ERIC SMITH Reviews
Trese vol. 1: Murder on Balete Drive (Issues 1-4) by Budgette Tan and KaJo Baldisimo
(Ablaze, 2020)
During the day, the streets of Metro Manila are packed with the hustle and bustle that is the city’s heartbeat. But when the sun goes down, and the roads go dark, a different kind of life emerges from the shadows. A more sinister scene takes over, and the city’s sounds are now the things that go bump in the night. When the police need help to stop street racing Tikbalang or kidnapping Aswang, there is only one person they can call. Her name is Alexandra Trese.
Trese Vol. 1: Murder on Balete Drive are the first four issues of the Trese comics. Budjette Tan and KaJo Baldisimo teamed up to bring the stories and myths of the Philippines to a new generation of comic book readers and a wider global audience. Growing up with ghost stories and threats of Aswang if he didn’t behave, Tan draws on his childhood for inspiration in the creation of Trese. Saying Tan’s stories are dark would be an understatement. With the art of KaJo, this work can best be described as grimdark. Working only in black and white, illustrating the monsters found at night gives this graphic novel a “grim and gritty” feel.
As a reader interested in dark supernatural stories and characters, I was introduced to Trese through the Netflix series. This brought me to learn about the rich history of the Filipino comic scene. The team of Tan and KaJo started with their self-published comic books in 1994. Now, Ablaze Publishing has released this noir crime fiction in the form of graphic novels. For anyone interested in urban lore, specifically Filipino mythology with a twist, Trese Vol. 1: Murder on Balete Drive is a fun book in the darkest sense.
*****
As a lifelong nerd, Eric Smith enjoyed learning and reading. His interests ranged from nature to science fiction and fantasy to comic books. Learning about mythology and folklore became a gateway into other cultures. His Filipino wife shares his fascination with the written word. She has expanded his knowledge of the Philippines' myths and legends and the nature of the region.
During the lockdowns of 2020, Eric found sanctuary in the pages of books. When the opportunity to review books came up, he jumped on the chance. Eric has sought out novels, anthologies, and graphic novels that intrigued him. He has been able to review works by authors and artists he enjoys reading and has become familiar with new writers. Previous reviews have appeared in Seattle Book Review, Portland Book Review, and Manhattan Book Review.
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