Reviews

Mass Murders by Kajo Baldisimo, Budjette Tan

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fantakureader's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

**CHEF'S KISS**

Trese Volume 3 is composed of five cases. These are all origin stories of the main characters except for the last one and have an overarching narrative. Finally!!

First three cases are
(1) A Private Retaliation
(2) Patient 414 in Mandaluyong
(3) The Fort Bonifacio Massacre

These three are focused on the Twins, Basilio and Crispin who are Alexandra's subordinates who also acts as her bodyguards.

I believe these are the best ones so far. Even though these are set in the past, it fleshed out the characters more and also provided context to their current motivations. They are the most creative so far in terms of mythology. However, I do still have criticism with the ending as it's not satisfying, but at least it was addressed in the last story.

The 4th case is The Baptism of Alexandra Trese. Basically, this one has the birth of Jesus Christ, chosen one, & Hercules stories in one case. Three references just in one story. I usually don't mind chosen one narratives because I do like Naruto, BUT!! it's just too much for me. It would be best that the information was scattered throughout the previous volumes, so I'm not bombarded by the chosen one narrative. I still like this story because it has it's own twists, I guess or I'm just heavily biased due to being a myth geek. Another criticism is the hyperbole statements that simply do not match the setting.

Last one is titled An Act of War. It has a satisfying conclusion and is connected to the first three stories that has an abrupt ending. The way they dealt with the villain is adorable but the villain's speech is nonsensical.

I believe this is the best volume so far. The overarching narrative contributes to that because it has a sense of connection between stories & there is a cause and effect. Also, it finally give me a satisfying ending.

seenamac's review

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

5.0

BANGER! I loved how we got to learn about Trese’s past and the Kambal. It had some fun comedic moments sprinkled in between so much action and entertainment!

pjwhyman's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

scythefranz's review against another edition

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5.0

I liked this a lot. Kaso may physical copy is falling apart. Ang panget ng binding!

yourkindredreader's review against another edition

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5.0

Trese vol.3 : Mass Murders by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo is a great follow-up to the previous two volumes. It gives us a more background of Alexandra’s family’s past, as well as the Kambal’s.

The illustration of this comic fits the mood of the story well. I love the detailed work on the Filipino mythical creatures, the gods, and even the scenery. The story is an exceptional twist to folklores Filipinos who have grown to hear throughout childhood. This comic showcases rich history and faith in the background as Alexandra navigates her life and duty. For this particular volume, I enjoyed reading more about what happened to Alexandra’s life when she was younger and her relationship with her family and the twins.

I have read the first two volumes and this is my favorite so far.

Thank you to NetGalley, Diamond Book Distributors, Ablaze for the ARC.

jelundberg's review against another edition

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5.0

Very cool to see Anton Trese in his prime, and when Alex took over the "family business" after his death. Also, the origin story of the Kambal, who are both badass and funny. I appreciate that this volume was a single arc over five issues, which showcases how Budjette and Kajo can sustain a longer story. Yay for Trese!