Darna, the Filipina superhero with great power and strength, has been a cultural icon to Filipinos ever since she was created in the 1950s by the komiks legend, Mars Ravelo.

It’s no question that upon hearing “Darna,” Pinoys easily recognize her as the superwoman donning a red helmet with a gold-winged medallion and matching red brassiere, shorts, and boots. Her stories of fighting crime, evil, and the supernatural villain Valentina, will always be remembered in one way or another. These are all thanks to the world Mars created.

Soon, we’ll be able to witness another reimagined world of Darna in ABS-CBN’s upcoming Mars Ravelo’s Darna: The TV Series. But while on standby for the long-awaited premiere, it would be nice to know more about the talented graphic novelist, Mars Ravelo. Here are 20 facts about him that you may have not known yet.

1. His full name is Marcial Custodio Ravelo.

Many may not know but “Mars” is just a nickname and his full first name is “Marcial.” But given his popularity that grew over the years, he will always be recognized as “Mars Ravelo” the Filipino comics legend.

2. He was born in Cavite on October 9, 1916.

His hometown is in Tanza, Cavite. He was also buried in his hometown when he passed away in September 12, 1988.

3. He spent a lot of his childhood in public libraries.

Being a storyteller in the making, Mars sometimes cut classes during his schooling days so that he could spend time in public libraries, reading up on more stories and knowledge about the world.

4. He was a high school sophomore dropout.

He may have to stop his schooling due to financial reasons, but he already discovered his potential as an artist and began writing and drawing at a young age.

5. He took on various jobs, including being a janitor, before he found success in writing.

To cope with his financial situation and the challenges of wartime during those years, he took on several menial jobs. Being a janitor was one he fell back on when his ventures into trying to become a writer or cartoonist didn’t materialize yet.

6. He began to get his works published as a cartoonist.

At a young age, Mars was already skilled with the pen in both writing and drawing. In 1939, his drawings in the comic series “Bemboy” were one of his earliest works that were circulated.

7. He had his fair share of setbacks and rejections.

Mars was well-aware of his talent as a writer and artist early on, but editors in publications he worked at weren’t easily impressed. When he was with Ace Publications, the editor-in-chief at the time would tell him his works were not yet good enough or ready for publication. Regardless, this did not deter him from his dreams.

8. Tony Velasquez was one of his mentors.

Tony Velasquez is considered the founding father of the Philippine comics industry, as his work “Ang Kabalbalan ni Kenkoy” rose to fame in 1920s. Early into Mars’ career, he met Tony and became influenced to enter the comics industry.

9. Creating “Rita Kasinghot” was a stepping stone to his comic book success.

Around 1949, Mars was part of Bulaklak magazine where he wrote and illustrated “Rita Kasinghot.” From there he began exploring short and long-form komiks. “Buhay Pilipino” and “Roberta” are some of his early works that were published and slowly advanced his success.

10. He created classics featuring timeless characters still recognized today such as Darna, Captain Barbell, Lastikman, and Dyesebel.

Aside from Darna, he also brought to life the iconic heroes Captain Barbell and Lastikman, as well as the beautiful mermaid Dyesebel. Several more of his comic book characters touched the hearts of readers and fans as they represent characteristics of not only real people in general but also the relatable Filipino culture.

11. Darna was introduced to the public in 1950, but Mars had been conceptualizing her several years before.

When Mars was part of Bulaklak magazine, he was creating original material. He realized the potential of creating a Filipino superhero and toyed with the idea of Varga, a heroine. After Mars resigned from Bulaklak magazine, he transferred to Pilipino Komiks (Ace Publications) and evolved Varga into Darna, which became an iconic success.

12. His story “Dyesebel” was loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen’s mermaid folklore “The Little Mermaid.”

Mars took inspiration from foreign stories and made it for a Filipino audience. Injecting cultural relatability into the story and breathing into it a new perspective made “Dyesebel” the iconic mermaid we know today.

13. He created his own publishing company, RAR Publications.

With remarkable works to back his successful place in the industry, Mars finally put up his own publishing company.

14. He was also a novelist and editor-in-chief for major publishing houses and film companies.

While being a successful writer and cartoonist, Mars was able to prove his skill further and ventured into writing long-form stories of his own and heading companies that created stories.

15. He invested a lot of time in his work.

His eldest grandchild Mara Ravelo Austria Bernaldo described him in a media interview in 2020 as a “workaholic night owl.” Being so passionate about his stories, he would work on them as soon as he woke up and stay up until late at night.

16. He’s involved with the adaptation of his works.

It was also revealed that Mars was heavily involved in the adaptation of his works, like Darna. Time and again, Darna has been adapted into films and shows and most of the time, Mars would have his team review proposals for the adaptations and have a hand in choosing the actresses that would play the part.

17. He is known as the “King of Philippine Komiks.”

Without a doubt, the comic book industry is what it is today because of people like Mars Ravelo. His passion and craft inspired several others. While this term was coined unofficially, many can attest to how that Mars contributed a lot to putting Philippine comics on the map.

18. He also received a Life Achievement Award.

His contribution to the comics industry of the country was recognized by many in 1984. The Komiks Operation Brotherhood awarded him with a Life Achievement Award along with notable personalities Tony Velasquez, Francisco V. Coching, Jose Zabala-Santos, Larry Alcala, Francisco Reyes, and J.M. Perez.

19. He produced over 300 titles in his lifetime.

In his 71 years of existence, he has achieved milestone after milestone with the characters he created and the stories he told. After all, recognizing and reimagining the likes of Darna, Dyesebel, Lastikman, and Captain Barbell decades after his death is a testament to his legacy.

20. His family is planning on building a museum for his comic book fans and enthusiasts.

As a tribute to his notable works, his family is looking into having a Mars Ravelo museum in Tagaytay City to house the works of the legendary Filipino comic book artist and give the public a glimpse of his rare works.

Did you learn something new about the legendary Mars Ravelo, Kapamilya?

Sources:
[1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9] https://www.keepingnote.com/2016/09/re-imagine-mars-ravelo-at-100-years.html
[1, 2, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13, 17] https://saicinco.wordpress.com/2016/12/10/mars-ravelo/
https://pelikulaatbp.blogspot.com/2009/07/mars-ravelo-1916-1988.html
[5] http://pilipinokomiks.blogspot.com/2006/06/first-pinoy-komiks-superheroes.html
[1, 6, 11] http://erneelawagan.blogspot.com/2012/02/lost-works-of-mars-ravelo.html
[2, 10, 11, 13, 14] https://www.lambiek.net/artists/r/ravelo_mars.htm
[2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 19] http://gridcrosser.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-centenary-of-mars-ravelo.html
[2, 9, 10, 18] https://nolisoli.ph/1631/mars-ravelo-homage-to-the-hero-maker/
[8] https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/373300/kenkoy-and-proud-of-it-feting-the-father-of-pinoy-komiks/
[9] http://pilipinokomiks.blogspot.com/2006/10/bemboy-ravelos-first-comic-strip-1939.html
[10, 11, 15, 16, 17] https://entertainment.inquirer.net/376578/darna-ageless-all-media-at-70
[12] https://filipiknow.net/interesting-facts-about-dyesebel/
[19] http://www.fringemag.net/web/mars-ravelo-centennial-celebration-kicks-off-at-the-ccp/
[20] https://www.facebook.com/abscbnNEWS/posts/10154973961850168
https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/03/29/17/look-rare-darna-comic-to-be-put-on-display