Trese Quatro

I surprised myself the other day. 

I attended my first-ever book launching event, and for a Pinoy graphic novel at that!

This would strike people who know me as being highly unusual because 1) I don't go to book launchings, and 2) I don't really buy graphic novels.

But Trese was different..

I made a review about a year ago which featured this locally-made comic book which I never heard of before. It was about this female "supernatural detective" who dealt with mythological beings and creatures from Philippine folklore.

Curious as I was then, I sought it out. I found the website, , read the first story (which was available online for free), and I was instantly hooked.

Three graphic novel purchases later, I was just browsing the web casually when I found out that the fourth installment was finally being launched!! And in a nearby mall at that!! I thanked my lucky stars that I was free on that day and summoned my inner geek as I set out to go where I had never gone before!

I had been waiting for book 4 to come out ever since I had wolfed down the first 3 books in a very short sitting. Hungry for more, I waited and waited. Speculations had the release pegged earlier during May this year. When that rolled by, I have to admit that I was a bit let down, and eventually forgot about my fervent waiting, but I digress

KaJO Baldisimo and Budjette Tan, the creative geniuses behind Trese

(pics from the event itself are from the NBS Facebook page)

The event was held at the mezzanine level of the NBS Bestsellers bookstore in Robinsons Galeria, and I must admit that I was a bit surprised at the impressive turnout..

Ok, so maybe that was an understatement.. the place was PACKED!

Comic enthusiasts from all over the Metro seemed to have gathered for the unveiling of this newest installment in the chronicles of Alexandra Trese. From what I could see and hear, there were people from all walks of life, but probably a great majority were the comic book geeks, the artsy types, and members of the Pinoy Komiks community.

I actually felt a little bit out of place since it seemed as though almost everyone there knew everybody else (what with seeing each other during comic conventions and whatnot), but my inner fanboy prevailed and I patiently waited for the signing sessions. After the usual interview, open forum, and publicity shots for the media, it was announced that people can begin lining up for the autograph signing.

Before I forget, with every purchase of book 4, you receive a raffle coupon which gave you a chance to be the lucky winner of a Trese-themed iPad! Whoa!!

*drool*

Man, you really have to have a lot of patience when you line up for things like this. I haven't stood in line for this long since the first time I enrolled for college! :P But everything was cool when my turn came to face the creators of Trese.

..and as an added treat, out of all the people who came to have their books autographed, I (standing in the grey shirt) was the one lucky enough to be photographed by the NBS staff having my books signed!

I wasn't exactly bursting like a little fanboy when I met the guys. I composed myself and told them they made excellent work and that I was looking forward to the fifth installment. :D

My first ever autographed comics.. Man, I'm such a geek.. but at least I'm a happy geek! :P

Well, that was a pleasant experience. You could really feel that the guys were grateful that you bought and support their comic, and I intend to keep on doing just that.

 And then there were Four..

After getting my stuff signed (I just realized that it must be really boring as an author to sit there for hours and sign book after book), I headed straight home since my task was complete. I felt like a total fanboy but I guess it was worth it.

Trese 4 came with a glossy dust jacket with exclusive art.

Whe I got home to study (and later read) my swag, most noticable was the considerable cover art on the book jacket shown above. I guess this is one way of giving back to all Trese's fans that have been following her since she first came out on print.

*you can follow @AlexandraTrese on Twitter, and also @Budjette Tan