becomes an interesting showdown. And David pulls out his sincerity card and "i will never leave" moves to dig in and weather the storm...and punches. Oh and art of Katchoo in her underwear in the rain brawling was quite good ;)

In other parts of the issues we get more backstory of how Katchoo and David first meet. Its another fun fake out since everyone (and Katchoo) thinks it means the meeting at the art gallery but its actually a time when Katchoo was at her worst. And even then good 'ol David was smitten with a very drunk call girl that worked for her sister and just humiliated and stole money from a senator. Hey if he's digging her at her lowest point then i think it shows not only why He'd jump at the chance (even having to lie about why he was there) when Darcy asks him to go.

Wait, so Katchoo and Francine had just come back from their Hawaii trip at the beginning of #10? That's what I thought at first, but then I thought they must've just come back from the hospital. It wasn't too clear to me.

I really enjoyed the way that Francine realized she could love Katchoo as more than a friend too. That was a really realistic and sensical way of doing that.
Also, I really liked how when they were about to kiss, Katchoo made sure three times that that was what Francine really wanted. She wanted to be sure this wasn't just some impulsive, "friendly" thing and actually meant something. And wasn't something Francine would regret and would hurt their friendship. That was such a rich character interaction.

And speaking of rich character interactions, that scene with Katchoo and David in the rain was so intense like you already mentioned.
His stubbornness/perseverance which usually seems initially naive really paid off.

I hadn't really thought of that context (Katchoo being at her very lowest; drunk, thieving, and being a prostitute) of David first meeting Katchoo. Good point you made about David really being able to handle Katchoo's negative aspects if that's when he fell in love with her.
I loved that scene that went something like: "What's her name?" "Baby June" "No, her real name." "Katina." and then he goes on to say that's the girl he wants to marry.
Also that semi-bomb drop about Mrs. Parker having a pretty serious thing with Katchoo adds a bit of spice to things.
 

Messi

Member
Hey guys just wanted to let you know that I'm hot to trot.

I have a ton of catching up to do, but holy fuck is this book gorgeous.

Edit:

#1-3 Really blew my mind. The set up and execution of the plot was perfect. The way they wrapped the story up, and Francine dropping that sex bomb on Freddie made my mouth drop. That was soogood.gif

I didn't catch it being a sex bomb. That's kind of incredible.

I really believe that the art being in black and white makes it look so good.
 
I really believe that the art being in black and white makes it look so good.

There's definitely a case to be made for B&W artwork. Color is nice, but going with B&W gives you a chance to see the art in its purest form, and the facial expressions really come through here. I can't help but feel adding color would detract from that.
 
Wait, so Katchoo and Francine had just come back from their Hawaii trip at the beginning of #10? That's what I thought at first, but then I thought they must've just come back from the hospital. It wasn't too clear to me.

Well Freddie called 40+ times, Francine left the heat on full, and there was a note from the landlord evicting. All things that indicate they've been out of the house for a long time and its not like Francine would move into the hospital 24/7

Oh and now that we got the reveal about David's connection to Darcy have you noticed the sort of spoiler with this image on your omnibus? I thought it was clever how they matched up Darcy and David like that. Of course I couldn't mention it until now. :)

6980056.jpg



Edit: and I found a great Terry moore sketch as Katchoo dressed as power girl. Although I'm not sure im allowed to post it here on GAF. Maybe it's NSFW? I'll send the link to Messi
 
I'm all caught up to Vol2 #12. It's almost midnight on Christmas Eve here, and my kids will wake me in about 5 hours, so no time for expansive thoughts, but I'm really enjoying it still. I have thoughts on Freddie, so I'll save them for later :p

I think a break is OK, as people will busy over the holidays anyway. I might not get a chance to read over the next couple of days, but after that I'll have heaps of reading time so I'll probably end up racing ahead!
 

Kipp

but I am taking tiny steps forward
Remember guys, no scheduled reading today! So, I mean, feel free to read, just don't post about it here. :p

And yeah, we'll take Christmas off as well. Probably should spend time with family instead of comics... Haha
 

Kipp

but I am taking tiny steps forward
Well Freddie called 40+ times, Francine left the heat on full, and there was a note from the landlord evicting. All things that indicate they've been out of the house for a long time and its not like Francine would move into the hospital 24/7

Oh and now that we got the reveal about David's connection to Darcy have you noticed the sort of spoiler with this image on your omnibus? I thought it was clever how they matched up Darcy and David like that. Of course I couldn't mention it until now. :)

Yeah, true. I chalked that up to Freddie being insanely desperate and Francine living at the hospital with Katchoo for days. But then, I guess Francine wouldn't feel the need to be by Katchoo's side 24/7 after Katchoo wasn't in any real danger anymore and was just healing up and almost ready to go home. So yeah, it makes more sense that they had been to Hawaii. I just feel like if they had been, surely they'd talk about it?

And hah! That is pretty clever. That's a nice touch.

I'm all caught up to Vol2 #12. It's almost midnight on Christmas Eve here, and my kids will wake me in about 5 hours, so no time for expansive thoughts, but I'm really enjoying it still. I have thoughts on Freddie, so I'll save them for later :p

Glad you're enjoying it still! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
 

Cheska

Member
Should we maybe cut the issue reading back to two issues a day?

What point should we be at right now? I read up to Vol 2, Issue 12.

EDIT: Nevermind,Kipp is awesome and updates the OP daily with where our current spots are.
 

Kipp

but I am taking tiny steps forward
I may have read up to the end of the first story arc, which is just over halfway through book one.

:D

P.S. It was amazing.

Goodness. Haha. Glad you're enjoying it!

Should we maybe cut the issue reading back to two issues a day?

I'm up for whatever you guys want to do. Anyone else have any thoughts on switching to two issues per day?
Only main issue I can think of is it'll take us way longer to catch up to the people *cough* Freeza *cough* who have read ahead.
I now see that the main difficulty of a book club is compromising between slower readers (like me) and binge readers. Haha
 
I vote we stick with 3. The issues are quick reads and I want to keep the momentum going. I'm doing my best not to binge read the series in a day or two!
 
I vote we stick with 3. The issues are quick reads and I want to keep the momentum going. I'm doing my best not to binge read the series in a day or two!

I really wish these books had page numbers. It would make it much easier to tell where I am in relation to everyone else.
 

Messi

Member
I really wish these books had page numbers. It would make it much easier to tell where I am in relation to everyone else.

No idea where I am. Omnibus does a terrible job telling you where you are. I think I am around the same point as you guys. That prick David interrupted Francine and Katchoo kissing. I felt so bad for Francine when Katchoo and David kissed. Right after she opened up to Katchoo. I want Katchoo x Francine to be a thing. Not David and Katchoo lol.

Freddie is still a prick. Can someone explain to me what was going on in the friends house with the wife flashing him.
 
Freddie is still a prick. Can someone explain to me what was going on in the friends house with the wife flashing him.

She wasn't his wife, but they have a "no secrets" policy, and Freddie mentioned something about her boyfriend that she didn't know. So she flashed Freddie to get even.
 

Messi

Member
She wasn't his wife, but they have a "no secrets" policy, and Freddie mentioned something about her boyfriend that she didn't know. So she flashed Freddie to get even.

Do you remember what the thing was that Freddie mentioned?

Also do we know who the person is who was watching Katchoo's taxi leaving the hospital? Are we supposed to know?
 

Kipp

but I am taking tiny steps forward
I vote we stick with 3. The issues are quick reads and I want to keep the momentum going. I'm doing my best not to binge read the series in a day or two!

Yeah, I'm good with that too. Two issues a day would obviously be a little easier (though three hasn't been much trouble at all) but going through this 2200 page monster at two issues a day... We'd be at this for months. Haha

No idea where I am. Omnibus does a terrible job telling you where you are. I think I am around the same point as you guys.

Remember if you get totally lost you can check out the first page of every issue on Comixology. That should help you get your bearings.

Also do we know who the person is who was watching Katchoo's taxi leaving the hospital? Are we supposed to know?

That was Bambi or Tambi. I can't recall which. Basically the thug working for Mrs. Parker. One was killed in that shootout, but she had a twin sister.
 
Do you remember what the thing was that Freddie mentioned?

I think it was the thing about Chuck dating Francine way back when.

Also do we know who the person is who was watching Katchoo's taxi leaving the hospital? Are we supposed to know?

Was it a guy or girl? If it was a guy, I think it was a guy hired by
Darcy
to keep an eye on Katchoo. If not, it was probably Tambi.
 

Messi

Member
Yeah, I'm good with that too. Two issues a day would obviously be a little easier (though three hasn't been much trouble at all) but going through this 2200 page monster at two issues a day... We'd be at this for months. Haha



Remember if you get totally lost you can check out the first page of every issue on Comixology. That should help you get your bearings.



That was Bambi or Tambi. I can't recall which. Basically the thug working for Mrs. Parker. One was killed in that shootout, but she had a twin sister.

Because of course she has an equally evil twin. She had a long pony tail. I assumed if was the bodyguard.
 

Kipp

but I am taking tiny steps forward
Because of course she has an equally evil twin. She had a long pony tail. I assumed if was the bodyguard.

Haha. Yep. It was mentioned in an offhand kind of way I think when Katchoo was in the hospital. At least it was sometime after the shootout. I thought that was a little contrived, but I'll give SiP some slack because it's absolutely brilliant 99.9% of the time.
 
SIP Vol 2 #13, Vol 3 1-2

After the holiday break its time for more SIP! wooot. So things in #13 Pick up with Everyone rushing to Hawaii for marriage hijinks. Along the way we have a fun interaction where David once again gets totally manipulated by Katchoo and it ends up with him agreeing to pose for her naked for a painting. You could just see her amusement the whole way through as he had no chance of saying no.

Meanwhile Francine is at the island and as soon as she arrives you can tell she regrets it. And we get to see some more interactions between Casey and Freddie as they prepare for their romantic wedding. Boy did that sound more appealing in theory than reality! I pretty amusing sequence. Poor Casey but i think she dodged a bullet there, and Freddie ends the day with a broken nose thanks to Katchoo. Although poor Freddie was a bit wronged by Francine. Not that he deserves anything or whatnot, but a girl he's been lusting after hard shows up to disrupt the wedding and then gets shot down is a pretty brutal letdown. And things end with Katchoo & Francine apparently together, and everythings happy..right?

Well until we jump to Vol 3 (the final vol!) #1. And what to we discover...TIME JUMP! And not a very happy one overall. We learn Francine is married for 10 years, has a 5 year old daughter and hasn't seen Katchoo in 10 years! And Francine looks tired and miserable. She heads to a lunch with her husband who is late, but gets a surprise when none other than Casey bumps into her. And from that Francine discovers that Katchoo is there as well. Drama! Buuuut then its rewound back to where we left things with them moving into the smaller location. Things there are all happy and optimistic, but of course Terry had to sour everything by showing that glimpse into the future. But I will say over the course of the next two issues i started to get lost back in their younger stories and worry about the sadder future later. Katchoo is starting to get back into her art...painting David, and Francine goes out and lands a job at an ad agency. Of course her boss is insanse (who gets..excited...from yelling) and the poor girl has to hear a horrible exchange about her in the elevator. Lot of gut punches for the reader in todays set of readings.

But things end where Francine is thinking about joining a gym. We'll see how that turns out

Also we finally get the reveal about the rose tattoo and the significance of it. It seems Darcy likes marking her belongings and that included Katchoo. What i think was interesting re-reading the series is that rose tattoo is drawn by Terry Moore at the very beginning of the series. Its barely noticeable, and not made a big deal but it was there



Random thoughts
- A new set of crazy neighbors were introduced. I bet most weren't expecting the leather reveal eh? Sunstone!
- Katchoo doesn't mess around about art
 

Zombine

Banned
I've basically given up reading along. 3 issues a day is too much for me. I have a ton of shit to do and I work Friday nights so it's really difficult to catch up.
 
I've basically given up reading along. 3 issues a day is too much for me. I have a ton of shit to do and I work Friday nights so it's really difficult to catch up.

Pfffft. Friday nights + weekends are days I would never work. And I would never take a job that required it.
 

Kipp

but I am taking tiny steps forward
"FRANCINE! Fuck a bunch of scarves! GO!"

New best line.
Almost done with the third issue from yesterday (which I believe is vol 3, #1), and then I just have today's issues and I'm caught up.
 

Messi

Member
"FRANCINE! Fuck a bunch of scarves! GO!"

New best line.
Almost done with the third issue from yesterday (which I believe is vol 3, #1), and then I just have today's issues and I'm caught up.

That line got me. The whole scene was hilarious.

That flash forward 10 years was super dressing :/
 
Maybe I didnt read deep enough but I passed off the time jump as a nightmare dream sequence =x. Dat Jim Lee art though.

That elevator scene was crushing. It's nice for her to find some motivation to lose weight but that's not the right source.

Lotsa pervy neighbors in the land of Paradise all of whom love to watch Francine and Katchoo and ignore their perhaps equally deviant wives
 

Kipp

but I am taking tiny steps forward
It was even easier to read through six issues in one morning than I'd anticipated. In fact, when I checked to make sure I was getting the issue breaks correct, I realized I had read all six when I thought I still had one to go.
So yeah, all caught up!

Maybe I didnt read deep enough but I passed off the time jump as a nightmare dream sequence =x. Dat Jim Lee art though.

Yeah, that's how I interpreted that as well. Of course gketter would know better than us since he's read it before, but especially with the previous use of dream sequences, I assumed it was just another dream.
 
Sip Vol 3 #3-5

With the third volume it seems that Terry is starting to open things up a bit and not have plot lines as focused as previous volumes. Where in the past a handful of issues would be the Freddie/Francine story or the Emma in the hospital, etc. Things now are meandering a bit more like life can do. That's not to say things aren't happening..oh boy things are as explosive as ever, but done in different ways.

I must say Katchoo wanting to pain David caused all sorts of problems eh? Things first start with Francine jealous and bothered that she's painting David in the nude. To the point she is almost considering being the replacement model! I thought Francine's dialogue about how she can't compete with Katchoo's wit, but still has feelings was pretty powerful. As someone that enjoys sarcasm and verbal teasing/sparing its something I've had to learn as i got older not to go too far with people. Also her mention that she will intentionally go slower to see if people stick with her is particularly telling. Whether she knows it or not she seems to do this with her relationships. She did it with Freddie and seems to be also doing it with Katchoo (as shown later in todays reading)

After that Francine moves on to have one hell of a day. It starts with a lot of misadventures at the gym. I thought Francine was being overly dramatic during the whole ordeal. She's going there to get better in shape but had crazy freakouts about her measurements, trainers, etc. But hey we learn most of her measurements...and learn Katchoo has seen Francine naked. This is capped off with a locker room incident, her clothes getting muddied and stumbling into being the new condom model.

That sequence with the photoshoot was pretty funny. And it always amuses me that Francine is the focus for all the body issues, weight, and cruel things men say & do. But at the same time, is the one who everyone (besides david) seems to lust after. Her old boyfriends are obsessed with her, and now she walking into this modeling deal. And even then the director is equally insulting her and praising her.

Back at the homestead things really blow up regarding the David painting. Its unclear to me at this point what David thought this painting was going to be about. I guess he thought it wouldn't be painting everything? But when David for the first time..ever actually says no to Katchoo things don't go well. As the outside observer i think its safe to say both are a bit wrong for this fight. First off Katchoo once again shows she is VERY volatile when it comes to her art. I don't think the others in her life realize how personal her art is, and what it means for her to share it with others. She broke down with the art gallery, she takes David's rejection here as the ultimate insult, and she had previous dust ups. Now on her side she I think did a big over reaction but as the argument went on I could start to see her point. She is in her own weird way trying to include David through this, but she is also one that likes to constantly tease and toy with David and mock his willingness to do whatever Katchoo says. I also wonder how much of this was the fact he finally didn't just go along with it. Meanwhile David reveals that he became a Christian to deal with his feelings at his lowpoint. And this is where David is in the wrong. Katchoo really maps out just how much he knows of her and how little he has shared of himself. Anyway David has fled, and Katchoo then relapses into drinking. :(

So of course to make things even better Katchoo being drunk almost gets Francine to take things to the next level. But the trait of Francine's that annoys me the most is her waffling when it comes to her feelings, and relationships. This is where I point to her intentionally slowing down to see if people will hang with her.

Meanwhile did anyone have an idea Chuck's crazy girlfriend worked at that ad agency? I totally missed that plot point and good lord is she insane. Francine has had to endure some cruel things, but i thought that whole sequence with her at the sales pitch and lunch might be the worst. Oh and did you notice the flower tattoo and location? Hm....

But once again true to Francine's character, when external forces challenges her relationship regarding Katchoo it only strengthens her defense of her and they have a nice moment at the end. Its like when others ask what's up she strips away all her own self doubt and her feelings become unfiltered for a brief moment. Still we've seen this seesaw before (and know the 10 year jump) so expect more from this rollercoaster ride

Todays Omnibus Reader Stopping point panel Guide
Francine runs home and hugs Katchoo with the words my friend in the panel
 
It was even easier to read through six issues in one morning than I'd anticipated. In fact, when I checked to make sure I was getting the issue breaks correct, I realized I had read all six when I thought I still had one to go.
So yeah, all caught up!



Yeah, that's how I interpreted that as well. Of course gketter would know better than us since he's read it before, but especially with the previous use of dream sequences, I assumed it was just another dream.

eh i forget a lot of things about this story and some of the later stuff is kind of murky for me (for a couple reasons) so i could be wrong. But the transition of Francine's face, and hair in the wind back to when they were young felt more like a reflecting back to the past as she looks on to Katchoo at the gazebo, and not a "wake up from a crazy dream" that they always show when he does that move.
 
These 3 issues felt like a slowing down of the pace to give us time to remember everything up to this point. Tie ins with the rose tattoo on Chuck's gf, David knowing Katchoo's past from having watched her for 6+ years, Francine's ever ongoing battle with her self image and feelings.

The David+Katchoo fight seemed a little contrived as if Moore wanted to separate them but couldn't think of a really good way so he just went with what he had. Francine's job is everything but what she expected but should lead to some character advancement, will she come to terms with her image or break?

Is the coworker playing a really long round game to get to Katchoo? Seems to much to be a coincidence, could be something deeper going on there.
 

Messi

Member
eh i forget a lot of things about this story and some of the later stuff is kind of murky for me (for a couple reasons) so i could be wrong. But the transition of Francine's face, and hair in the wind back to when they were young felt more like a reflecting back to the past as she looks on to Katchoo at the gazebo, and not a "wake up from a crazy dream" that they always show when he does that move.

Everytime Katchoo or Francine wakes up from a dream/nightmare it is made really clear. This was a flash forward. Imo.
 

Kipp

but I am taking tiny steps forward
[
Meanwhile did anyone have an idea Chuck's crazy girlfriend worked at that ad agency? I totally missed that plot point and good lord is she insane. Francine has had to endure some cruel things, but i thought that whole sequence with her at the sales pitch and lunch might be the worst. Oh and did you notice the flower tattoo and location? Hm....

OOOH. I was trying to remember who that was. I knew that was a character we'd met, but couldn't recall who.

eh i forget a lot of things about this story and some of the later stuff is kind of murky for me (for a couple reasons) so i could be wrong. But the transition of Francine's face, and hair in the wind back to when they were young felt more like a reflecting back to the past as she looks on to Katchoo at the gazebo, and not a "wake up from a crazy dream" that they always show when he does that move.

Everytime Katchoo or Francine wakes up from a dream/nightmare it is made really clear. This was a flash forward. Imo.

Ah, okay. Gotcha.
 

Cheska

Member
My god, this series is just so incredible. I'm seriously so glued to the characters, and I feel like there's at least one scene in each issue that hits me right in the gut.

-Loved that scene in the airplane with Katchoo and David talking about posing for the painting. Extra laughs for the girl in the back kicking the chair LOL.

-Freddie's obsession with baby powder kind of made him even more of a creeper. And what the hell was up with that ceremony?

-Annual bustybra convention? HA! Terry Moore must be a boob man.

-Those sexual innuendos while David was looking for the hotel key card, loved them!

-Purple Phantasm issue was drawn by Jim Lee right? I have to admit, it was nice seeing the girls get some love by other famed creators.

-I got extra teary at the part where Francine is walking towards the gazebo and reminiscing.

-Phoebe in leather! LOL. We went from a pervy neighbor to a dominatrix. This comic is definitely aimed towards Messi ;)

-The plot deepens: Chuck's gf is one of Darcy's old call girls. DAMN! So do we think she's spying on our favorite duo? Or is she planning some sort of threesome with Francine? They seemed to make it a point to bring up the "not boring" part.

-Legitimately felt sad about that David fight. There's obviously so much buried there. Also, is it just me or does David actually look older in his flashbacks? I think the short hair and glasses makes him look like a kid..
 
My god, this series is just so incredible. I'm seriously so glued to the characters, and I feel like there's at least one scene in each issue that hits me right in the gut.

-Loved that scene in the airplane with Katchoo and David talking about posing for the painting. Extra laughs for the girl in the back kicking the chair LOL.

-Freddie's obsession with baby powder kind of made him even more of a creeper. And what the hell was up with that ceremony?

-Annual bustybra convention? HA! Terry Moore must be a boob man.

-Those sexual innuendos while David was looking for the hotel key card, loved them!

-Purple Phantasm issue was drawn by Jim Lee right? I have to admit, it was nice seeing the girls get some love by other famed creators.

-I got extra teary at the part where Francine is walking towards the gazebo and reminiscing.

-Phoebe in leather! LOL. We went from a pervy neighbor to a dominatrix. This comic is definitely aimed towards Messi ;)

-The plot deepens: Chuck's gf is one of Darcy's old call girls. DAMN! So do we think she's spying on our favorite duo? Or is she planning some sort of threesome with Francine? They seemed to make it a point to bring up the "not boring" part.

-Legitimately felt sad about that David fight. There's obviously so much buried there. Also, is it just me or does David actually look older in his flashbacks? I think the short hair and glasses makes him look like a kid..
Glad you're digging it Cheska! Great higlights and yes Jim lee was helping some in the image dream. In the digital TPB they included a number of variant covers and he and Terry Moore did one. And again during that dream sequence the "image" drawings were in color.

BTW after today's reading it completed original trade volume #4. Only 15 more to go! This is when the trades all became like 5 issue iterations
 
Sip Vol 3 #6-8

Wow wow a great set of issues today. Its impressive how quickly and seamlessly Terry Moore can shift gears and dive right back into the Darcy Parker plot. So we do get confirmation that Rachel is indeed a D.U.C.K agent of Darcy's and on the edge of doing..something to Katchoo and the gang gets pulled and placed as the new Senator's fiancee. More on that later

So as is often the case it seems just when things look like we get some happy times, something goes awry. Katchoo & Francine have a good habit of being out of sync when it comes to their relationship next steps. Just when Francine seems ready to jump in, Katchoo freaks out and causes a mess. I guess you can read this two different ways. One where Katchoo is upset because she doesn't believe Francine and that she can just "flip the switch" or this is part of Katchoo's self-destructive nature. When things really looked to be getting to something real she blows it all up. Eh.its probably a bit of both

The diner scene afterwards where Francine just destroys Katchoo (inadvertently) was amazing. Especially since its done essentially off panel and in words only. Francine opens up the possibility the reason David is so reserved is because he too was raised in an abusive way and it was his attempts to handle it. This of course hits Katchoo too close to home and sends her on a mission to find David..who is back with Darcy

We also find out that Francine's ad agency is actually owned by Darcy and she planted Veronica (aka Rachael) there to do...things. Well the SiP gang finds out and Francine shows up at Chuck's place to find out info. This whole scene with Chuck on pain meds, with Freddie being the ultimate schmuck and Francine finding about the bikini and pictures was very entertaining. Just watch the different reaction shots by Francine. But this also shows Francine is getting better, stands up to Freddie multiple times and should be requiring the photos and bikini soon

Speaking of Darcy we get the revelation of how her organization really runs and that its not just high end escorts, but that these agents are used by her to be placed in areas of influence and to then shape things to Darcy's will. David attempts to free Katchoo from her clutches and we get more confirmation that he's the real deal but she won't have any of that. Of course Katchoo in her sneaking mission is conveniently to far away to hear it. This ends with Katchoo captured by Tambi and we get more revelations. She too was working an angle to get out of Darcy's clutches that wen awry back when Katchoo took the money. And then we get the ultimate cliffhanger..she drops Katchoo off a sky scraper

Curse you Kipp and your 3 comic a day limit!

Random thoughts
- I think Terry loves seeing just how awful he can make Freddie. Its amazing to see a character in comics this horrible without being actually evil. He's not a villain but he's the next closest thing. He's not smart, he's a horrible friend, a bad husband, a cheat, incredibly vain, and completely disloyal to everyone. Poor Casey
- I like how the two plumbers were oblivious the whole time they entered a lesbian bar.
- Another sign of the times, being able to see people leave flights from the terminal.

Today's Omnibus Reader Stopping point panel Guide
Tambi drops Katchoo off the building
 
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