Strangers in Paradise

This series by Terry Moore is unusual for American graphic novels. Whereas Japanese manga often tells stories tending toward the romantic, American comics skew more toward the action/adventure end of the spectrum. Strangers in Paradise manages a good mix of the two. There’s crime and intrigue, sure, but it’s almost a subplot. The focus is clearly on the relationship between two high school friends. Even stranger is Moore’s portrayal of that relationship. There are clear lesbian elements, but Moore shies away from the tawdrier aspects. Rather than putting his characters in provocative outfits and lusty jokes, Moore has them experiencing the more believable aspects of love: hurt feelings, awkward glances and mishaps in communication. The story is much better for it.