Strangers in Paradise, vol. 17: Tattoo

Writer(s): Terry Moore
Artist(s): Terry Moore
Publisher: Abstract Studio
ISBN: 978-1892597335
Price: $14.95
Page count: 120
Year Released: 2005
Status: in print
Original Source: Strangers in Paradise (vol. 3) 71-72, 74-76
Other Collected Edition(s): Strangers in Paradise Pocket Book, vol. 5
Genres: humor; mystery/crime; romance/relationships
Recommended for Fans Of:
Possible Objectionable Material: brief nudity
If You Like This Book, Try:
Also in This Series: preceded by Strangers in Paradise, vol. 16: Molly & Poo; followed by Strangers in Paradise, vol. 18: Love & Lies

Plot Summary
Katchoo and David are visiting Casey in Las Vegas and end up getting married in an Elvis wedding chapel. But their bliss is cut short by David's confession to Katchoo that while he was in Japan he slept with Tambi, her half-sister. Meanwhile, Casey's friend and fellow showgirl Rusty learns that she has a stalker, and it's up to Katchoo to keep her safe. Later, back in Houston, Katchoo opens "Studio Katchoo," a teaching studio for everyone interested in art, along with her art agent, Carolyn. And we are (re)introduced to Freddie's new girlfriend, Emily Stryker, a criminal pathologist with a very strange case on her hands. Brad, meanwhile, accepts a new position at a medical center in Houston, so he and Francine pack their things to return to Francine's home town.

My Own 2 Cents
With just two volumes left, you can tell that Moore is deliberately preparing to wrap up his story, and as such this is a fairly satisfying volume. The "Rusty and her stalker" subplot seems more like a distraction than an interesting detour, and in my opinion it's a little late in the story for Moore to be introducing entirely new characters to his already crowded cast (particularly because the end is near and I'd prefer that he focus on his three core characters), but what can you do? It would also be nice to see a bit more of Francine's domestic life with Brad, but Moore seems thematically uninterested in Francine without Katchoo by her side. Nonetheless, this volume adequately sets the stage for (and gets this reader excited about) the end.