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Trese #5
Midnight Tribunal
In a city where the aswang control everything that is illegal and where ancient gods seek to control everything else, enforcing the law can be a very difficult task.
When crime takes a turn for the weird, the police normally call Alexandra Trese. Lately, it seems like others have been taking that call.
A mysterious racer has been breaking the speed limit, running after and capturing criminals.
A masked giant has been demolishing drug dens and breaking up gangs.
Trese must confront these supernatural crime-fighters and bring order back to the city, before the underworld attempts to seek balance in its own way.
When crime takes a turn for the weird, the police normally call Alexandra Trese. Lately, it seems like others have been taking that call.
A mysterious racer has been breaking the speed limit, running after and capturing criminals.
A masked giant has been demolishing drug dens and breaking up gangs.
Trese must confront these supernatural crime-fighters and bring order back to the city, before the underworld attempts to seek balance in its own way.
90 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 2012
12 people are currently reading
666 people want to read
About the author
Budjette Tan
82 books386 followersBudjette Tan is the writer of the award-winning comic book TRESE, which he co-created with his partner/illustrator Kajo Baldisimo.
TRESE has been adapted into an anime series by Netflix.
He was a founding member of ALAMAT COMICS in the 1990s.
He's also the writer and co-creator of THE DEMON DUNGEON / DARK COLONY books, which he made with Bow Guerrero and JB Tapia.
He was also the co-editor of the KWENTILLION scifi/fantasy comics magazine (published by Summit), the UNDERPASS horror anthology (Summit), and SOUND: A Comic Anthology (published by Difference Engine).
TRESE has been adapted into an anime series by Netflix.
He was a founding member of ALAMAT COMICS in the 1990s.
He's also the writer and co-creator of THE DEMON DUNGEON / DARK COLONY books, which he made with Bow Guerrero and JB Tapia.
He was also the co-editor of the KWENTILLION scifi/fantasy comics magazine (published by Summit), the UNDERPASS horror anthology (Summit), and SOUND: A Comic Anthology (published by Difference Engine).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
March 3, 2024
Trese Vol. 5: Midnight Tribunal
If you're NOT reading Budjette Tan & Kajo Baldisimo's award-winning Filipino comic, you really don't know what you're missing. These get better and better as they go on, and I'm thrilled that we are starting to see family dynamics, backstories, and perhaps even...romance?
Volume 5 is the best yet as Alexandra Trese finally gets what looks to be her very own nemesis in the form of a powerful woman who seemingly runs the underworld in the city.
Everything is heating up, so if you're already a fan I think you'll love what's happening here. And if you haven't checked these out yet, I'd love to give you a push in this title's direction.
It's full of Filipino folklore with lots of cool gods and monsters.
Highly Recommended!
If you're NOT reading Budjette Tan & Kajo Baldisimo's award-winning Filipino comic, you really don't know what you're missing. These get better and better as they go on, and I'm thrilled that we are starting to see family dynamics, backstories, and perhaps even...romance?
Volume 5 is the best yet as Alexandra Trese finally gets what looks to be her very own nemesis in the form of a powerful woman who seemingly runs the underworld in the city.
Everything is heating up, so if you're already a fan I think you'll love what's happening here. And if you haven't checked these out yet, I'd love to give you a push in this title's direction.
It's full of Filipino folklore with lots of cool gods and monsters.
Highly Recommended!
October 15, 2022
Had been binge reading Trese, and I have to say by far Midnight Tribunal is my favorite. The political undertones in these pages just got more interesting. And I think forming or falling into the format of who the real villain is. I am excited as to where the next volumes would take me.
Just after waiting for Volume 6 to arrive….
Just after waiting for Volume 6 to arrive….
October 28, 2012
Book 5 of a comics series that is very popular here in Manila. So far:
I LIKED THESE (3 STARS):
THIS IS OKAY (2 STARS):
I don't have any expectation for Book #5 that was launched in the Komikon 2012 yesterday. I rated each part as I read because I did not know that they were related to each other. I remember that there were Trese books before with short stories and no main plot. Anyway, this book is about three vigilantes who prosecute and persecute corrupt citizens. So, Trese and Kambal try to equalize the three with the help of Amang Paso and Lamang Lupa.
My individual ratings for each part:
1) Maverick Rider. 2 STARS
Quite confusing. I did not right away know that the rider and Maliksi were one and the same. I also thought that the villains, Ebwa, Calag and Wiwir, should have been introduced properly. I think their faces are all interchangeable. Also, Trese seems to be rich but can Kajo (illustrator) do something about her hair? It looks thinning as the series go by.
2) The Judge's Verdict. 3 STARS
Still confusing. So, it was Maverick who turned into a tikbalang? But I liked the use (it actually surprised me) of chocnut and Amang Paso is cute. Lamang Lupa's appearance, however, looks indistinct and uninspired. I think Kajo is running out of steam?
3) The Return of the Madame. 3 STARS
Now it's clearer. The lookalikes of Richard Gomez, Herbert Bautista, Edu Manzano and Imelda Marcos are cute. I cannot recall (from the previous books) that power of Trese when she takes a deep breath and whispers (sandatahan), kuyog, etc. I thought it was cool. This part is action-packed and I liked it.
4) The Great Stampede. 3 STARS
Definitely there are next books after this. The young Imelda Marcos, the Governor, seems like a strong cool opponent of Trese. I think she will be her archenemy. I liked the use of the flashback and it is drawn unshaded of any black or gray colors. I did not like seeing Kambal looking like manananggal. They are 100% men and I don't appreciate them looking like Ricardo Lee's gay character, Amapola.
Overall, I liked this fifth book and I am still looking forward to the next ones.
I LIKED THESE (3 STARS):
THIS IS OKAY (2 STARS):
I don't have any expectation for Book #5 that was launched in the Komikon 2012 yesterday. I rated each part as I read because I did not know that they were related to each other. I remember that there were Trese books before with short stories and no main plot. Anyway, this book is about three vigilantes who prosecute and persecute corrupt citizens. So, Trese and Kambal try to equalize the three with the help of Amang Paso and Lamang Lupa.
My individual ratings for each part:
1) Maverick Rider. 2 STARS
Quite confusing. I did not right away know that the rider and Maliksi were one and the same. I also thought that the villains, Ebwa, Calag and Wiwir, should have been introduced properly. I think their faces are all interchangeable. Also, Trese seems to be rich but can Kajo (illustrator) do something about her hair? It looks thinning as the series go by.
2) The Judge's Verdict. 3 STARS
Still confusing. So, it was Maverick who turned into a tikbalang? But I liked the use (it actually surprised me) of chocnut and Amang Paso is cute. Lamang Lupa's appearance, however, looks indistinct and uninspired. I think Kajo is running out of steam?
3) The Return of the Madame. 3 STARS
Now it's clearer. The lookalikes of Richard Gomez, Herbert Bautista, Edu Manzano and Imelda Marcos are cute. I cannot recall (from the previous books) that power of Trese when she takes a deep breath and whispers (sandatahan), kuyog, etc. I thought it was cool. This part is action-packed and I liked it.
4) The Great Stampede. 3 STARS
Definitely there are next books after this. The young Imelda Marcos, the Governor, seems like a strong cool opponent of Trese. I think she will be her archenemy. I liked the use of the flashback and it is drawn unshaded of any black or gray colors. I did not like seeing Kambal looking like manananggal. They are 100% men and I don't appreciate them looking like Ricardo Lee's gay character, Amapola.
Overall, I liked this fifth book and I am still looking forward to the next ones.
June 1, 2023
Actual rating: 3.5
Not nearly as thrilling and intriguing as the previous volumes but still well done. I am very interested in learning more about the Madame.
Not nearly as thrilling and intriguing as the previous volumes but still well done. I am very interested in learning more about the Madame.
November 11, 2012
Original post at One More Page
So the news of the fifth installment of the graphic novel Trese by Budjette Tan and KaJo Baldisimo totally took me by surprise. I wasn't supposed to pass by the Komikon on the last weekend of October because I thought I didn't have anything to go there for. And then I saw the Facebook update from the publisher and that made me adjust my weekend plans, stat.
When weird things happen in the city, the police call Alexandra Trese. However, there seemed to be someone else who's answering these calls before Trese can get to them. Someone who's faster, and who's slowly gaining popularity because of his public antics. Trese gets to the bottom of it quick, and finds that there's more to the surface with this being who's doing her job for her.
I'm making the summary vague on purpose because it's good not to be spoiled with this issue. This is a common storyline, really, where someone else tries to take the job of our hero/heroine and can often do it better than them, which makes our star a less credible hero. But more often than not, this replacement hero/heroine has bad intentions, which our hero/heroine will uncover in the end. Trese #5 followed that pattern and then veered away from it, making it more interesting than it already is.
Midnight Tribunal follows the same format that Mass Murders did, with four interconnected stories instead of independent cases. I loved how old characters showed up again, like the nuno (who is now asking for Kitkat instead of Chocnut) and Maliksi, the young tikbalang bachelor who will definitely play a big part in the later issues. I love, love, love the Kambal, with their funny quips and awesome, awesome lines. They're definitely funnier now than they were before, but they were also just as kick-ass as their boss.
I loved how there was more development in Trese's story arc here, and important characters were introduced in this installment that I am definitely looking forward to reading about in the next! This is definitely one of my favorites in the series, and I am one very, very happy fan. :) I cannot wait to know what happens next!
So the news of the fifth installment of the graphic novel Trese by Budjette Tan and KaJo Baldisimo totally took me by surprise. I wasn't supposed to pass by the Komikon on the last weekend of October because I thought I didn't have anything to go there for. And then I saw the Facebook update from the publisher and that made me adjust my weekend plans, stat.
When weird things happen in the city, the police call Alexandra Trese. However, there seemed to be someone else who's answering these calls before Trese can get to them. Someone who's faster, and who's slowly gaining popularity because of his public antics. Trese gets to the bottom of it quick, and finds that there's more to the surface with this being who's doing her job for her.
I'm making the summary vague on purpose because it's good not to be spoiled with this issue. This is a common storyline, really, where someone else tries to take the job of our hero/heroine and can often do it better than them, which makes our star a less credible hero. But more often than not, this replacement hero/heroine has bad intentions, which our hero/heroine will uncover in the end. Trese #5 followed that pattern and then veered away from it, making it more interesting than it already is.
Midnight Tribunal follows the same format that Mass Murders did, with four interconnected stories instead of independent cases. I loved how old characters showed up again, like the nuno (who is now asking for Kitkat instead of Chocnut) and Maliksi, the young tikbalang bachelor who will definitely play a big part in the later issues. I love, love, love the Kambal, with their funny quips and awesome, awesome lines. They're definitely funnier now than they were before, but they were also just as kick-ass as their boss.
I loved how there was more development in Trese's story arc here, and important characters were introduced in this installment that I am definitely looking forward to reading about in the next! This is definitely one of my favorites in the series, and I am one very, very happy fan. :) I cannot wait to know what happens next!
August 22, 2014
During my junior year, TRESE was a comic book that was a lucky purchase one lazy afternoon at our university’s National Bookstore outlet. Every time I get bored in class, I would just sneak out and browse through the shelves since most of my classes are on the ground floor anyway. I checked this one out because the art looks tasty enough and I was happy to find out that there are three compiled volumes and all of which are promising. If could describe it, it’s almost like Eric Kripke’s Supernatural but with a lead girl who solves occult crimes perpetuated by or referencing to well-known Philippine folklore creatures and deities such as aswangs, tiyanak, manananggal, diwata, tikbalang, etc. It’s written in English too so anyone can appreciate the author’s density in handling these stories without worrying about the language barrier.
However, it was by the fifth installment published last year that the series took a new height of excitement and solid storytelling.
Midnight Tribunal was more concise in narrative delivery with all stories looping together unlike with the previous volumes which have a formulaic Monster of the Week. Said monsters make brief appearances which include plotlines that have a primary purpose. This issue did something more revolutionary with the material and the art has improved in so many ways that I thoroughly enjoyed each panel sequence presented. Trese was easier to relate to by this time though still a more reticent and less snarky female John Constantine from Hellblazer. Her sidekicks, the infamous Kambal, are just as fantastic and humorous.
I was also happy that they included old Filipino comic book heroes by Mars Ravelo (like Darna from one volume) and now Captain Barbell here in the fifth one. It’s like a crossover universe and it worked splendidly, simultaneously becoming a tribute to a classic work, and giving more gravitas to the story with a more dimensional scope. A certain real-life political figure is parodied and also appears in this volume for the first time and this person seems to be the perfect formidable foe for Trese herself. I’m excited for what’s to come for this series.
RECOMMENDED: 10/10
However, it was by the fifth installment published last year that the series took a new height of excitement and solid storytelling.
Midnight Tribunal was more concise in narrative delivery with all stories looping together unlike with the previous volumes which have a formulaic Monster of the Week. Said monsters make brief appearances which include plotlines that have a primary purpose. This issue did something more revolutionary with the material and the art has improved in so many ways that I thoroughly enjoyed each panel sequence presented. Trese was easier to relate to by this time though still a more reticent and less snarky female John Constantine from Hellblazer. Her sidekicks, the infamous Kambal, are just as fantastic and humorous.
I was also happy that they included old Filipino comic book heroes by Mars Ravelo (like Darna from one volume) and now Captain Barbell here in the fifth one. It’s like a crossover universe and it worked splendidly, simultaneously becoming a tribute to a classic work, and giving more gravitas to the story with a more dimensional scope. A certain real-life political figure is parodied and also appears in this volume for the first time and this person seems to be the perfect formidable foe for Trese herself. I’m excited for what’s to come for this series.
RECOMMENDED: 10/10
October 21, 2020
Actual rating: 4.5 stars
"Midnight Tribunal" is the Trese volume that made me realize that Maliksi's actually a cool tikbalang and one of the good guys.
This sequel also had many hilarious Kambal banter scenes! (That higante vs. tikbalang debate made me crack up.) I was also thrilled to see the Kambal idolizing Maliksi and the playful tikbalang indulging them. Cuteness overload. I would read a book about that trio's misadventures!
Lastly, yay for a more obvious political commentary! I respect Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo for being gutsy enough to include a manipulative villain who's obviously the representation of Imelda Marcos.
"Midnight Tribunal" is the Trese volume that made me realize that Maliksi's actually a cool tikbalang and one of the good guys.
This sequel also had many hilarious Kambal banter scenes! (That higante vs. tikbalang debate made me crack up.) I was also thrilled to see the Kambal idolizing Maliksi and the playful tikbalang indulging them. Cuteness overload. I would read a book about that trio's misadventures!
Lastly, yay for a more obvious political commentary! I respect Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo for being gutsy enough to include a manipulative villain who's obviously the representation of Imelda Marcos.
September 29, 2019
This is good!
December 18, 2019
Finally! We've got a worthy nemesis for our intrepid Alexandra. And no, it's not the cliché uber-powerful final boss-type Lord of the Underworld hokey. Tan goes for subtlety here as we meet a world-famous Filipino political figure that's every bit as smart, savvy, and yes, steely as our heroine. It's just ironic that out of all the supernatural figures Alex can possibly battle, her mortal one would prove to be a human.
It seems that lately, everyone and his dog wants to muscle in on Trese's territory. Who doesn't want to be a hero, right? But while Our Secret Constellation in the first book explores what can happen if great power is subverted as a tool of personal vendetta, here we see the actual personification of Justice in its purest unalloyed form. Ruthless and indomitable, it's willing to sacrifice everything - even its very instruments - to meet its own ends. Here, the tripartite Judge symbolizes that which we all instinctively hold in awe and fear - a powerful being that is judge, jury, and executioner combined. But as they say: be careful what you wish for. At this day and age, is there really anyone who can proclaim his spotless innocence?
It's a sad thing, but it seems like heroes don't fare well in Alex's world. Not even her family is spared from tragedy, all in the name of duty.
These are four interconnected stories that promise a whopper of an ending for the second trilogy in the Trese saga. On to the next book!
I'm rating this 7/10 or 3 stars out of 5.
It seems that lately, everyone and his dog wants to muscle in on Trese's territory. Who doesn't want to be a hero, right? But while Our Secret Constellation in the first book explores what can happen if great power is subverted as a tool of personal vendetta, here we see the actual personification of Justice in its purest unalloyed form. Ruthless and indomitable, it's willing to sacrifice everything - even its very instruments - to meet its own ends. Here, the tripartite Judge symbolizes that which we all instinctively hold in awe and fear - a powerful being that is judge, jury, and executioner combined. But as they say: be careful what you wish for. At this day and age, is there really anyone who can proclaim his spotless innocence?
It's a sad thing, but it seems like heroes don't fare well in Alex's world. Not even her family is spared from tragedy, all in the name of duty.
These are four interconnected stories that promise a whopper of an ending for the second trilogy in the Trese saga. On to the next book!
I'm rating this 7/10 or 3 stars out of 5.
October 27, 2012
Bought this on Komikon 2012. What shocks me to see a familiar character from the previous volume it didn't occur me they actually planned to put Maliksi back in action but this time it's different. Not only that there's a Higante roaming around doing its own justice.
AS usual Budjette and Kajo done magnificent job. Now I can't wait for the story and their next project.
AS usual Budjette and Kajo done magnificent job. Now I can't wait for the story and their next project.
February 2, 2015
I definitely ship Alexa and Maliksi! The author is so measly with Alexa's personal life , I want more.
February 9, 2015
Maliksi is so entertaining! Hope to see him again in future installments.
February 3, 2018
"Trese #5: Midnight Tribunal" by Budjette Tan and KaJo Baldisimo reminded me of Trese #3. Both books were character-driven; although I enjoy character-driven books, as well as reading the characters' backstories, I think I enjoyed the individual cases more in this comic series (Trese #2 and Trese #5, for example). Trese #3 and #5 were quite draggy in some way.
I was tempted to give this 2.5 to 2.75/ stars. However, the ending was so good that I had to give it a higher rating. I liked how the strength and independence of Alexandra Trese were emphasized at the end. I liked how the kambal displayed humor during the entire book as well. I also appreciated the story about the scales. And, although I enjoyed the scenes with Maliksi, I hope that the creators would not focus so much on giving Alexandra Trese a love life just for the series to have romance in it.
I was tempted to give this 2.5 to 2.75/ stars. However, the ending was so good that I had to give it a higher rating. I liked how the strength and independence of Alexandra Trese were emphasized at the end. I liked how the kambal displayed humor during the entire book as well. I also appreciated the story about the scales. And, although I enjoyed the scenes with Maliksi, I hope that the creators would not focus so much on giving Alexandra Trese a love life just for the series to have romance in it.
September 5, 2022
Lol-ed at the names and faces of the lawyers.
The political aspects in this hits especially hard here tho. Art looks more experimental in this compared to the previous ones - my eyes are more drawn to the details compared to the others.
The political aspects in this hits especially hard here tho. Art looks more experimental in this compared to the previous ones - my eyes are more drawn to the details compared to the others.
August 19, 2025
This volume was very violent. I enjoyed revisiting the Tikbalang and Maliski in particular. It was nice to see the Trese brothers and add to Alex's personal story. I always enjoy seeing the two helpers banter.
February 4, 2019
4.5 stars
Now we're going down a darker path
Now we're going down a darker path
August 26, 2025
ayii nag coffee sila ih
March 6, 2022
I ship Maliksi and Alexandra!
Another great installment in the Trese series!!
Another great installment in the Trese series!!
January 1, 2018
Cool.
Fascinating.
”The powers of the city are being divided, siphoned, drained elsewhere. You’re going to need all the help you can get.”
So far this volume is my favorite after my last Trese read. After shedding some light on Trese Family and some more on the Kambals’ identity. The story proceeds with new and old mates. There is a great change on how the story is told, it is much deeper than the first collection of Alexandra. An arch-nemesis is forming and alliance are being forges. The first volumes are now even connected than ever. Stories that are told is significant in the greater plot.
Character developing in this one takes on another level. There are uncanny looks similar and their name. Humor and all. Hehe
Plus! There is a budding love interest with this installment.
Fascinating.
”The powers of the city are being divided, siphoned, drained elsewhere. You’re going to need all the help you can get.”
So far this volume is my favorite after my last Trese read. After shedding some light on Trese Family and some more on the Kambals’ identity. The story proceeds with new and old mates. There is a great change on how the story is told, it is much deeper than the first collection of Alexandra. An arch-nemesis is forming and alliance are being forges. The first volumes are now even connected than ever. Stories that are told is significant in the greater plot.
Character developing in this one takes on another level. There are uncanny looks similar and their name. Humor and all. Hehe
Plus! There is a budding love interest with this installment.
Read
August 22, 2023This is too good and I can't believe I've read (and loved) the earlier books in this series - when they came out over 10 years ago! - and have not read this until today.
I really love all of the elements in this universe's worldbuilding as it's Pinoy through and through, and not just a callback or reference stapled there just because.
The action in this one is great too, i lost myself in it's quick but unhurried pacing, the seamless flow of dialogue and narration, and the paneling is perfect! This installment is more focused on plot rather than character (I wish there was more of Trese's inner story) but that's what the other books are there for.
Highly recommended and I will now try to find the rest so I can find out how it all gets resolved!
I really love all of the elements in this universe's worldbuilding as it's Pinoy through and through, and not just a callback or reference stapled there just because.
The action in this one is great too, i lost myself in it's quick but unhurried pacing, the seamless flow of dialogue and narration, and the paneling is perfect! This installment is more focused on plot rather than character (I wish there was more of Trese's inner story) but that's what the other books are there for.
Highly recommended and I will now try to find the rest so I can find out how it all gets resolved!
October 29, 2012
I recommend Midnight Tribunal.
"Who says I needed saving?"
..Alexandra Trese is still awesome. =)
Fact 1: Five connecting stories. Good.
Fact 2: The Kambal is more entertaining than ever. Big plus.
Fact 3: Someone's interested in Trese! So fun.
I really liked all the stories here. They are still rich in Filipino detail fused with local folklore.
I wish I see more depth in Trese's personality though. She's coming across as one-dimensional and it's already the fifth book.
Midnight Tribunal starts fine but finishes great. I so want to be Alexandra Trese right now!
"Who says I needed saving?"
..Alexandra Trese is still awesome. =)
Fact 1: Five connecting stories. Good.
Fact 2: The Kambal is more entertaining than ever. Big plus.
Fact 3: Someone's interested in Trese! So fun.
I really liked all the stories here. They are still rich in Filipino detail fused with local folklore.
I wish I see more depth in Trese's personality though. She's coming across as one-dimensional and it's already the fifth book.
Midnight Tribunal starts fine but finishes great. I so want to be Alexandra Trese right now!
October 9, 2023
*Unlike the first four volumes where there's a different case in each chapter, this is the first volume where there's a continuous one all throughout.
*Which introduces an overarching story and, perhaps, an arch enemy.
*I love the fact that although they have different names, one can recognize their similarities to real life places and people.
*Oh, oh! I want a volume where all the Trese siblings band together to solve a case.
*Alex gets a manliligaw.
*Which introduces an overarching story and, perhaps, an arch enemy.
*I love the fact that although they have different names, one can recognize their similarities to real life places and people.
*Oh, oh! I want a volume where all the Trese siblings band together to solve a case.
*Alex gets a manliligaw.
April 20, 2015
This is the second to the last volume that I have from the Trese series. Instead of the usual unrelated cases, the main story arc is divided into chapters that leads up to to the revelations in the next volume. You'll see familiar faces here from showbiz and politics, with one particular standout (the "madame"). Again, I would have loved this as a TV series with an expanded storyline.
November 12, 2012
"Who said I needed saving?"
Aaaaaaang galeng lang talaga! Great story and great artwork. Really well crafted. At Pinoy na Pinoy. Talaga nga naman... Budjette + Kajo = Perfect. Uhmmm, teka. Si Imelda Marcos ba si Madame? LOL.
Grab a copy guys! Suportahan ang sariling atin! ^^
Aaaaaaang galeng lang talaga! Great story and great artwork. Really well crafted. At Pinoy na Pinoy. Talaga nga naman... Budjette + Kajo = Perfect. Uhmmm, teka. Si Imelda Marcos ba si Madame? LOL.
Grab a copy guys! Suportahan ang sariling atin! ^^
October 28, 2012
Instead of placing three stories as stand-alone, in this volume Budjette and Kajo made ONE cohesive story with fun in it.
Comprehensive review to follow. :)
Comprehensive review to follow. :)
November 2, 2012
In the Philippines, the Christmas season starts early and ends late. The popular saying is that it starts as soon as the "-ber" months come in, meaning it begins in September, and continues from then all the way until January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany or Three Kings' Day. Others like to argue it's technically Christmas until February 14, Valentine's Day. This explains the puzzling phenomenon (to foreigners, anyway) of Christmas songs being played on some local radio stations or on mall sound systems as soon as September 1 rolls in, and why they sometimes continue to play for a few weeks after New Year's. This should come as no surprise: Filipinos have a great affection for the holiday, and many sentimental memories are attached to it, too. This is especially true for overseas workers, who come home during Christmas, and not during any other time of the year, because most other cultures, even the Middle Eastern ones, understand the importance of Christmas as a holiday.
But as for myself, I don't consider it Christmas just because September's arrived. The days are too long still, during September, and I always associate Christmas with shorter days and longer nights. The air isn't quite as cool, either, and Christmas is always about that little nip in the air that sends me towards a tin of tea in search of something warm to drink. Moreover, there's one more important holiday between the first of September and Christmas, and that's Halloween.
I suppose the reason why Halloween, All Saints' Day, and All Souls' Day aren't quite so popular (unlike in Mexico) is because Filipino culture as a whole doesn't like to put too much focus on death. The dead are dead, after all, and while they will never be forgotten, the living are still here, and still around us. But the concept of Halloween - the scary stories, the ghosts and the ghouls and other such things - are appealing to many Filipinos, and there are more than a few of us who do appreciate it if only for that. (Of course, there's a large contingent of Filipinos who view Halloween as a chance for some costumed debauchery, but that's their thing.) And since Komikon 2012 happened the week before the long Halloween weekend, it made perfect sense to pick up something horror-themed in time for the holiday, which meant only one thing: the latest installment in Budjette Tan and KaJo Baldisimo's Trese series.
Now, I've been following this series for a while now, since i was first introduced to them by a colleague at the university. At the time I was neck-deep in Mike Mignola's Hellboy, and to read something similar to it but set in the Philippines was very exciting. That first book got me hooked, and I got the second one as soon as I could, followed by the third and fourth when they came out. Of the four, it was the third book that I felt was the best. The first two were pretty episodic in nature, and while that was acceptable, I was very happy when the third book built itself around a cohesive storyline, one that explored the Trese family's past and laid down the groundwork for a possible future. Volume Four, titled Last Seen After Midnight, was something of a response to that, but it went back to the episodic feel of the first book, which was rather disappointing, to say the least. I had hoped for a cohesive storyline, one that felt more like a novel or a novella, creating one unified story arc that could be continued in the next volume.
That's precisely what I got in Trese Vol. 5: Midnight Tribunal. Ever since Volume Three (Mass Murders) so many questions had been raised - some were about Trese's family and her past; while others were about her future. Volume Four did not quite answer those questions, leaving readers eagerly awaiting the next installment. Fortunately, Midnight Tribunal does answer some of those questions. For instance, it's become clear that, There's also a peek into the interactions between the different supernatural entities. It's easy to assume from earlier volumes that the supernatural creatures of Manila tend to keep to themselves, with Trese interceding of them as necessary, but that's apparently not the case, since .
It is these two things, along with the fact that the entire volume is one cohesive story arc, that I loved the most about Midnight Tribunal. They help to expand the universe in a way that Last Seen After Midnight didn't, providing insight into Trese's personal life, as well as laying the groundwork for possible future interactions, alliances,and even potential enemies.
But those things, unfortunately, are possibly the only things I found positive about Midnight Tribunal. It's clear to see that the whole thing had potential, that it was a great way to expand the Trese universe and lay the groundwork for something bigger down the line, but there was something lacking in execution.
My first issue is with the narration. There is a lot of "telling, not showing" going on throughout the issue, such as - something she'd already done in a previous issue, and which had already been explained. Also notable - and rather irritating - were the frequent explanations of the action "onscreen," as it were, . The art already shows what' going on quite clearly; there's no need for a mysterious narrator to inform the reader what's going on. It doesn't help that sometimes the narrator appears to sound like Trese herself is narrating - which would be okay, if the scenario called for it, but more often than not the art was good enough to do the speaking on its own.
My second issue is with the dialogue: something was off with it, especially when characters were code-switching. Most of the characters speak English, but occasionally a Filipino word will slip in there from time to time - and no, Trese's spell-casting doesn't count. Unfortunately, the code-switching tends to feel very awkward, something made obvious if one reads it aloud to oneself, or can actually "hear" it being read in one's head. This is especially true in one particular conversation between the Kambal, when they're calling each other gago, or stupid (though "stupid" doesn't quite encompass the nuance behind the word gago, truth be told). For some odd reason, the use of gago doesn't ring true through the entirety of the conversation - and the use of "gago-er", to indicate greater stupidity, made me cringe. I'm not entirely sure if there was a specific reason for this effect; if there was, I'm not quite seeing the point of it (or maybe I am and I'm not sure I like it); if there was no specific reason for that effect, then there's definitely something wrong with the dialogue, and that code-switching needs to be ironed-out. Sometimes it feels like the Filipino words (again, outside of Trese's spell-casting) merely serve a decorative purpose, placed there as a reminder to the reader of where the action is taking place and who these characters are. I'm not opposed to the incorporation of Filipino in a work that's mostly written in English, but I feel there should be a reason for that word to be there - such as when one single word can succinctly describe a concept that would, in English, take an entire paragraph to explain; or which has no equivalent concept in English; or whose nuances are better encompassed by the use of a Filipino word compared to the English equivalent.
My third issue isn't really an issue per se, but simply something that had me raising my eyebrow when it was first put out in the course of the story. .
Overall, Trese Vol. 5: Midnight Tribunal, is a so-so addition to the Trese series. It does expand the universe some, and it does add more depth to Trese's personal history, but other issues, mostly pertaining to dialogue and narration may hamper personal enjoyment of the story. If approached with caution, and by a loyal fan, this may prove an enjoyable read, but it's not quite the best in the series so far, either. Hopefully, though, that will change with Volume Six.
But as for myself, I don't consider it Christmas just because September's arrived. The days are too long still, during September, and I always associate Christmas with shorter days and longer nights. The air isn't quite as cool, either, and Christmas is always about that little nip in the air that sends me towards a tin of tea in search of something warm to drink. Moreover, there's one more important holiday between the first of September and Christmas, and that's Halloween.
I suppose the reason why Halloween, All Saints' Day, and All Souls' Day aren't quite so popular (unlike in Mexico) is because Filipino culture as a whole doesn't like to put too much focus on death. The dead are dead, after all, and while they will never be forgotten, the living are still here, and still around us. But the concept of Halloween - the scary stories, the ghosts and the ghouls and other such things - are appealing to many Filipinos, and there are more than a few of us who do appreciate it if only for that. (Of course, there's a large contingent of Filipinos who view Halloween as a chance for some costumed debauchery, but that's their thing.) And since Komikon 2012 happened the week before the long Halloween weekend, it made perfect sense to pick up something horror-themed in time for the holiday, which meant only one thing: the latest installment in Budjette Tan and KaJo Baldisimo's Trese series.
Now, I've been following this series for a while now, since i was first introduced to them by a colleague at the university. At the time I was neck-deep in Mike Mignola's Hellboy, and to read something similar to it but set in the Philippines was very exciting. That first book got me hooked, and I got the second one as soon as I could, followed by the third and fourth when they came out. Of the four, it was the third book that I felt was the best. The first two were pretty episodic in nature, and while that was acceptable, I was very happy when the third book built itself around a cohesive storyline, one that explored the Trese family's past and laid down the groundwork for a possible future. Volume Four, titled Last Seen After Midnight, was something of a response to that, but it went back to the episodic feel of the first book, which was rather disappointing, to say the least. I had hoped for a cohesive storyline, one that felt more like a novel or a novella, creating one unified story arc that could be continued in the next volume.
That's precisely what I got in Trese Vol. 5: Midnight Tribunal. Ever since Volume Three (Mass Murders) so many questions had been raised - some were about Trese's family and her past; while others were about her future. Volume Four did not quite answer those questions, leaving readers eagerly awaiting the next installment. Fortunately, Midnight Tribunal does answer some of those questions. For instance, it's become clear that, There's also a peek into the interactions between the different supernatural entities. It's easy to assume from earlier volumes that the supernatural creatures of Manila tend to keep to themselves, with Trese interceding of them as necessary, but that's apparently not the case, since .
It is these two things, along with the fact that the entire volume is one cohesive story arc, that I loved the most about Midnight Tribunal. They help to expand the universe in a way that Last Seen After Midnight didn't, providing insight into Trese's personal life, as well as laying the groundwork for possible future interactions, alliances,and even potential enemies.
But those things, unfortunately, are possibly the only things I found positive about Midnight Tribunal. It's clear to see that the whole thing had potential, that it was a great way to expand the Trese universe and lay the groundwork for something bigger down the line, but there was something lacking in execution.
My first issue is with the narration. There is a lot of "telling, not showing" going on throughout the issue, such as - something she'd already done in a previous issue, and which had already been explained. Also notable - and rather irritating - were the frequent explanations of the action "onscreen," as it were, . The art already shows what' going on quite clearly; there's no need for a mysterious narrator to inform the reader what's going on. It doesn't help that sometimes the narrator appears to sound like Trese herself is narrating - which would be okay, if the scenario called for it, but more often than not the art was good enough to do the speaking on its own.
My second issue is with the dialogue: something was off with it, especially when characters were code-switching. Most of the characters speak English, but occasionally a Filipino word will slip in there from time to time - and no, Trese's spell-casting doesn't count. Unfortunately, the code-switching tends to feel very awkward, something made obvious if one reads it aloud to oneself, or can actually "hear" it being read in one's head. This is especially true in one particular conversation between the Kambal, when they're calling each other gago, or stupid (though "stupid" doesn't quite encompass the nuance behind the word gago, truth be told). For some odd reason, the use of gago doesn't ring true through the entirety of the conversation - and the use of "gago-er", to indicate greater stupidity, made me cringe. I'm not entirely sure if there was a specific reason for this effect; if there was, I'm not quite seeing the point of it (or maybe I am and I'm not sure I like it); if there was no specific reason for that effect, then there's definitely something wrong with the dialogue, and that code-switching needs to be ironed-out. Sometimes it feels like the Filipino words (again, outside of Trese's spell-casting) merely serve a decorative purpose, placed there as a reminder to the reader of where the action is taking place and who these characters are. I'm not opposed to the incorporation of Filipino in a work that's mostly written in English, but I feel there should be a reason for that word to be there - such as when one single word can succinctly describe a concept that would, in English, take an entire paragraph to explain; or which has no equivalent concept in English; or whose nuances are better encompassed by the use of a Filipino word compared to the English equivalent.
My third issue isn't really an issue per se, but simply something that had me raising my eyebrow when it was first put out in the course of the story. .
Overall, Trese Vol. 5: Midnight Tribunal, is a so-so addition to the Trese series. It does expand the universe some, and it does add more depth to Trese's personal history, but other issues, mostly pertaining to dialogue and narration may hamper personal enjoyment of the story. If approached with caution, and by a loyal fan, this may prove an enjoyable read, but it's not quite the best in the series so far, either. Hopefully, though, that will change with Volume Six.
October 21, 2018
See my review of Trese #1 ("Murder on Balete Drive") for a broader view of the series.
Along with Trese #4, I thought the stories here were on the weaker end in the context of the whole series. There is more of a unifying through-line here than in #4, but it wasn't as compelling to me as the Talagbusao story in #3 (or the Taga-dagat story in #6). Two things save this volume, though: first, the re-introduction of Maliksi the tikbalang as a recurring character (and wannabe love interest for Alexandra Trese); second, the introduction of "The Madame" (Imelda Marcos) as Trese's archnemesis and the true mastermind behind the scenes. This last thing especially is just a stroke of genius on Tan's part. So although the stories weren't so compelling in this volume, it does advance the overall story quite a bit and keep me wanting to read more!
Along with Trese #4, I thought the stories here were on the weaker end in the context of the whole series. There is more of a unifying through-line here than in #4, but it wasn't as compelling to me as the Talagbusao story in #3 (or the Taga-dagat story in #6). Two things save this volume, though: first, the re-introduction of Maliksi the tikbalang as a recurring character (and wannabe love interest for Alexandra Trese); second, the introduction of "The Madame" (Imelda Marcos) as Trese's archnemesis and the true mastermind behind the scenes. This last thing especially is just a stroke of genius on Tan's part. So although the stories weren't so compelling in this volume, it does advance the overall story quite a bit and keep me wanting to read more!
June 5, 2022
★★★★ // Now this one sets us up for something that feels much bigger. The stakes are starting to get higher and there are more interesting villains springing up. Even in the magical realm, politics come into play no? How timely it is that this seems to reference the current situation of the country. Imagine if that manipulative family does not only have historical revisionism powers, but access to mystical ones too.
”The powers of the city are being diverted, siphoned, drained elsewhere. You’re going to need all the help you can get.”
October 13, 2019
Midnight Tribunal was more different from the series. It is a mythical mystery within political viewpoints and allegations.
Alexandra seems that politics may it cause disturbances and turmoil in her city which was different from her previous cases.
I expected from the six installment of the series is the soft and halfhearted of Alexandra with the help of (maybe a lover) Maliksi.
I hope Budjette Tan add much love affair between his characters like (I think) what he started did in this book.
Alexandra seems that politics may it cause disturbances and turmoil in her city which was different from her previous cases.
I expected from the six installment of the series is the soft and halfhearted of Alexandra with the help of (maybe a lover) Maliksi.
I hope Budjette Tan add much love affair between his characters like (I think) what he started did in this book.
May 13, 2024
This time the stories are part of a longer arc about the nature of justice and a discussion of vigilantism.
Are what Alex Trese does different from what others in the stories does and what is justice and can the established systems provide it?
It also introduces a nemesis for Alex and as all good villains is a kind of dark mirror image of her, using some of the same methods to accomplish her goals albeit for selfish reasons rather than Trese's, that is for the greater good.
Are what Alex Trese does different from what others in the stories does and what is justice and can the established systems provide it?
It also introduces a nemesis for Alex and as all good villains is a kind of dark mirror image of her, using some of the same methods to accomplish her goals albeit for selfish reasons rather than Trese's, that is for the greater good.
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