Spotlight Mars Ravelo
- halohalohq
- Apr 25
- 2 min read
By Kyla Villanueva
Marcial “Mars” Custodio Ravelo, was one of the most popular names in the Philippine literature and entertainment industry. He was a visionary storyteller and a comic book writer who brought to life some of the most iconic Filipino superheroes such as the fearless Darna and Lastikman and many more.
Ravelo was born on October 9,1916, in Tanza, Cavite. Though he had the passion for creating from a very young age, financial struggles forced him to work early in life. Despite the hardships he faced, his talent for writing and illustrating propelled him into the world of comics, and in the late 1940s, Ravelo joined Ace Publications, one of the leading comic book publishers in the Philippines.
He created compelling stories that blended action, drama, and humor, skillfully integrating Filipino values into a Western comic book style of storytelling. His most famous creation, Darna debuted in 1950 and became a cultural icon. Inspired by American superheroes, Darna was a hero who embodied Filipino strength, resilience, and justice. Some of his other iconic works include Lastikman, a character with elastic abilities and Captain Barbell, a character with superhuman strength.
Although Ravelo was best known for his superheroes, his storytelling was versatile. He created heartwarming and dramatic stories such as Jack & Jill, a story about two siblings who defied the traditional gender roles; Jack is Benita, a woman who’s job is to drive a jeepney, and Jill is Gorio, a man who takes on traditionally feminine household chores. The comic later on got adapted into a film, just like his other works.
Mars Ravelo work spanned over 500 stories, and has inspired generations of writers, artists, and filmmakers. His stories remain relevant, and have been adapted into films, TV series, and stage plays. Ravelo pioneered Filipino pop culture, creating superheroes that represent Filipinos.
