Review - Trese: Last Seen After Midnight

It was a few years ago when Maximo Ramos’ book entitled Creatures of Philippine Lower Mythology caught my attention in the school library. I borrowed it and finished its entirety within the day. A year later saw the release of the first book of Trese, which I grabbed a copy of after spotting its eye-catching cover. And just like that, I got hooked. It was unputdownable. Everything I read from that library book seemed to come alive right before my very eyes. Maximo Ramos would have been proud.

Supernatural noir, as I like it call it.

The four stories contained within Trese's fourth book, Last Seen After Midnight, revolve around loss and greed. In Cadena de Amor, a plant elemental wreaks havoc in Rizal Park after a female gardener’s sudden disappearance. The chaos is brought to the consciousness of mere mortals, yet the scenario is not given much exploration. It is worth mentioning, however, that this first story contains one memorable part wherein the "gardener" saves the day by presenting herself in front of the rebellious plant. Together they sing an iconic Eraserheads song, and that part alone provides a haunting yet serene moment amid all the destruction—a breather, if you can call it that.

The next story, A Private Collection, shows much potential for subplots. It can be considered the weakest out of an otherwise robust foursome. The threat of war between manananggal and aswang looms near, and it is up to Trese and the Kambal to stop it before Manila turns into a battlefield of monstrosity. Only then do we find out that the war is only a red herring to make way for a much stronger threat. As of now, I am still a bit reserved regarding the unexpected use of Santelmo. Jay Gerson—who I find a cross between Roronoa Zoro and Fullmetal Alchemist’s Scar—would have made a great archenemy.

Any college student who had spent time in a dormitory will be able to relate to Wanted: Bedspacer. The story in the collection that involves the littlest amount of supernatural aspects, it reads like an episode of CSI with Trese investigating the mysterious deaths that have occurred inside a dormitory. There is a rather notable part here where she delves into a sort of argument with a doctor—a rare instance where science and the supernatural intermingles in Trese. The episode actually has mystery-solving involved. Quite refreshing to see a story that does not involve Trese and the Kambal chasing monsters from one place to another while asking for help from supernatural creatures along the way.

Tan and Baldisimo have undoubtedly saved the best for last. Fight of the Year is a treat that every boxing fan needs to read. What if the greatest boxer in the world secretly fights demons in order to protect his hometown? After selling his soul to the creatures of the underworld, he is required to fight in a top-secret arena once every year. The creators surely outdid themselves with this semi-political episode. The presentation appears as rash as possible by allowing the boxer's design to actually resemble the Man himself. It just goes to show how prepared Tan and Baldisimo are when it comes to keeping up with the times. You can read this story if you check out comixtrips.com.

Last Seen After Midnight may not prove superior to the overall brilliance of its predecessor, Mass Murders, but it certainly packs plenty of punch to be considered another worthy installment.

Frankly, Trese is a series of graphic novels revolving around ideas. Much of its success can be credited to the way its creators try their hardest to include as much brilliant ideas as they can within its pages, but ideas can only get you far enough without proper execution. This is exactly what sets Trese apart from the rest: Budjette Tan’s story and Kajo Baldisimo’s art unifying to show Alexandra’s exploits within Manila’s otherworlds.

Now, can someone turn this thing into a black-and-white movie? Right now? Please?