Strangers in Paradise, vol. 12: Heart in Hand

Writer(s): Terry Moore
Artist(s): Terry Moore
Publisher: Abstract Studio
ISBN: 978-1892597205
Price: $12.95
Page count: 120
Year Released: 2003
Status: in print
Original Source: Strangers in Paradise (vol. 3) 50-54
Other Collected Edition(s): Strangers in Paradise Pocket Book, vol. 4
Genres: humor; romance/relationships
Recommended for Fans Of:
Possible Objectionable Material: coarse language; violence
If You Like This Book, Try:
Also in This Series: preceded by Strangers in Paradise, vol. 11: Brave New World; followed by Strangers in Paradise, vol. 13: Flower to Flame

Plot Summary
"Nobody likes an uptight white chick, Francine." So says Casey, who's becoming a bit fed up with Francine's confusion regarding her relationship with Katchoo. But it seems that even after three years nothing has changed, and Francine enters therapy in an attempt to sort out her feelings. While she does this, Katchoo meets Cherry Hammer (surely an alias!), one of Tambi's gals, who's in town because Tambi suspects someone might be gunning for Katchoo. Simultaneously, FBI Agent Bryan contacts Detective Walsh about Katchoo, and wonders if Katchoo might be her way in to the Parker girls operation. Meanwhile, halfway across the world in Japan, David and Tambi enter into an agreement that neither one of them is too happy about--until the saki starts flowing, anyway.

My Own 2 Cents
Moore provides a whole lot of setup in this volume, most of which pays off in volume 13. Highlights here include a fantasy counseling session between Francine and her 9-year-old self, Katchoo's drunken first meeting with Cherry Hammer, and the return of Brad--who brought along his famous brother, Griffin Silver, and Griffin's supermodel girlfriend, Nikki McQueen.