Fans of Philippine mythology and its strange creatures will be happy to learn that TRESE Vol 2: Unreported Murders is scheduled for US publication in April 2021.

This was announced by Portland-based publishing company ABLAZE. In June, ABLAZE said it would bring this critically-acclaimed series of Filipino graphic novels to a wider audience, starting with TRESE Vol 1: Murder on Balete Drive.

Filipino folklore

ABLAZE made the announcement as part of its celebration of Filipino American History Month this October with the Filipino creators of TRESE, writer Budjette Tan and artist Kajo Baldisimo.

TRESE is inspired by stories from Filipino folklore, featuring creatures from Philippine mythology. These tales are given a modern-day twist as they are told through the lens of a detective story.

The creators of TRESE said they hope their stories could become a gateway for the new generation of Filipino Americans to learn more about their culture and lore.

“When my cousin from California visited us in Manila back in the 90s, he became fascinated with our stories about the aswang, duwende, and tikbalang. Years later, I sent him a copy of the original draft of TRESE and he enjoyed our stories as well. I feel that our myths and folktales are truly fascinating and it’s something we can proudly share with the world,” Tan said.

“I believe that Philippine myth, same as with other aspects of her culture like music and cuisine, is globally underrated because us Filipinos want it that way. Rather than shove it upon the world, we prefer that you discover it on your own and hopefully be surprised by it. If you don’t like it, we’ll proudly keep it to ourselves but If you love it, we’ll gladly give you more. So much more,” said Baldisimo.

Bringing TRESE worldwide

As previously announced, ABLAZE will bring TRESE to English readers worldwide in a series of graphic novels. TRESE Vol 1: Murder on Balete Drive is slated for release for direct market on Nov. 4 and for book market on Nov. 17.

“I’m learning more and more about Filipino myth and folklore through Budjette and Kajo, and by ABLAZE publishing TRESE. It’s sometimes creepy, but always interesting… and very happy that we are helping expose the culture and lore to those that may not yet be familiar with it,” said ABLAZE Co-founder and VP for Creative/Biz Dev Rich Young.

TRESE Vol 2: Unreported Murders contains four mysteries for Alexandra Trese to solve. As with the first volume, all the stories in TRESE Vol 2: Unreported Murders feature updated or remastered artwork. It will also have a substantial bonus section about the monsters of Philippine myth, as told by Tan and Baldisimo.

TRESE is also being produced as an original anime series by Netflix.