Strangers in Paradise

Terry Moore’s Strangers in Paradise (1994–1996, Abstract Studio) launched as a 14-issue series that introduced readers to the fierce, complicated Katchoo and her tangled world of love, secrets, and survival. Written and drawn entirely by Moore, this self-published indie drama stood out for its raw emotional depth and cinematic storytelling, blending noir tension with the intimate rhythms of friendship and desire. It matters as the bold, heartfelt foundation of a landmark creator-owned universe that would redefine how comics handle queer relationships and female-driven narratives.