Strangers in Paradise, vol. 8: My Other Life

Writer(s): Terry Moore
Artist(s): Terry Moore
Publisher: Abstract Studio
ISBN: 978-1892597113
Price: $14.95
Page count: 120
Year Released: 2000
Status: in print
Original Source: Strangers in Paradise (vol. 3) 25-30
Other Collected Edition(s): Strangers in Paradise Pocket Book, vol. 3
Genres: mystery/crime; romance/relationships; suspense/thriller
Recommended for Fans Of:
Possible Objectionable Material: violence
If You Like This Book, Try:
Also in This Series: preceded by Strangers in Paradise, vol. 7: Sanctuary; followed by Strangers in Paradise, vol. 9: Child of Rage

Plot Summary
My Other Life begins with a short, humorous interlude, in which Francine, Katchoo, and David rent out a beach house for a weekend. Then the three of them prepare to fly to New York, where David will sign the papers that grants him his inheritance. But before they can leave Francine and Katchoo have another fight, this time about the triangle they've created with David, because with Katchoo and David becoming closer, Francine doesn't understand her part in it anymore. As a result Francine decides to stay behind in Houston while Katchoo and David fly to New York without her. What happens next is not only completely unexpected but also as nervewracking as anything you might see in a big-budget Hollywood thriller. But just when you think things can't get any worse, Moore delivers a heartbreaking scene that sets off the chain of events leading to the ten-year rupture in Francine and Katchoo's relationship.

My Own 2 Cents
I would argue that this is the most emotionally draining volume in the entire series, and also one of the most powerful sequences in all of comics. Moore's storytelling abilities are in full force in this volume, and if you read the preceding volumes just to reach this point I guarantee you it's worth it.