I’m thrilled to finally get my copy of the latest TRESE installment! I’m no comic book geek, but i do enjoy my fair share of graphic novels and comics, especially ones with stories and art that capture my attention–and TRESE is definitely something worth the money 
Last weekend i was able to get my butt off the couch and check out two events. I headed out to the first day of the Metro Komikon to get my TRESE book signed (check!) as well as get me some nifty toys to add to my collection (check! check!). From Marvel superheroes to the latest anime character you can think of (i’m not up to date with it, sorry), you have it: geared up geishas, red-eyed katana welding samurais and other costumed heroes roamed the Megamall Trade Hall.
As expected, the place was swarming with fanboys (and girls), cosplay-clad beings, comics and toys, lots of it. But interestingly enough, it was great to see not only a lot of fans but also writers and illustrators of pinoy comics at the event, trading stories, signing autographs and meeting their fans. I was lucky enough get both Budjette and Kajo’s autographs for my book! whee!
Got me some cool new toys (a set of Tim Burton’s Oyster Boy and friends) as well as some cute rings from the TRESE booth (yes, i am safe from all the aswangs and freaks!).
From there i headed to High Street, The Fort for the opening of the Manila Design Week, where they had a public art exhibit and mural collabo among the various local design outfits.
Music streaming in, paint fumes covering the area, guests milling around and lots of creative energy jumping around — sweet.
Guest designer Ron English was there painting away as the murals were worked on. Guest bands closed off the party with cool songs (which i missed since i had to go so early…boo!) but i’m pretty sure they all rocked the night away. Over all, a good weekend spent. Can’t wait for saturday’s conference to top it all off!
While we’re on the subject of comics, i was sad to have missed the book signing of Arnold Arre’s Martial Law Babies last Saturday due to my cold. I’ve been looking forward to it, and from all the plurk updates i’ve read so far, it was a huge success (congrats, Arnold and Cyn!). It’s a wonderful read guys, even for those who haven’t really lived that era (hey, i’m an 80′s kid, but i was still able to relate to it!) so grab yourself a copy now! I’m also looking forward to new stories from my fave Trese, that brainchild of Budjette and Kajo (congrats on the 3,000 copies sold mark, you guys!!!) which i hear will be very soon —check out their site for more updates! I’m sure these guys plus a lot more will be present on this event, so there are lots to look forward to! Mark it in your calendars now!
TRESE, created by superduo Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo, is a horror/crime comic book nicely spinning a weave of Filipino mythology, urban legends and other “other worldly” events into modern day Manila. TRESE is also the name of the heroine (yes, the lead is a strong, capable woman!) who manages to fight off the bad demons and solve these “mysteries”, together with her able bodyguards.
Yes, i am a fan — i have completed owning the two books, got my copy autographed and pretty much stalked the brains behind this comic book (hehehe). The comic book has gathered enough followers to spawn an online collection of stories and an art blog.
Check out more of TRESE and other updates here.
