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Trese: Stories from the Diabolical, Volume 1
Welcome to The Diabolical!
My name is Hank. I'll be your bartender for tonight.
What will it be? Don't tell me. I know exactly what you want to drink.
So, what's on your mind? You have a story to tell?
You've come to the right place. I've got some interesting stories as well.
Have you heard the one about the ghost who walked in the bar?
The one who kept coming back, waiting for the arrival of that certain someone?
What about the guy who had coffee with his dead girlfriend?
Or the story of the spectral Christmas carolers?
And then there's that strange tale of all those senior citizens who watched the last full show and never came out.
No? Haven't heard those? Well, have another drink and I'll tell you all about it.
My name is Hank. I'll be your bartender for tonight.
What will it be? Don't tell me. I know exactly what you want to drink.
So, what's on your mind? You have a story to tell?
You've come to the right place. I've got some interesting stories as well.
Have you heard the one about the ghost who walked in the bar?
The one who kept coming back, waiting for the arrival of that certain someone?
What about the guy who had coffee with his dead girlfriend?
Or the story of the spectral Christmas carolers?
And then there's that strange tale of all those senior citizens who watched the last full show and never came out.
No? Haven't heard those? Well, have another drink and I'll tell you all about it.
88 pages, Paperback
First published September 7, 2013
5 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
About the author
Budjette Tan
80 books382 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 41 reviews
April 1, 2021
If you're new to the Trese series of graphic novels, I prepared a primer on the main character Alexandra Trese on YouTube. If you enjoyed my Trese content, consider subscribing to my channel.
These are new short stories set in the world of Trese. It features all your favorite characters, Trese, and the Kambal; bartender Hank has a few memorable scenes of his own, especially apt since he has since developed a cult following.
These are prose stories, with illustrations. Although this reader wished it was done in the sequential manner, this was a compromise in having both co-creators in one Trese book. Baldisimo's lines are scratchy, rushed, as if he was trying to juggle his main gig, the current Trese volume he's working on and this book. I wish they were more open to new artists contributing. This book could have been it.
Still, it was nice and easy read and it does it can to stave off the waiting for more Trese books.
These are new short stories set in the world of Trese. It features all your favorite characters, Trese, and the Kambal; bartender Hank has a few memorable scenes of his own, especially apt since he has since developed a cult following.
These are prose stories, with illustrations. Although this reader wished it was done in the sequential manner, this was a compromise in having both co-creators in one Trese book. Baldisimo's lines are scratchy, rushed, as if he was trying to juggle his main gig, the current Trese volume he's working on and this book. I wish they were more open to new artists contributing. This book could have been it.
Still, it was nice and easy read and it does it can to stave off the waiting for more Trese books.
February 9, 2015
3.5 stars! I enjoyed the stories, but I thought they could use a little more kick. Would still definitely check out Volume 2 if they ever come out with one.
September 8, 2013
I just love Budjette Tan and KaJo Baldisimo's Trese graphic novels. I think it's brilliant how they are able to do a re-telling of Philippine folklore that resounds to people from almost all age groups. This time around, they have released Trese: Stories from the Diabolical, which features ghostly tales as told by Hank Sparrow, The Diabolical's resident bartender.
As Tan noted in the foreword, most of the stories were edited out in the graphic novels but were later on featured in a blog of the same title. The stories were likewise illustrated, albeit from artists such as Mark Torres and Elbert Or. The Visprint-published version on the other hand was illustrated by Baldisimo.
I read the entire book under two hours or so. Tan's stories were crisp, succinct, and straightforward that I couldn't help but turn page after page, while Baldisimo outdid himself by giving each story a different flavor with his artworks. I loved The Usual Spot story-wise (I'm a sucker for romance stories), and Coffee Black in terms of art (so Picasso-esque...but don't quote me on that :-D). The only downside was the book only had five stories. I kinda wish every Trese case had an outtake with Hank (and more Kambal cameos, please. Haha!).
While I really loved Trese: Stories from the Diabolical, I want more stories! Since this is just the first volume, maybe they could have twice the number of stories in the next release. Or better yet, how about having a full-fledged Trese novel? Who could say no to that?
As Tan noted in the foreword, most of the stories were edited out in the graphic novels but were later on featured in a blog of the same title. The stories were likewise illustrated, albeit from artists such as Mark Torres and Elbert Or. The Visprint-published version on the other hand was illustrated by Baldisimo.
I read the entire book under two hours or so. Tan's stories were crisp, succinct, and straightforward that I couldn't help but turn page after page, while Baldisimo outdid himself by giving each story a different flavor with his artworks. I loved The Usual Spot story-wise (I'm a sucker for romance stories), and Coffee Black in terms of art (so Picasso-esque...but don't quote me on that :-D). The only downside was the book only had five stories. I kinda wish every Trese case had an outtake with Hank (and more Kambal cameos, please. Haha!).
While I really loved Trese: Stories from the Diabolical, I want more stories! Since this is just the first volume, maybe they could have twice the number of stories in the next release. Or better yet, how about having a full-fledged Trese novel? Who could say no to that?
December 22, 2019
Across 8 volumes of the Trese Saga, one thing has become evident. The tales are really where it's at, and in this book Tan proves his mettle as a story-teller, in a collection that features five illustrated cases featuring the occult netherworld of the Philippine capital of Manila. Almost all of the action takes place in the Diabolical, a club owned and managed by the city's protectress and tended by her barkeep, the cool and worldly-wise Hank.
This volume delves into the twilit heart of a city that, at night, throbs with mysterious encounters between humans and the sundry strange creatures that cross their paths, oftentimes tragically. Here are mermaids, elementals, ghosts, and all manner of monsters that haunt streets and homes and malls and clubs, burning with hate, passion, and yes, hunger - whether for truth, consummation, love, surcease, or meat.
This is a deviation from the usual Trese stories that feature action, mayhem, and battles as there's hardly any of that here. These are subdued, somber, and surprisingly tender tales that show a gentler side of our indomitable heroine, and Tan pulls it off magnificently.
I've just read all of the eight books in the Trese saga, and this is my favorite by far. Among the stories I especially recommend The Usual Spot, where Alex leads two star-crossed specters back into each other's arms, and Coffee Black, where a grieving lover is given the chance to say goodbye one last time.
It's not a graphic anthology per se but all the cases are profusely drawn so there should be no worries on that score. They were also illustrated by various artists so it's quite interesting to view Trese's world through other lenses so to speak.
I'm rating this 8.5/10 or 4 stars out of 5.
This volume delves into the twilit heart of a city that, at night, throbs with mysterious encounters between humans and the sundry strange creatures that cross their paths, oftentimes tragically. Here are mermaids, elementals, ghosts, and all manner of monsters that haunt streets and homes and malls and clubs, burning with hate, passion, and yes, hunger - whether for truth, consummation, love, surcease, or meat.
This is a deviation from the usual Trese stories that feature action, mayhem, and battles as there's hardly any of that here. These are subdued, somber, and surprisingly tender tales that show a gentler side of our indomitable heroine, and Tan pulls it off magnificently.
I've just read all of the eight books in the Trese saga, and this is my favorite by far. Among the stories I especially recommend The Usual Spot, where Alex leads two star-crossed specters back into each other's arms, and Coffee Black, where a grieving lover is given the chance to say goodbye one last time.
It's not a graphic anthology per se but all the cases are profusely drawn so there should be no worries on that score. They were also illustrated by various artists so it's quite interesting to view Trese's world through other lenses so to speak.
I'm rating this 8.5/10 or 4 stars out of 5.
February 3, 2015
This was new.
I was always a fan of Trese stories after I found out about them. The brilliant words of Budjette Tan and exceptional artwork of Kajo Baldisimo was always captivating. Stories from the Diabolical though, well it branches out from a usual Trese story. It's more like a spin off tale told by The Diabolical's bartender - Hank Sparrow. (The Diabolical is kind of like Trese's Batcave, atleast according to Budjette that is.)
And well which profession is it that always had awesome stories to tell when you're in a bar? It's always the bartender. Right?
Anyhow, this book is mainly consists of short stories accompanied with a few illustrations. It's actually not a graphic novel or a comic book. It's a collection of a few preludes and short stories, not the usual episode type of storytelling seen all throughout the Trese books. So basically, this one really is different from it's predecessors. Granted, a few cameos of the main comic book characters is present on this one, so expect to see them here aswell. Apart from that, this book takes you into a whole new different level. See, when you're reading something you kind of like become the main character's shadow since you read about it's thoughts and all that. But since Hank is already a supporting character in the Trese-verse, and since he kind of took over the stage on this book. You become his shadow. You get to live in the Trese-verse in a third person persona as much as you get to be a first person in the previous Trese books. It's very well entertaining and I kinda do look forward to it's succeeding collections. Well done Budjette! Well done.
I was always a fan of Trese stories after I found out about them. The brilliant words of Budjette Tan and exceptional artwork of Kajo Baldisimo was always captivating. Stories from the Diabolical though, well it branches out from a usual Trese story. It's more like a spin off tale told by The Diabolical's bartender - Hank Sparrow. (The Diabolical is kind of like Trese's Batcave, atleast according to Budjette that is.)
And well which profession is it that always had awesome stories to tell when you're in a bar? It's always the bartender. Right?
Anyhow, this book is mainly consists of short stories accompanied with a few illustrations. It's actually not a graphic novel or a comic book. It's a collection of a few preludes and short stories, not the usual episode type of storytelling seen all throughout the Trese books. So basically, this one really is different from it's predecessors. Granted, a few cameos of the main comic book characters is present on this one, so expect to see them here aswell. Apart from that, this book takes you into a whole new different level. See, when you're reading something you kind of like become the main character's shadow since you read about it's thoughts and all that. But since Hank is already a supporting character in the Trese-verse, and since he kind of took over the stage on this book. You become his shadow. You get to live in the Trese-verse in a third person persona as much as you get to be a first person in the previous Trese books. It's very well entertaining and I kinda do look forward to it's succeeding collections. Well done Budjette! Well done.
Read
November 17, 2013Outtakes from the successful Trese franchise, now counting six volumes.
Readers of the Budjette-Kajo collaboration were not served that well by the minor feel of the stories developing in the "same-same" vein. There are twists in the endings, alright, but they didn't feel as novel as the ones explored in the earlier graphic novels. The stories lacked the fresh bites of sharpened vampire fangs. My eyes did not pop out of their sockets like they did in the best episodes of the previous installments.
The oldest story here harked back to five years ago, when the debut volume, Trese: Murder on Balete Drive, came out to gain such strong following as to generate excitement every Komikon event and to sustain wide popular readership. One would think that the stories would have been polished now, at the very least proofread and professionally edited. But those typos and grammatical infelicities stuck in one's craw.
I am a fan but I'm starting to tire of the formula. The duo needed to take stock of their legacy and avoid the Shake, Rattle & Roll-like road to franchise repetition and irrelevance.
Readers of the Budjette-Kajo collaboration were not served that well by the minor feel of the stories developing in the "same-same" vein. There are twists in the endings, alright, but they didn't feel as novel as the ones explored in the earlier graphic novels. The stories lacked the fresh bites of sharpened vampire fangs. My eyes did not pop out of their sockets like they did in the best episodes of the previous installments.
The oldest story here harked back to five years ago, when the debut volume, Trese: Murder on Balete Drive, came out to gain such strong following as to generate excitement every Komikon event and to sustain wide popular readership. One would think that the stories would have been polished now, at the very least proofread and professionally edited. But those typos and grammatical infelicities stuck in one's craw.
I am a fan but I'm starting to tire of the formula. The duo needed to take stock of their legacy and avoid the Shake, Rattle & Roll-like road to franchise repetition and irrelevance.
April 11, 2015
This is one of the main reasons why I attended Aklatan 2013. It was one of the three books being launched by Visprint Publication.
These side stories, or as some would term them as supplemental stories for the Trese series, especially the story "One Last Drink at the Diabolical" are really nice to be read as they give us a wider perspective of the world of Trese.
It really is a nice goodie while we await the release of the 6th book about the 6th child of the 6th child of Trese in the Winter Komikon 2013
More of my review at:
http://onemantra.blogspot.com/2013/09...
These side stories, or as some would term them as supplemental stories for the Trese series, especially the story "One Last Drink at the Diabolical" are really nice to be read as they give us a wider perspective of the world of Trese.
It really is a nice goodie while we await the release of the 6th book about the 6th child of the 6th child of Trese in the Winter Komikon 2013
More of my review at:
http://onemantra.blogspot.com/2013/09...
October 27, 2013
Not to take anything away from Budjette's words but for me, the highlight of this book is Kajo's art. I am absolutely in love with the way he illustrated the stories and his use of different types of pens. I wish I had even just a tiny bit of his talent. I cannot wait to see/read more stories from the Diabolical. And I hope one day I get to meet Hank Sparrow.
February 24, 2019
Without having done my research and just having the notion that "Trese" is a popular title, the staff at this comic book store (I forgot which one) assured me that this was first volume of Trese. Well, they are technically right, in the sense that this is the first volume of a spin-off series...
Nevertheless, I think it was still a good introductory book for me to the (underground) world of Trese. I think it was well-made because I got a gist of the main characters even without prior knowledge of the main series. In fact, it got me hooked to read the main series. I'll definitely buy it the next time I go out :D
Nevertheless, I think it was still a good introductory book for me to the (underground) world of Trese. I think it was well-made because I got a gist of the main characters even without prior knowledge of the main series. In fact, it got me hooked to read the main series. I'll definitely buy it the next time I go out :D
January 3, 2020
I love this! I love reading comics but sometimes I want to read more words than see illustrations. It’s refreshing to see a one-page, one-illustration take. Very Neil Gaiman take on the short stories, and loving how on some details, you see it cross with Trese issues.
November 1, 2013
5 stars, of course!
Budjette and Kajo just turned the embers of my fangirling over Tres into full flames again with their latest release, Trese: Stories from the Diabolical Volume 1. I think it's scary for writers to write a sequel, or an off-shoot, of a popular book/series because the sequel might not be as well received. However, with this latest juicy book, Budjette and Kajo has got the goods (oops, more pressure?). Heck, the intro alone by Budjette has got me quivering in excitement for the first page.
Trese: Stories from the Diabolical Volume 1 is divided into five short stories peppered with ghosts, spilling intestines, and lots of alcohol (my favorite is The Usual Spot). The protagonists of the story all come into the Diabolical, the bar owned and managed by Alexandra Trese, and bar-tended by Hank. With Hank's penchant for knowing exactly what a customer needs, he gets them to spill their sob stories. And when a crime has a paranormal angle, he relays the story to Trese. I love that Hank gets his own storyline, and his important role in the world of Alexandra Trese is finally highlighted.
Budjette's talent for short-but-terrific stories shines again with this latest graphic novel. In just a few pages, each story arc's main characters, plot, twist, and resolution is delivered flawlessly - and I was satisfied with each story. I thought Kajo's artistry in the first five Trese books was great, but his artwork in the Diabolical was even better!
One of the things that I love about Trese is that I don't get scared while, or after, reading. I'm terrified of ghost stories (and the dark and anything related to Halloween) but I just get so excited with each Trese book, maybe because of the ass-kicking Alexandra Trese, who makes me feel same somehow, coupled, of course, with the very enchanting Kambal. The ghosts in the story remain inside the story, and I walk away feeling satisfied that all is right with the world.
I mentioned above that I think writing sequels is scary for writers, but I'm actually the type of reader who is also wary of sequels and spin-offs because they might not be at par with my expectations due to my enjoyment of the first book/series. But man, Budjette and Kajo just keep proving to me that I have nothing to fear. I'm now even more impatient for the sixth Trese book (and perhaps even a Volume 2?).
If you've always been afraid of the kapres, the aswangs, the dead, ghosts, and whatnots, mayhap Trese will change your mind. I think Trese: Stories from the Diabolical is a good introduction into the fantastic world that is Trese. Be warned though: You might not ever want to get out.
Happy Halloween!
My Book Musings
Budjette and Kajo just turned the embers of my fangirling over Tres into full flames again with their latest release, Trese: Stories from the Diabolical Volume 1. I think it's scary for writers to write a sequel, or an off-shoot, of a popular book/series because the sequel might not be as well received. However, with this latest juicy book, Budjette and Kajo has got the goods (oops, more pressure?). Heck, the intro alone by Budjette has got me quivering in excitement for the first page.
Trese: Stories from the Diabolical Volume 1 is divided into five short stories peppered with ghosts, spilling intestines, and lots of alcohol (my favorite is The Usual Spot). The protagonists of the story all come into the Diabolical, the bar owned and managed by Alexandra Trese, and bar-tended by Hank. With Hank's penchant for knowing exactly what a customer needs, he gets them to spill their sob stories. And when a crime has a paranormal angle, he relays the story to Trese. I love that Hank gets his own storyline, and his important role in the world of Alexandra Trese is finally highlighted.
Budjette's talent for short-but-terrific stories shines again with this latest graphic novel. In just a few pages, each story arc's main characters, plot, twist, and resolution is delivered flawlessly - and I was satisfied with each story. I thought Kajo's artistry in the first five Trese books was great, but his artwork in the Diabolical was even better!
One of the things that I love about Trese is that I don't get scared while, or after, reading. I'm terrified of ghost stories (and the dark and anything related to Halloween) but I just get so excited with each Trese book, maybe because of the ass-kicking Alexandra Trese, who makes me feel same somehow, coupled, of course, with the very enchanting Kambal. The ghosts in the story remain inside the story, and I walk away feeling satisfied that all is right with the world.
I mentioned above that I think writing sequels is scary for writers, but I'm actually the type of reader who is also wary of sequels and spin-offs because they might not be at par with my expectations due to my enjoyment of the first book/series. But man, Budjette and Kajo just keep proving to me that I have nothing to fear. I'm now even more impatient for the sixth Trese book (and perhaps even a Volume 2?).
If you've always been afraid of the kapres, the aswangs, the dead, ghosts, and whatnots, mayhap Trese will change your mind. I think Trese: Stories from the Diabolical is a good introduction into the fantastic world that is Trese. Be warned though: You might not ever want to get out.
Happy Halloween!
My Book Musings
March 27, 2014
Another brilliant addition to my TRESE collection from the master, Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo. Filipino urban fantasy, dark noir at its best.
If you have not read any volumes of TRESE, this could be a good way to start as the original prequel of a story, "One Last Drink at the Diabolical" is included.
But if you already are familiar and love TRESE, the Kambal and those back stories what we never gotten around to read about, then this first compilation is for you; or rather for us.
My fave story in this Volume is "The Usual Spot". The senti and hopeless romantic in me is so touched by this story and makes me wonder if Master Budjette foresees a love angle for our beloved heroine in the near future?
But for now, you gotta get this and add to your TRESE collection. Or better yet. Read them all again. :)
If you have not read any volumes of TRESE, this could be a good way to start as the original prequel of a story, "One Last Drink at the Diabolical" is included.
But if you already are familiar and love TRESE, the Kambal and those back stories what we never gotten around to read about, then this first compilation is for you; or rather for us.
My fave story in this Volume is "The Usual Spot". The senti and hopeless romantic in me is so touched by this story and makes me wonder if Master Budjette foresees a love angle for our beloved heroine in the near future?
But for now, you gotta get this and add to your TRESE collection. Or better yet. Read them all again. :)
January 16, 2015
As my initial foray into the noir world of graphic literature by the uber talented Budjette Tan (author) and Kajo Baldisimo (artist), I'm glad I decided to make a go at Trese. I've been seeing the books at bookstores and I've been itching to buy and read them for the longest time.
Stories from the Diabolical is a collection of weird unexplained supernatural stories told to and witnessed by Hank, the bartender.
The graphics are amazing and the stories are awesome. I have this tingling feeling that this series would totally rock! Now on to the next...
Stories from the Diabolical is a collection of weird unexplained supernatural stories told to and witnessed by Hank, the bartender.
The graphics are amazing and the stories are awesome. I have this tingling feeling that this series would totally rock! Now on to the next...
February 26, 2014
I always appreciate short stories that do a little more worldbuilding and character development than usual.
It's like a pre-dinner snack for the Trese series: Not very filling, but good enough to keep you tied over til the main course.
It's like a pre-dinner snack for the Trese series: Not very filling, but good enough to keep you tied over til the main course.
November 11, 2013
I like "The Choir" and "Coffee Black".
There is one thing I wanted to ask, does Trese ever sleep?
P.S. I met Hank in real life but I thought he was KaJo. Stupid, ikr.
There is one thing I wanted to ask, does Trese ever sleep?
P.S. I met Hank in real life but I thought he was KaJo. Stupid, ikr.
October 27, 2013
Another brilliant compilation of local supernatural stories! Philippine folklore with a modern twist. Hats off to sirs Budjette & Kajo! Definitely thirsty for more stories from the Diabolical.
July 6, 2016
The typos were a little annoying. :D
November 24, 2017
Hello fellow Trese Readers and Readers to be/Supporters/Fans just like me. TRESE has been running the graphic novel scene for as long as I can remember, but it was only now that I managed to find the time to read the whole original collection.
And after reading Stories from the Diabolical frankly, I want to know more about the story and its world. Although, it is not the first book of TRESE that I've read thus far, I would like to share my thoughts about it.
Stories from the diabolical is a wonderful collection of short stories. The rough sketches by illustrator/artist Kajo Baldisimo were a perfect fit. I can't seem to point it out exactly but, I think both the stories and artwork were just the right mix, to each with their own charm that was able to draw and compel their readers within the world.
If I'd be asked which of these short stories would be my favorite, I'd immediately share the ghostly carolers and the dead girl friend.
Right now, I look forward to reading both the full English and Tagalog versions of TRESE!
Thank you for these wonderful stories!
And after reading Stories from the Diabolical frankly, I want to know more about the story and its world. Although, it is not the first book of TRESE that I've read thus far, I would like to share my thoughts about it.
Stories from the diabolical is a wonderful collection of short stories. The rough sketches by illustrator/artist Kajo Baldisimo were a perfect fit. I can't seem to point it out exactly but, I think both the stories and artwork were just the right mix, to each with their own charm that was able to draw and compel their readers within the world.
If I'd be asked which of these short stories would be my favorite, I'd immediately share the ghostly carolers and the dead girl friend.
Right now, I look forward to reading both the full English and Tagalog versions of TRESE!
Thank you for these wonderful stories!
January 25, 2020
This is a nice little addition for the Trese completionist, but I wouldn't really recommend it for anyone else--not least because it's difficult to get a hold of (I could only find it in the Philippines). I like the concept a lot, of a set of stories told by Hank, the bartender at Alexandra Trese's base The Diabolical. I liked that Tan wove the stories into the Trese universe so that some of them intersected briefly with stories from the main volumes. But, at the end of the day, this is pretty different from the main volumes. It's not really a graphic novel, more a set of stories with illustrations. And the stories are not as fleshed out or complex as the ones in the main volumes.
September 2, 2020
I really regret it! Why did I just recently bought and read this. Reading Trese with this might increase the satisfactio by ten-fold!
I wish I had gotten this sooner. But hey! Late is better than never.
The stories are related to some of Alex's case as far as I can remember. And there is a story that is not for the faint of heart. If you are planning to read it on the wee hours and at the start of Christmas season. You might lose your sleep.
The illustrations are superb as always!
#SarilingAtin
I wish I had gotten this sooner. But hey! Late is better than never.
The stories are related to some of Alex's case as far as I can remember. And there is a story that is not for the faint of heart. If you are planning to read it on the wee hours and at the start of Christmas season. You might lose your sleep.
The illustrations are superb as always!
#SarilingAtin
December 12, 2024
A splendid addition to the Trese series.
This book tells stories in a traditional yet entertaining way with visuals that differ in every story aside from the usual comics format.
Budjette Tan is a spectacular storyteller with limitless imagination who is paired with a superb illustrator in the likes of KaJO Baldisimo.
What a coincidence to finish this on December 13th (a Friday one at that too!).
This book tells stories in a traditional yet entertaining way with visuals that differ in every story aside from the usual comics format.
Budjette Tan is a spectacular storyteller with limitless imagination who is paired with a superb illustrator in the likes of KaJO Baldisimo.
What a coincidence to finish this on December 13th (a Friday one at that too!).
November 8, 2017
the thing I dislike most about horror stories is when even the least amount of logic and reason is thrown out for the sake of setting up the gore and the scares.
"trese" is never of that kind and that is why it works effectively for me. whether in prose or in graphic form (or a combination of the two), the situations are never contrived. and the stories always have reason and heart.
"trese" is never of that kind and that is why it works effectively for me. whether in prose or in graphic form (or a combination of the two), the situations are never contrived. and the stories always have reason and heart.
March 12, 2018
I could not get enough of Trese, so I was happy to have a copy of "Trese: Stories from the Diabolical, Volume 1" by Budjette Tan and KaJo Baldisimo. I adored the illustrations in this book; it was like portraits (although I did not appreciate the illustrations on the last story). Overall, this book was average, but would definitely continue reading!
December 28, 2020
It took me a long time to start reading the series and reading the first of the series today makes me want to read everything quickly.
It’s exactly how “scary” Filipino stories should be - heartbreaking.
It’s exactly how “scary” Filipino stories should be - heartbreaking.
April 24, 2019
I pretty much nyoomed my way through this but it was so good. Also, that last entry was (kisses fingers like chefs).
October 7, 2020
I take back what I said about Trese#5 being my favorite comic in the series. This is now my favorite, I loved the stories here, somehow it felt warm and cozy, like its home.
January 4, 2023
It was well-written and honestly, I can't wait for the next volume!
November 1, 2019
Writing and art felt a bit rushed, but the stories were interesting. I read this first before any of the other Trese books and it wasn't what I was expecting. I thought it would be more of a comic book style with panels and all, not a page with a drawing and prose, but I'm glad to know now that the other books fit my style expectations and this one differs because it's a side series of sorts dedicated to Hank.
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January 7, 2016According to the authors, Hank somehow always gets edited out of the graphic novels. He is supposed to be Alfred to Trese’s Batman. So, they decided to give him his own series, where he stars as this guy with all the fantastic stories and wise advice. Through his stories readers get a chance to see what Trese is up to when she is not consulting with the cops. We also get a more intimate feel of Manila’s ghostly side as the bar acts as an intersection for all sorts of human and non-human lives, sometimes sad or scary, other times hopeful.
November 6, 2013
The past generation had Tony Perez and Liwayway Magazine for ghost stories, but this generation has Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo, who weaved once again another set of stories from Alexandra Trese's bar-slash-cafe. The stories featured in the first volume are not bad at all, amazing even, considering that most of them fit not only the traditional feasts for the common Filipino, but also famous stories and urban legends that hound the communities of Manila. Indeed a must-buy for Trese fans.
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