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The Dark Colony
Mikey Recio & The Secret of The Demon Dungeon
Mikey had other plans on his Holy Week holiday. Driving for his grandfather was not part of it. Nor did it involve running into a very unholy secret.
Paperback
First published April 1, 2013
3 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Budjette Tan
73 books381 followersBudjette Tan is the writer of the award-winning comic book TRESE, which he co-created with his partner/illustrator Kajo Baldisimo.
TRESE has been adapted into an anime series by Netflix.
He was a founding member of ALAMAT COMICS in the 1990s.
He's also the writer and co-creator of THE DEMON DUNGEON / DARK COLONY books, which he made with Bow Guerrero and JB Tapia.
He was also the co-editor of the KWENTILLION scifi/fantasy comics magazine (published by Summit), the UNDERPASS horror anthology (Summit), and SOUND: A Comic Anthology (published by Difference Engine).
TRESE has been adapted into an anime series by Netflix.
He was a founding member of ALAMAT COMICS in the 1990s.
He's also the writer and co-creator of THE DEMON DUNGEON / DARK COLONY books, which he made with Bow Guerrero and JB Tapia.
He was also the co-editor of the KWENTILLION scifi/fantasy comics magazine (published by Summit), the UNDERPASS horror anthology (Summit), and SOUND: A Comic Anthology (published by Difference Engine).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 16, 2017
If you enjoyed Trese, Justice League Dark, or The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen this is another story you need to pick up (follow it with Clasificado).
September 30, 2014
Looks pretty thin for a book, even if its a prologue, there's a lot of fillers and the panels are way too big. Not a fan of the artwork though. Anyhow, the story is interesting enough. Budjette has perfect command of the language. The idea of praying for protection was cool. Also the Philippines being a wasteland for the crusades' captured demons is nice plot. The only hole in the latter is historically, it's not possible. The last major crusade (Ninth) ended 1272 while the Hundred Years War was on 1356. The Philippines was discovered in 1521. It's quite disappointing they missed this on their research. It ruins the whole fantasy of knights here in PH.
April 28, 2013
I've been a fan of Mr. Budjette Tan since I read Trese. I bought (and read) this comics because I know, he won't let me down with my expectations. Guess what... HE DIDN'T!!!
The bad guys are the same entities (Tiyanak, demons and shizz), but Mr. Tan gave them a twist which made those villains, VERY unique. I love how he incorporates history, religion and the supernatural to create this kind of story.
AND lets not forget the thing I like the most... THE ART!!! Bow Guerrero's character design is JUST AWESOME! I love the medieval armor!!! So astig! I dunno, It's just... It felt so noir and I love it! :D
Im looking forward to the next book. This is very interesting because the heroes are from a religious order (of the good kind), and... I haven't read any comic books with those kind of heroes.
P.S.
After reading this comic book, don't forget to say your prayers. >:]
The bad guys are the same entities (Tiyanak, demons and shizz), but Mr. Tan gave them a twist which made those villains, VERY unique. I love how he incorporates history, religion and the supernatural to create this kind of story.
AND lets not forget the thing I like the most... THE ART!!! Bow Guerrero's character design is JUST AWESOME! I love the medieval armor!!! So astig! I dunno, It's just... It felt so noir and I love it! :D
Im looking forward to the next book. This is very interesting because the heroes are from a religious order (of the good kind), and... I haven't read any comic books with those kind of heroes.
P.S.
After reading this comic book, don't forget to say your prayers. >:]
May 10, 2013
Book #17 for 2013: Been looking forward to this since seeing a teaser/flyer somewhere. They finally released it in Summer Komikon (I even got my copy signed by the authors. Fangirl.). I've always been a fan of Sir Budjette and this is one is great (as expected). Yey for another series to follow!
I think I read the graphic novel 5 times in a row. It was that good for me. I felt for the characters. And I was also pleased to know that Mikey Recio is from my neighborhood (woohoo!). Modern day knights, the eternal battle of good and evil... I can't wait for the next installment!
Favorite Line:
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
I think I read the graphic novel 5 times in a row. It was that good for me. I felt for the characters. And I was also pleased to know that Mikey Recio is from my neighborhood (woohoo!). Modern day knights, the eternal battle of good and evil... I can't wait for the next installment!
Favorite Line:
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
October 4, 2013
I was glad I found this at the bookstore. Having quite a love affair with Trese, I didn't even hesitate to grab this book. It was well illustrated and written. What got me was how Budgette Tan was able to create that creepy atmosphere from the start. Interspersed with the illustration, the graphic novel was a very interesting read, albeit short. I wish the next installment is available already. Can't wait for that...and for the next Trese, please!
January 27, 2015
It is interesting. Can't wait for the next book. Also love the illustration here.
July 17, 2024
Might be an unpopular opinion, but this is better than Trese and especially after the spin off was released. I read both of them and I enjoyed them greatly. Truly one of my favorites. But I'm not giving it a five star review because I think it was discontinued? After I bought the first one in high school, and then the spin of during the pandemic, I just haven't seen any more of it. The bookstores don't carry it either. Although our bookstores here in the pH or less about actually putting interesting stuff then it is about putting popular books on the shelves. And works by Filipinos suffer greatly for that. Crisis is so bad that it's affecting us in this way too.
Anyway, this spin of actually scared me so much. But I should probably write this review on its page. Apologies for any spelling errors, I am blind, and I'm only dictating my review. I lost my eyesight just last year, just to clarify. I don't know if it's possible for comic books to become audiobooks, but I read these when I still had vision
Oh my bad. I was referring to the prequel Novella, not a spin off. It's been a while. I am really going to edit this review as soon as my optic nerves regenerate.
Anyway, this spin of actually scared me so much. But I should probably write this review on its page. Apologies for any spelling errors, I am blind, and I'm only dictating my review. I lost my eyesight just last year, just to clarify. I don't know if it's possible for comic books to become audiobooks, but I read these when I still had vision
Oh my bad. I was referring to the prequel Novella, not a spin off. It's been a while. I am really going to edit this review as soon as my optic nerves regenerate.
Read
June 12, 2019mmm honestly? the first story was too sad. i like trese’s vibes better. the second story was pretty good though
November 13, 2013
5 stars, for sure!
Budjette strikes again, although this time he teams up with Bow Guerrero and J.B. Tapia. The one-decade work in progress resulted in a fantastic, page-turner that can make you forget the things you have to do as you sink into its pages and the jarring introduction of Mikey Recio into the dark reality and his family's legacy. Amazing stuff.
Mikey Recio & The Secret of The Demon Dungeon takes a different view of the colonization of the Spaniards over the Philippines, which mixes with our current folklore, like the tiyanak. I'm not sure if there will be other 'monsters' in the next book, but the tiyanak is the one at focus in the first volume. The Catholic traditions of the Filipinos is also highlighted. Who here has experienced praying the rosary during road trips? I certainly did, and up to now, that's still a family practice. I was able to relate to Mikey's irritation and boredom with said practice, as well as his inclination to simply listen to music instead of praying (hehe).
At first, the introduction was not as exciting as I hoped it would be, but it was an excellent way to set the characterization of Mikey Recio and set the tone for his transition in the next half of the volume, and perhaps for the rest of the storyline as well. And anyway, after about five pages, I was suddenly absorbed into the comic book, and I sat stock still on my bed after ten minutes, just reading, until I saw that my sister was about to leave without me.
I do consider this as a sort of Catholic fiction, and although that is not my cup of tea, the integration of Filipino practices and religious beliefs with the folklore monsters has definitely captured my interest. I think it's an interesting take on our culture, and, well, a more kick-ass, tangible reason for praying the Hail Mary.
The first story is short, almost like a character backgrounder for the whole story (which will hopefully span across 20...50 volumes?). The second half of the book is like the history of the start of the Order of St Michael in the Philippines, and some of the earliest (fictional...I hope) recording of the first person to survive an encounter with the Fallen Ones.
I also laud the art and differentiation of the characters in the first volume. I'm not much of a graphic novel art aficionado, but as a simple reader, for me the visuals were fantastic and definitely brought the characters and settings to life. The team-up by these three creative guys is a good one!
If you're looking for your Filipino choice reading material for this month, or whenever, I do recommend giving Mikey Recio & The Secret of The Demon Dungeon a good chance.
Review as posted on My Book Musings
Budjette strikes again, although this time he teams up with Bow Guerrero and J.B. Tapia. The one-decade work in progress resulted in a fantastic, page-turner that can make you forget the things you have to do as you sink into its pages and the jarring introduction of Mikey Recio into the dark reality and his family's legacy. Amazing stuff.
Mikey Recio & The Secret of The Demon Dungeon takes a different view of the colonization of the Spaniards over the Philippines, which mixes with our current folklore, like the tiyanak. I'm not sure if there will be other 'monsters' in the next book, but the tiyanak is the one at focus in the first volume. The Catholic traditions of the Filipinos is also highlighted. Who here has experienced praying the rosary during road trips? I certainly did, and up to now, that's still a family practice. I was able to relate to Mikey's irritation and boredom with said practice, as well as his inclination to simply listen to music instead of praying (hehe).
At first, the introduction was not as exciting as I hoped it would be, but it was an excellent way to set the characterization of Mikey Recio and set the tone for his transition in the next half of the volume, and perhaps for the rest of the storyline as well. And anyway, after about five pages, I was suddenly absorbed into the comic book, and I sat stock still on my bed after ten minutes, just reading, until I saw that my sister was about to leave without me.
I do consider this as a sort of Catholic fiction, and although that is not my cup of tea, the integration of Filipino practices and religious beliefs with the folklore monsters has definitely captured my interest. I think it's an interesting take on our culture, and, well, a more kick-ass, tangible reason for praying the Hail Mary.
The first story is short, almost like a character backgrounder for the whole story (which will hopefully span across 20...50 volumes?). The second half of the book is like the history of the start of the Order of St Michael in the Philippines, and some of the earliest (fictional...I hope) recording of the first person to survive an encounter with the Fallen Ones.
I also laud the art and differentiation of the characters in the first volume. I'm not much of a graphic novel art aficionado, but as a simple reader, for me the visuals were fantastic and definitely brought the characters and settings to life. The team-up by these three creative guys is a good one!
If you're looking for your Filipino choice reading material for this month, or whenever, I do recommend giving Mikey Recio & The Secret of The Demon Dungeon a good chance.
Review as posted on My Book Musings
July 21, 2013
One of the things that I have been wanting to emerge in our present-day literature is the battle between that which we recognize as forces of evil and men of the cloth. This wish has finally been fulfilled when "Trese" came out, and it even became more interesting with Mikey Recio. Who would have thought that cloistered monks in a monastery north of Antipolo are responsible for keeping the world safe from evil spirits that bring death to passers-by, using not just holy water and a book of rites, but with weapons that remind us of the medieval era.
Hopefully, there will be a Mikey x Trese crossover, or maybe a new series that features a cleric in charge of defending some parish in Manila (maybe Alexandra Trese's brother). And if Budjette Tan can read this, I'm definitely willing to pitch in for this graphic novel.
Hopefully, there will be a Mikey x Trese crossover, or maybe a new series that features a cleric in charge of defending some parish in Manila (maybe Alexandra Trese's brother). And if Budjette Tan can read this, I'm definitely willing to pitch in for this graphic novel.
September 23, 2013
The art is fantastic and the mythos built around this has been established by a short story (with a bit of length) right after the comics - something I didn't expect. The dialogue is snappy and funny - one that you can relate with if you remember being a teenager; and the short story isn't is nicely written as well, so nice it sent shivers down my spine imagining how the little ninas would look like if I had seen them in my own hometown. This actually gave me the chills - not like Trese. The only shortcoming I can see with the first issue is that the character, Mikey Recio, can be hard to relate with - but I'm intrigued as to how Budjette Tan would develop his character. Can't wait for the next book!
May 6, 2013
I'm not sure about this, hindi sya Trese. Pero syempre I'll give it a chance, simula palang naman eh. Suportahan ang sariling atin!!
May 3, 2013
I love all the elements in this new series: spiritual warfare, a secret society, Catholic faith and idolatry... epic!
May 21, 2013
I liked it but it was soooo short. I'm not a fan of big chunks of text after the comics (like LXG) and I felt some disconnect from the main story.
Read
September 16, 2013nothing
Want to read
September 16, 2013sdfg
January 13, 2014
Cool mix of Filipino beliefs and the crusades. The only thing wanting is more pages.
April 6, 2014
can't wait for the next installment.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews