Darna is a superhero appearing in Filipino comic books created by writer Mars Ravelo and artist Nestor Redondo. The character was introduced during the Golden Age of Comic Books, debuting in Pilipino Komiks #77 on May 13, 1950. Darna is a retooling of Ravelo's earlier character, Varga, who first appeared in 1947. With her continued presence in literature and art, Darna has been described as a Filipino cultural icon. Throughout the years, she has been adapted to a number of media platforms, such as film, television, plays and video games.
Marcial "Mars" Custodio Ravelo was a Filipino comic book cartoonist and graphic novelist. Dubbed as the "King of Philippine Komiks", he is notable for creating Darna, Dyesebel, Captain Barbell, Lastikman, Bondying, Varga, Wanted: Perfect Mother, Hiwaga, Maruja, Mariposa, Roberta, Rita, Buhay Pilipino,Jack and Jill, Flash Bomba, Tiny Tony, and Dragonna among others.
Valentina is a supervillain appearing in Philippine comic books, created by Mars Ravelo and Nestor Redondo. Based upon the eponymous Greek mythological figure, she first appeared in Pilipino Komiks and was the first adversary of the superhero Darna. Referred to as the "Goddess of Snakes", she has command over all kinds of serpents and has venomous snakes in her head instead of hair. She has been featured significantly as Darna's archenemy in many adaptations of her stories in other media.
Maria Erlinda Lucille Sazon Termulo-Padilla professionally known as Mariel Rodriguez, is a Filipino-born American commercial model, endorser, television host, VJ and actress.
Lastikman, originally spelled Lastik Man, is a fictional character and Filipino comics superhero created by Mars Ravelo and artist Mar T. Santana. Lastikman or the original spelling of Lastik Man debuted in comics format in Aliwan Komiks #56. Based on DC Comics' Plastic Man, and/or Marvel's Mister Fantastic from Fantastic Four, Lastikman can also stretch and transform into many imaginable forms and shapes he desires.
Dyesebel is a Filipino comic book character, conceived by Mars Ravelo and drawn by Elpidio Torres. Dyesebel is a mermaid, who eventually gains full human form through a deal with a sea-witch.
Lastikman is a Philippine action dramedy fantaserye based on Mars Ravelo's comic book character of the same name. The show initially aired on ABS-CBN from September 24, 2007 to January 25, 2008, replacing Margarita and was replaced by Kung Fu Kids. Vhong Navarro played the title role. The story follows Miguel who transforms into a superhero who came from another planet.
Volta is a Philippine television series on ABS-CBN, which was broadcast from January 26 to March 15, 2008. The series is a serialization of the 2004 film, Volta, produced by Star Cinema. It was a regional semi-finalist for the 2008 International Emmy Awards under the Comedy Program category.
Captain Barbell is a Filipino superhero created by writer, Mars Ravelo and artist Jim Fernandez. His characteristics are similar to American fictional superheroes Superman, DC Comics' Captain Marvel or Shazam, and Thor but Ravelo based his backstory on Captain America. He first appeared in Pinoy Komiks #1 on May 23, 1963. He also appeared in Kampeon Komiks.
Komiks Presents: Kapitan Boom is the first fantaserye offering in the Komiks series aired on ABS-CBN. This series is based on the comic strip Kapitan Boom by Mars Ravelo.
Tiny Tony is a Philippine fantasy series on ABS-CBN adapted from the creation of Mars Ravelo. It's the third installment of the anthology Mars Ravelo's Komiks Presents. It is directed by Dondon Santos. It is based on Mars Ravelo's Pinoy superheroes and follows the success of the Kapitan Boom and Varga series. The Ravelos commissioned Reno Maniquis some years back to re-design Captain Barbell, Flash Bomba and Tiny Tony's costumes for modern times.
Dragonna is a Philippine superhero television series broadcast on ABS-CBN, based on the comic book character Dragonna created by Mars Ravelo. Shaina Magdayao plays the titular superheroine with Jake Cuenca as her love interest. The series is about a teenage girl who discovers that she has pyrokinetic abilities and decides to use this newly found ability for a greater good. She releases this ability every time she loses her temper.
Komiks Presents: Flash Bomba is a Philippine superhero television series by ABS-CBN based on Mars Ravelo's Pinoy Superheroes. Dubbed as the "Superhero for All Seasons", Flash Bomba stars Luis Manzano and his alter-ego is MJ Cultura Saavedra/Flash Bomba, a man who overcomes a physical disability resulting from a hunting trip accident and becomes a crime fighter. The Ravelos commissioned Reno Maniquis some years back to re-design Flash Bomba's costume for modern times and he also did the logo design for Flash Bomba.
Varga, a Filipino comic superheroine, was created by Marcial "Mars" Ravelo and first appeared in Bulaklak Magazine in 1947. The character, originally named Varga and later known as Darna, is an alien princess from Planet Vergon. She possesses superhero abilities like flight, super strength, and psionic skills. Varga, recognized as the first female superhero in the Philippines, has been featured in various media, including films,TV shows and comic books.
Nasaan Ka Maruja is a Philippine weekly television series aired from May 2 to August 8, 2009 on ABS-CBN. It was adapted from the 1967 movie Maruja, itself based on a 1950s comic by Mars Ravelo. The series premiered on the Komiks Presents showcase which featured works of Ravelo.
Devon Seron is a Filipina actress and television personality.
Mars Ravelo's Darna is a Philippine superhero series under ABS-CBN Studios, based on Mars Ravelo's Philippine fictional. Directed by Chito S. Roño, Avel E. Sunpongco, Benedict Mique and Darnel Joy R. Villaflor, it starred Jane de Leon in the title role. The series premiered on Kapamilya Channel's Primetime Bida evening block and worldwide via The Filipino Channel from August 15, 2022 to February 10, 2023, replacing FPJ's Ang Probinsyano and was replaced by FPJ's Batang Quiapo on its timeslot.
Narda Custodio, commonly known as "Narda" is a fictional character primarily portrayed by Jane de Leon in ABS-CBN's modern take of Darna, a concept created by Mars Ravelo. The character "Narda" first appeared on Pilipino Komiks No. 77 on May 13, 1950. Narda is depicted as a Filipina who is being prepared to be the successor of the Prime Darna, her mother Leonor Custodio/Zora played by Iza Calzado, as the next defender of the white mythical stone.
Mars Ravelo's Darna! Ang Pagbabalik, or simply Darna! Ang Pagbabalik, is a 1994 Filipino superhero film based on the Pilipino Komiks character Darna. Directed by Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes from a screenplay by playwright Floy Quintos, it stars Anjanette Abayari as Narda / Darna, alongside Edu Manzano, BB Gandanghari, Bong Alvarez, Pilita Corrales, Cherie Gil and Lester Llansang. Produced by Viva Family Entertainment, the film was released in June 9, 1994.
