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curlyb's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
fantakureader's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? No
4.25
**OKAY. FINE. ALRIGHT**
1st Case: Cadena De Amor
- A simple revenge story but the art has improved. I liked the design of the newly introduced creatures, however, not obsessed with the actual story.
- Again, with the swift ending. I've noticed that when the Trese volumes have stories in episodic structure, they always have this kind of ending. It's now a pattern. My problem with this kind of storytelling, (stories that are self-contained but are still connected in a larger universe), it's a disservice not having foreshadowing or at least leaving easter eggs that can be used to further the story in the continuing narrative. It is fun for the readers to callback the scenes and can make the whole narrative more connected. It will also break the repetition of just showing the consequences of the suspect's action and the reaction of the victims loved ones. Sometimes, it doesn't even have the latter one on some of them. They can definitely improve on the way they conclude the short episodes.
-Rating: 4.3
2nd Case: A Private Collection
-Weakest one for me due to below reasons:
1. Repeated introduction of the main character without much creativity with every iteration
2. Investigation Methods: Alexandra is using two methods to catch the offenders. First one is the candle & the water method and the second one is gouging of the eyes method. The first one can practically summon the spirit of the deceased and have them tell their story and last moments while the latter one can only show the face of the person that victim last saw. Based on the results: the first one wins. That's why I was wondering why she is still using the second one (even with deceased victims) even though the first one is quicker & practical.
3. Nitpick: This line -- "Killers with stone cold hearts or otherwise heartless fiends."
4. The close combat scene is really confusing. I've read it 3x and still had a hard time comprehending the transitioning moves of the two characters.
5. Once again, the ending is my gripe here
Rating: 3.7
3rd Case: Wanted: Bedspacer
-This one has the best paneling. It is clean & easy to follow. Also a little bit creative on the student's dorm panels. However, I was just a bit distracted with the repetitive laughter of the radio announcer in the background.
-Nitpick: There's an inaccurate portrayal of a character's sweat. It popped out from the panel and I did not forget it.
-With gorgeous paneling and core story that I completely forgot (aside from the sweat scene) after reading the volume:
Rating: 4.3
4th Case: Fight of the year.
-It's my favorite. The character is based on a large figure in sports here in the Philippines. I've watched his matches during his peak years and he's been such an inspiration in the country because he is one of the greatest boxers in the world, someone who grew up from poverty. I love their portrayal of him here.
-I think they are really good with paying respect to characters that have been a part of Philippine culture and legends whether fictional or real in their stories.
Rating: 4.6
Overall rating: The star for me is the last story
1st Case: Cadena De Amor
- A simple revenge story but the art has improved. I liked the design of the newly introduced creatures, however, not obsessed with the actual story.
- Again, with the swift ending. I've noticed that when the Trese volumes have stories in episodic structure, they always have this kind of ending. It's now a pattern. My problem with this kind of storytelling, (stories that are self-contained but are still connected in a larger universe), it's a disservice not having foreshadowing or at least leaving easter eggs that can be used to further the story in the continuing narrative. It is fun for the readers to callback the scenes and can make the whole narrative more connected. It will also break the repetition of just showing the consequences of the suspect's action and the reaction of the victims loved ones. Sometimes, it doesn't even have the latter one on some of them. They can definitely improve on the way they conclude the short episodes.
-Rating: 4.3
2nd Case: A Private Collection
-Weakest one for me due to below reasons:
1. Repeated introduction of the main character without much creativity with every iteration
2. Investigation Methods: Alexandra is using two methods to catch the offenders. First one is the candle & the water method and the second one is gouging of the eyes method. The first one can practically summon the spirit of the deceased and have them tell their story and last moments while the latter one can only show the face of the person that victim last saw. Based on the results: the first one wins. That's why I was wondering why she is still using the second one (even with deceased victims) even though the first one is quicker & practical.
3. Nitpick: This line -- "Killers with stone cold hearts or otherwise heartless fiends."
4. The close combat scene is really confusing. I've read it 3x and still had a hard time comprehending the transitioning moves of the two characters.
5. Once again, the ending is my gripe here
Rating: 3.7
3rd Case: Wanted: Bedspacer
-This one has the best paneling. It is clean & easy to follow. Also a little bit creative on the student's dorm panels. However, I was just a bit distracted with the repetitive laughter of the radio announcer in the background.
-Nitpick: There's an inaccurate portrayal of a character's sweat. It popped out from the panel and I did not forget it.
-With gorgeous paneling and core story that I completely forgot (aside from the sweat scene) after reading the volume:
Rating: 4.3
4th Case: Fight of the year.
-It's my favorite. The character is based on a large figure in sports here in the Philippines. I've watched his matches during his peak years and he's been such an inspiration in the country because he is one of the greatest boxers in the world, someone who grew up from poverty. I love their portrayal of him here.
-I think they are really good with paying respect to characters that have been a part of Philippine culture and legends whether fictional or real in their stories.
Rating: 4.6
Overall rating: The star for me is the last story
justinareads's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
nicklelove's review against another edition
5.0
This took me a while to finish because I haven't been in the mood to pick it back up. Tonight I finally decided to finish this book. I particularly liked the last story, Fight of the Year. I think it's a pretty cool "what if" to the life of a famous boxer. To know what he is really fighting for. I also learned something new about bangungot and batibat. That was cool to know.
earldizon's review against another edition
3.0
Alexandra Trese is back solving more supernatural cases. I only gave this installment a lower rating because the previous volume was so good.
I'm looking forward to when the releases overseas and in the US finally catch up to one another.
I'm looking forward to when the releases overseas and in the US finally catch up to one another.
nikanika_'s review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0