FCBD18 Interview: Creator Terry Moore Discusses Beloved Comic, Strangers in Paradise
Mar 23, 2018
In 1993, Terry Moore published the first issue of Strangers in Paradise, and began what would ultimately become a beloved comic book series. Now, twenty-five years later, and in celebration of its 25th anniversary, Terry Moore is releasing a comic series titled Strangers in Paradise XXV.
This new series, based on the events of the original series, follows Katchoo as she chases down a former enemy planning to publish a tell-all book exposing Katchoo’s criminal background, and destroying not only her empire, but her personal life with wife, Francine, and their two children.
Read our interview below with Abstract Studios’ Terry Moore to learn more about what to expect in this new era of Strangers in Paradise, as well as what Terry loves about comics, and Free Comic Book Day! Then, click here to read through our PREVIEWS Prevue of the title!
Free Comic Book Day (FCBD): For those who might be new to your comic book, give us a quick rundown of the story! 
Katchoo is a strong woman with a bad past. Now she’s married to Francine and they have two little kids and want to live a peaceful life. BUT, Katchoo’s past rears its ugly head when one of the bad women she worked with makes a deal with a Senate Committee to confess all. If she does, it will destroy Katchoo’s life and family. So Katchoo goes to find the woman and stop her, but the woman runs and now Katchoo has to find her… and she could be anywhere in the world. So, the story is about the hunt, and as Katchoo searches for clues, she mulls over the past and how it shaped her life today. I hope that’s not too long an explanation. There’s way more, but that’s it in a nutshell. And it’s all based on the first comic book series I ever did titled simply Strangers In Paradise.
FBCD: What genre is your title?
It’s crime, drama, comedy for 15 +. Not superhero, more like normal people doing extraordinary things.
FCBD: What has been your favorite part of the book or main characters to tackle?
I like getting the seed of an idea and watching it grow into a big mapped out plot. That must be the fun for any writer, to watch things materialize as you nurse an idea along.
FCBD: What other titles would you compare to yours?
It’s hard to answer that one. I guess Paper Girls meet Rumiko meets Greg Rucka crime stories. My stories are LGBT inclusive with some crime and irreverence thrown in.
FCBD: Looking to the future, is there anything you can tease about what’s upcoming for the title and its characters?
Yes, I’ve made four comic book series of my own. In this new series, SIP XXV, I plan to bring them all together into one overall story view. The Terryverse I call it. Nobody else calls it that but I do. :)
FCBD: What initially got you interested in comics?
The world building. I love making a world more interesting than mine, populated by its own people, history, music, notable objects. Writing fiction is the ultimate avatar experience.
FCBD: Many newcomers will pick up comics for the first time on FCBD—what was the first comic you remember reading?
Sugar and Spike. It was a little boy and girl who talked baby talk gibberish to adults but make perfect sense to each other. They had little adventures around the house. I was probably 1st grade reading that. From the first page I got it that this was escape in a book.
FCBD: Tell us why everyone should read comic books!
The graphics pull you into their world and make you want to read. My friend in Italy learned great English strictly by reading comics. A million little kids discovered the joy of reading not from school primers but from comics of their favorite TV shows. And, little kids too young to see PG13 movies like Star Wars can still find a comic suitable for them to share the fun of the characters. And if you’re mature, comics is where the world’s best short story writers are. Think about it, where else can they work now? Don’t say TV or Gaming, because those are creative by committee. A mature reader comic is one writer with something to say, unfiltered. That’s worth something, yes? That’s worth checking out. There’s a reason movies mined the comics stories looking for ideas and originality.
FCBD: What is your favorite part about Free Comic Book Day?
Readers meeting each other at the store, networking in reality with real people who also love comics and stories and pop culture. And many stores have creators in the store for the day. It’s a chance to meet authors and artists. Fun!
FCBD: Where do you plan to spend Free Comic Book Day?
At my home shop in Houston, of course!
| Find a comic shop near you to celebrate Free Comic Book Day 2018! |
