Are you afraid of the dark? Trese's got you covered.

I think it was back in 2010 or 2011 when I first saw Trese: Murder on Balete Drive at this boutique in Los Banos (101 boutique). The cover intrigued me, I thought it was some kind of an art book or maybe a little novel. But as I read the synopsis at the back, intrigue became desire, and I immediately bought the book (along with the 2nd book, Unreported murders) and sped off to our house just so I can finally read about the "underworld".

Before Trese, I tried to research about different "komiks" being made in the Philippines. Alas, I'm always busy during the annual Komikon hence I was not that updated with the local comics scene. Opening the pages of Murder on Balete drive opened my eyes to a lot of things, and the fact that there are many ways to write a comic book without resorting to the usual overly powerful looking people (you know rippling biceps, 8pack abs, pecs that can move mountains and all). And never would I have believed that there is a nice way to talk about Philippine Mythology.

I dunno, I've been into paranormal stuff (especially those in the Philippines) for as long as I remember and never have I seen a story represent Philippine lower mythology like this. Majority of the stuff that featured creatures of mythology were usually in the ancient times or usually they're from the provinces or something but the creators of Trese (goodness bless them for this work of theirs) were able to incorporate the ghosts and spooks to modern day Philippines. I want to go into detail but I have no plans of spoiling anyone.

Trese is made by the incredible tandem of Mr. Budjette Tan and Mr. Kajo Baldissimo. Mr. Budjette handles the story while Mr. Kajo is in charge of the art. Though I think they also provide suggestions to each other. As explained in one of the books. The story and the art go hand in hand, complementing and supplementing each other. This is why Trese works so well. As such, I don't think I would want to see a Trese novel. It just wouldn't be the same and it wouldn't feel like I'm reading a Trese material.

Anyway, here's my review:

Art style: Everything is in black and white. People would say "ermergerd it's like Japanese manga" but NO. I will tell it to you now, black and white really works well with Trese. The smart use of black and white give everything a far more sinister look and feel. It had a noir feel. The characters are well designed too. It's not too heavy on the eyes, and it's not too flashy like Japanese manga or american comic books. Of course, there was a noticeable change with the art style when it reached book 2 or book three, but the change was for the better. The text used was good too. Not too big and not too small.

Story: Do I have to say more? Right from the 1st story I was already hooked. After I finished the 2nd book I went back to the shop to get the 3rd one. It was that incredible. My copies are already in bad condition as I continued to read and re-read the books every week. It makes me want to discover what kind of secrets the writers placed within the panels and pages of Trese. Looking and hoping for some clue as to what might happen next. It's also interesting to note that you don't have to buy book 1 to appreciate book 2 or book 3. Almost every chapter is a stand alone, almost like a filler but there will always be something connecting them all. The characters are pretty much well written, almost each one of them having a backstory that is not YET ventured into. But that's not much of a con since that means there are more chances for more TRESE stories. The mysteries are pretty good and the plot twists usually makes me go "WHY DIDN'T I SEE THAT EARLIER?".

Price: I really can't remember the price But I am very sure that the 1st 3 books didn't reach 300 pesos when I bought it. And for the quality of work, I would have been willing to pay more than 300 pesos. That's how good it is for me. Plus I have this weird feeling that in the future, these comic books will be a collectible.

Overall and final verdict: 10/10. Get this book especially if you dig x-files, supernatural, etc. etc. sir Budjette and sir Kajo really come up with better and better stories wit each book. Anyone, even children can appreciate this. It's like a superhero comic, but it's not exactly a superhero comic. It's very pinoy and it is currently one of my favorite pinoy komiks.

Side note: There are 5 Trese books already available in the Market: Murder on Balete Drive, Unreported Murders, Mass Murders, Last Seen after midnight, and Midnight Tribunal. But there are Trese short stories in other publications as well (which ones they are, I will research into). For now I wait for book 6.

Another side note: There's a secret when you combine the Trese books. :) You can check out more info about Trese through this page: http://tresekomix.blogspot.com

My Trese Books 1-5 (couldn't get it right side up. oddly enough)

Anyway, that's that! Will probably edit this post when I get book 6. :)