Strangers in Paradise, vol. 2: I Dream of You

Writer(s): Terry Moore
Artist(s): Terry Moore
Publisher: Abstract Studio
ISBN: 978-1892597014
Price: $16.95
Page count: 208
Year Released: 1996
Status: in print
Original Source: Strangers in Paradise (vol. 2) 1-9
Other Collected Edition(s): Strangers in Paradise Pocket Book, vol. 1
Genres: humor; mystery/crime; romance/relationships; suspense/thriller
Recommended for Fans Of:
Possible Objectionable Material: violence
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Also in This Series: preceded by Strangers in Paradise, vol. 1; followed by Strangers in Paradise, vol. 3: It’s a Good Life

Plot Summary
This volume picks up close to a year after the previous volume left off, with Katchoo returning to Houston after a two-month stay in Toronto. Francine is happy to see her, but Katchoo won't tell Francine why she was in Canada. Meanwhile, other aspects of Katchoo's past are catching up to her. Detective Walsh, who had a run-in with Katchoo in volume 1, suspects her of the assault and attempted murder of an ex-cop, and a mob boss by the name of Mrs. Parker has arrived in Houston with the intention of reclaiming the $850,000 that was stolen from her four years ago--and Katchoo is the one she's looking for. Worse still, it becomes clear that all-around nice guy David has his own mysterious past, and it could be that his interest in Katchoo is not as innocent as it seems. All of this culminates in an explosive climax that leaves our three protagonists forever changed by the events.

My Own 2 Cents
After the relatively domestic storyline of the first volume, the plot of this second one came as a bit of a surprise to me. Nonetheless, Moore did set the scene (albeit subtly) for this Mafia-related story as early as the first few pages of volume 1. And as ever, it's the relationship between Francine, Katchoo, David, and the other characters that makes Strangers in Paradise such an addictive pleasure. Also, despite the drama and occasional violence, SiP is filled with plenty of humor. One of the highlights of this volume is when Francine's obnoxious mother and her boozy Uncle Maury pay the girls a visit. Also, Moore has toned down the cartoony elements that were so prevalent in the first volume, which is a welcome change considering the gravity of the plot.