Trese - Review

Category:	Books
Genre:	Comics & Graphic Novels
Author:	Budjette Tan & KaJo Baldisimo

Since last year's Komikon, I've heard of this new comic called "Trese." I heard some pretty good things about it; a mix of crime and paranormal. I'll admit I haven't been the biggest fan of the newer local comics. I see them as either manga spin-offs or Marvel imitations. But this Trese intrigued me. So, this year's Komikon, along with my quest to find the 16th part of "Pasig," I made it a point to buy a copy of Trese (I ended up buying the first 2 graphic novels).

The story revolves around Alexandra Trese, a Malate bar-owner who helps the police when crimes take a paranormal twist. She conducts her investigations by interrogating the creatures of local folklore (many of whom have managed to integrate themselves into mainstream society). Acting as her bodyguards are two mask-donning, gun-wielding half-breeds referred to as the "Kambal," twins who are half human, half... uh... something else.

The first story begins, like many crime stories, with a murder. But not just any murder. The victim was someone who supposedly died during the 1930s. The victim was a White Lady. From there, Alexandra Trese makes her way through a Nuno living in a manhole, to an Aswang who buys babies in exchange for finely ground mermaid bones.

As I finished the rest of the first volume, I got to see drag-racing tikbalangs, kaluluwa traffickers, and a Darna-esque homage to Mars Ravelo. Cool!

The story was pretty unique and also well-written. It gives a feel of a sleuth-type mystery but still keeping the paranormal edge. Art-wise, I love it! The black and white drawings (no greys or screentones) with the heavy shadowing kinda gave it a creepiness that fits so well with the story.

It is interesting to see that Filipinos are coming up with more original stuff. I'm definitely looking forward to more Trese and more good reads from Filipino comic creators. I do hope Filipinos will shed their colonial mentality and see the potential of local works. With support, more and more comic artists will create newer and better works.