Darna
Encyclopedia
Darna is a fictional character
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
and Filipino comics superheroine created by writer Mars Ravelo
Mars Ravelo
Mars Ravelo was a Filipino graphic novelist who created the characters 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.-Biography:Mars...
and artist Nestor Redondo
Nestor Redondo
Nestor Redondo was a comic-book artist best known for his work for DC Comics, Marvel Comics, and other American publishers in the 1970s and early 1980s.-Early life and career:...
. In her more popular incarnations, she is a deceased warrior from another planet manifesting herself through a girl from Earth, named Narda. She first appeared in Pilipino Komiks #77 (May 13, 1950).
Darna is a retooling of Ravelo's earlier character Varga
Varga (comics)
Varga is a Filipino comic book character created by Mars Ravelo in 1947. Varga was a female Filipino superhero created by Filipino writer Mars Ravelo and Filipino artist Nestor Redondo for Bulaklak Magazine. She was the precursor to Mars Ravelo’s other superheroine Darna...
, whose stories he wrote and illustrated himself. She first appeared in Bulaklak Magazine, Volume 4, #17 (July 23, 1947). Ravelo left Bulaklak due to differences with the editors.
Abilities
Darna's powers include flight, super strength, super speed and near-invulnerability. In the 2003 retcon, the latest releases of the comic, this is due to her psionic background. Thus a form of telekinesis enhances her speed and strength and allows her flight. Her skin has a high level of invulnerability because of her race. Her psionic abilities also allow her to exercise limited psionic influence or telepathyTelepathy
Telepathy , is the induction of mental states from one mind to another. The term was coined in 1882 by the classical scholar Fredric W. H. Myers, a founder of the Society for Psychical Research, and has remained more popular than the more-correct expression thought-transference...
. For weapons, the ruby
Ruby
A ruby is a pink to blood-red colored gemstone, a variety of the mineral corundum . The red color is caused mainly by the presence of the element chromium. Its name comes from ruber, Latin for red. Other varieties of gem-quality corundum are called sapphires...
encrusted in the winged medallion on her helmet also augments her psionic abilities, allowing her to emit a powerful concussion blast and the medallions that make up her belt can be used like throwing stars (shuriken
Shuriken
A shuriken is a traditional Japanese concealed weapon that was generally used for throwing, and sometimes stabbing or slashing...
). In the 2005 TV series, she also has heat vision, lent by the ruby. In the TV series, she uses her bracelets to deflect bullet impacts. Narda transforms into Darna, and vice versa, by shouting out their respective names. First, however, Narda has to swallow the white stone, which conveniently comes out of her mouth every time Darna changes back into herself. However, it was not so in her comic incarnations (see below).
Contrary to what some Filipinos may believe, Darna was not named after the magical Ibong Adarna (Adarna bird), which appears in a Philippine epic
Epic poetry
An epic is a lengthy narrative poem, ordinarily concerning a serious subject containing details of heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation. Oral poetry may qualify as an epic, and Albert Lord and Milman Parry have argued that classical epics were fundamentally an oral poetic form...
of the same name. In Bulaklak Magazine, Narda was already established as Varga's mortal identity. "Darna" was simply an anagram
Anagram
An anagram is a type of word play, the result of rearranging the letters of a word or phrase to produce a new word or phrase, using all the original letters exactly once; e.g., orchestra = carthorse, A decimal point = I'm a dot in place, Tom Marvolo Riddle = I am Lord Voldemort. Someone who...
of "Narda". Also, see http://www.igma.tv/article.php?articleid=680.
Early years
Darna's first adventure (as Darna) was first serialized in the pages of Pilipino Komiks #77, where she was pitted against the snake goddess Valentina. Here, Narda, a young girl, swallows a stone, which has the word Darna on it, and transforms into Darna by shouting out the latter name. Likewise, Darna turns back into Narda by shouting her name. The stone, which was from the planet Marte, stays in her body. Her secret is known to her grandmother, and her brother Ding, who becomes her sidekickSidekick
A sidekick is a close companion who is generally regarded as subordinate to the one he accompanies. Some well-known fictional sidekicks are Don Quixote's Sancho Panza, Sherlock Holmes' Doctor Watson, The Lone Ranger's Tonto, The Green Hornet's Kato and Batman's Robin.-Origins:The origin of the...
. The superheroine quickly gained popularity among Filipino comic book readers.
Later years
Starting in 1951, several Darna movies were made. Some made from 1973 onwards starred the future multi-awarded dramatic actress and politician Vilma SantosVilma Santos
Maria Rosa Vilma Tuazon Santos-Recto commonly known as Vilma Santos-Recto or Ate Vi is a multi-awarded actress and politician...
. In these 1970s films, Darna's origin was changed; no longer a little girl, Narda was now in her late teens. Also, she herself becomes Darna, unlike the original where she just "channels" her (not unlike Jason Blood and Etrigan). Only Ding knows her secret in this version. Also, the stone comes out of Narda's mouth every time she changes back; she has to swallow it every time she wants to transform (This became standard for following versions). Darna is not specified as coming from Marte, just as a "warrior of Light". This version of Darna became most people's idea of the character for about 3 decades. A catchphrase popularized by the movies and said by Narda runs, "Ding, ang bato!" ("Ding, [give me] the stone!")
A TV series was also produced in 1977. Created by Ketchie Benedicto and airing on KBS 9, Darna! The TV Series starred another future multi-awarded dramatic actress, Lorna Tolentino
Lorna Tolentino
Victoria Lorna Aluquin-Fernandez, better known as Lorna Tolentino , is a Filipina actress, host, executive producer and widow of actor Rudy Fernandez. Together, they bore two sons named Ralph and Renz.She was born on December 23, 1961 in Concepcion, Tarlac and later moved to Manila...
, as Darna/Narda.
The Mango Comics miniseries
In 2003, an award-winning Darna miniseries was published by Mango Comics, with major input from Ravelo's family. This version showed Narda as a college student who first found the stone 10 years before. However, the details of Darna's origin was changed again - Her race of "Adarna Warriors" originally came from the planet Tiamat, as did Valentina's, the "Serpent Queens". Their respective peoples had warred for many years. On Tiamat, Darna's race used artificial wings. Because of the war between the Adarna Warriors and the Serpent Queens, they fled the planet Tiamat and went to the planet Nibiru, also known as Marte.Here, Darna (both the name and the character) is explicitly linked to the Adarna bird (Ibong Adarna).
2005 TV series
In 2004, executives of GMA NetworkGMA Network
GMA Network is a major commercial television & radio network in the Philippines. GMA Network is owned by GMA Network, Inc. a publicly listed company...
and Hugo Yonzon, current license holder of Darna and head of Mango Comics, signed a licensing agreement for a new Darna television series. It premiered in Filipino homes on April 11, 2005 and garnered a 47.1% rating according to AGB, making it one of the highest rated pilot episode ever in Philippine television
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
. During the fourth episode, it garnered 52.1% overnight ratings from AGB, the highest rating yet for the show because this was the episode that Narda transforms into Darna for the first time. Filipino actress Angel Locsin
Angel Locsin
Angel Locsin is a Filipina television and film actress and commercial model. Aside from this, she is also a film producer and fashion designer....
starred as Darna. The television series ended Friday, November 25, 2005.
Four actresses who previously played Darna were involved in the TV series:
- Gina Pareño (Darna and the Planetman, 1969) appeared as Darna's grandmother
- Rio Locsin (Bira, Darna, Bira, 1979) appeared as the wife of Dr. ZombieZombieZombie is a term used to denote an animated corpse brought back to life by mystical means such as witchcraft. The term is often figuratively applied to describe a hypnotized person bereft of consciousness and self-awareness, yet ambulant and able to respond to surrounding stimuli...
, one of the villains - Lorna TolentinoLorna TolentinoVictoria Lorna Aluquin-Fernandez, better known as Lorna Tolentino , is a Filipina actress, host, executive producer and widow of actor Rudy Fernandez. Together, they bore two sons named Ralph and Renz.She was born on December 23, 1961 in Concepcion, Tarlac and later moved to Manila...
(Darna in 1977 TV series) portrayed Queen Adran of Marte - Regine VelasquezRegine VelasquezRegina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez , better known as Asia's Songbird, Regine Velasquez, is a Filipino singer, actress, record producer and TV host...
(plays Darna in Captain BarbellCaptain BarbellCaptain Barbell is a fictional Filipino superhero created by writer Mars Ravelo and artist Jim Fernandez. He first appeared in Pinoy Komiks #5 .-Character history:...
, 2003) sang the theme song of the series. Quite interestingly, she also provided a voice clip of shouting "Darna!" for use in the TV series.
The series features several prominent Filipino actors and actresses as the villains:
- Alessandra De RossiAlessandra de RossiAlessandra Tiotangco Schiavone , better known by her stage name Alessandra De Rossi or Alex de Rossi , is an Italian-Filipina actress...
- Valentina - Celia Rodriguez - Braguda
- Tonton GutierrezMay Bukas PaMay Bukas Pa is a Philippine drama series which started long-airing on February 2, 2009 at ABS-CBN. The show's run was extended multiple times until its end run on February 5, 2010.-Production:...
- Nosferamus/Tatay Mulong - Eddie GarciaEddie GarcíaEddie Garcia popularly known as Manoy is a Filipino film actor and film director.- Biography :...
- Oscar/Mambabarang - Carmina VillaroelCarmina VillaroelMaria Carmina Muñiz Villaroel, also known as Carmina Villaroel is a Filipino actress, television host, and model....
- Sulfura/Sabrina - Christopher de LeonChristopher De Leon-2007 Elections:In 2007, he decided to run as Vice Governor of Batangas. This claims that if her former on screen partner, Vilma Santos won the governorship, then he might win as Vice Governor. He became the running mate of former police officer Nestor Sanares...
- Dr. Zombie/Dr. Ted - Cristine ReyesCristine ReyesAra Maria Cristine Reyes , better known as Cristine Reyes, is a Filipina Actress. She became a contestant of GMA-7's reality TV program, StarStruck. She is presently managed by Viva Artists Agency and a contract artist of ABS-CBN...
- Molecula - Berwin Meily - "Toymaster"
- K BrosasK BrosasK Brosas , sometimes credited as Kaye Brosas, is a Filipina actress, comedienne, singer and television host. She was a band member of 'Gladys and The Boxers' and was lead singer when the group performed as 'K and The Boxers'...
- Divina Devinica/Divina Demonica - Katrina HaliliKatrina HaliliKatrina Halili is a Filipina actress, commercial model and music producer. She made her screen debut via StarStruck, but did not gain popularity until playing the antagonist roles in Darna, Majika and MariMar and becoming the protagonist in One Night Only, Gagambino and Magdusa...
- Black Darna/Carol - Nadine SamonteNadine SamonteNadine Samonte is a Filipina actress and commercial model. She played an Avenger from the first season of StarStruck....
- Ava
2009 TV series
The first TV series was aired last 2005 with Angel Locsin as the lead role which made her a big star. GMA Network confirms that the rights of Darna is still theirs along with Captain Barbell and Dyesebel. Last January 2008, it was announced that GMA Network decided to make another version of the show but this time, it will be along with Captain Barbell. But due to schedule conflicts of Richard Gutierrez, everything was shelved. Angel Locsin, the first TV Darna, has transferred to ABS-CBN, the rival station of GMA Network in 2007.GMA Network announced that the new styled Darna would be a mirror to Marian Rivera
Marian Rivera
Marian Rivera is a Filipina actress and occasional singer-dancer. Her first TV role came in 2005 via TAPE Inc.'s afternoon drama, Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako in the lead that was aired in GMA Network. In 2007 she was cast for the title role in the Philippine remake of MariMar...
's personality, possibly featuring more comedy flavor into the drama plot. Rivera will also undergo mental and physical trainings. Also, Galvante confirmed that Captain Barbell, another Mars Ravelo's creation, is going to be shown in the series.
Marian Rivera will be starting her fighting routines with an expert on May 17, 2009. Unfortunately, it was postponed due to conflicts on schedule. She will also be soon trained on harness.
GMA Network, along with the Ravelo's copyright holders of the character, has unanimously chosen Marian Rivera as Darna. It was said by Wilma Galvante, the SVP for Entertainment TV, in an interview that the new Darna should be a real star because it is a prime role. The Ravelo's said in an interview that Marian Rivera is the sexiest and most beautiful actress to play Darna. The new project was sadly not as successful as the previous one as observed by most of the people who patronized the franchise.
Two actors are considered for the role of the leading man. They were Mark Herras and Mark Anthony Fernandez but it was the latter who got the part.
Actors and Actresses Who Played Darna in Movies and Television
- Rosa del Rosario in "Darna" (1951) and "Darna at ang Babaing Lawin" (1952)
- Liza Moreno in "Si Darna at ang Impakta" (1963) and "Isputnik vs. Darna" (1963)
- Eva Montes in "Darna at ang Babaing Tuod" (1965)
- Gina Pareno in "Darna at ang Planetman" (1969)
- Vilma SantosVilma SantosMaria Rosa Vilma Tuazon Santos-Recto commonly known as Vilma Santos-Recto or Ate Vi is a multi-awarded actress and politician...
in "Lipad, Darna, Lipad!" (1973), "Darna and the Giants" (1973), "Darna vs The Planet Women" (1973) and "Darna and Ding" (1980) - Chiquito in "Terribol Dobol" (1974) - first male Darna
- Lorna TolentinoLorna TolentinoVictoria Lorna Aluquin-Fernandez, better known as Lorna Tolentino , is a Filipina actress, host, executive producer and widow of actor Rudy Fernandez. Together, they bore two sons named Ralph and Renz.She was born on December 23, 1961 in Concepcion, Tarlac and later moved to Manila...
in "Darna" (1977 TV Series) - Brenda del Rio in "Darna Kuno?" (1979)
- DolphyDolphyRodolfo Vera Quizon, Sr. , known by his screen name Dolphy, is a Filipino comedian-actor in the Philippines. He has appeared in a number of works on stage, radio, television and movies.-Biography:Dolphy was born on P. Herrera St...
in "Darna Kuno?" (1979) - second male Darna - Lotis Key in "Darna Kuno?" (1979)
- Rio Locsin in "Bira, Darna, Bira!" (1979)
- Nino Mulach in "Darna and Ding" (1980)
- Sharon CunetaSharon CunetaSharon Cuneta-Pangilinan, better known as Sharon Cuneta, is a popular and multi-awarded Filipino singer, actress and TV host dubbed as Megastar of Philippine Entertainment, fondly called Mega by fans and people from the entertainment industry....
in "Captain Barbell" (1986) - Nanette Medved in "Darna" (1991)
- Anjanette Abayari in "Darna Ang Pagbabalik" (1994) and Ang Pagbabalik ni Pedro Penduko (1994)
- Regine VelasquezRegine VelasquezRegina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez , better known as Asia's Songbird, Regine Velasquez, is a Filipino singer, actress, record producer and TV host...
in "Captain Barbell" (2003) - Angel LocsinAngel LocsinAngel Locsin is a Filipina television and film actress and commercial model. Aside from this, she is also a film producer and fashion designer....
in "Mars Ravelo's Darna"(2005 TV Series) - Katrina HaliliKatrina HaliliKatrina Halili is a Filipina actress, commercial model and music producer. She made her screen debut via StarStruck, but did not gain popularity until playing the antagonist roles in Darna, Majika and MariMar and becoming the protagonist in One Night Only, Gagambino and Magdusa...
in ""Mars Ravelo's Darna"(2005 TV Series) - Marian RiveraMarian RiveraMarian Rivera is a Filipina actress and occasional singer-dancer. Her first TV role came in 2005 via TAPE Inc.'s afternoon drama, Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako in the lead that was aired in GMA Network. In 2007 she was cast for the title role in the Philippine remake of MariMar...
in "Mars Ravelo's Darna"(2009 TV series)Darna (2009 TV series)Darna is a superhero Philippine drama adapted from Mars Ravelo's fictional superheroine of the same name; directed by Dominic Zapata and developed by Jun Lana. It is the third series based on the Darna graphic novels by Mars Ravelo... - Angel Aquino in "Mars Ravelo's Darna"(2009 TV series)Darna (2009 TV series)Darna is a superhero Philippine drama adapted from Mars Ravelo's fictional superheroine of the same name; directed by Dominic Zapata and developed by Jun Lana. It is the third series based on the Darna graphic novels by Mars Ravelo...
- Carla Izabella Eliquen in Levitown Avenue
- Vice GandaVice GandaVice Ganda is a Filipino comedian, host, actor and recording artist. He is a regular host/judge on ABS-CBN’s talent show Showtime and starred on his two films, one of which considered as the highest-grossing film in Philippine cinema....
in Darna Kuno?(remake) (2012)- 3rd male Darna
Darna's Nemeses
- Valentina
- Babaeng Tuod
- The Planet Women
- Babaeng Lawin
- Babaeng Impakta
- Mambabarang
- Planetman
- Sulfura
- Mulawin
- Braguda
- Nosferamus
- Dra. Fontesberg
- Meilin
- Molecula