Happy Birthday to Darna! The Philippines' Greatest Superhero!

 

2025 represents the 75th Anniversary of The Philippines' Greatest Superhero, DARNA.

Originally appearing in 'Pilipino Komiks' (May 13, 1950), written by creator Mars Ravelo, with art by the sublime Nestor Redondo, she has expanded beyond that to become a Nationwide and International Sensation!

My thanks to Duy Tano, who was my guide to the rich, glorious and wonderful world of Filipino Komiks. He runs a great Youtube channel called 'The Comics Cube' which is full of interviews, commentary and all sorts of AMAZING stuff. Plus, there's the Comics Cube website, which has recently switched to a Patreon (It has a free tier if you just wanna check it out first).
Not only is Duy an absolute font of wonderful knowledge, but his passion, positivity and love of comics can be a real light of hope in what can sometimes feel like a sea of negativity.
And he's a magnificent human being, too! 

The Philippines has a long, rich and colourful history of comics, and the local passion for the medium has influenced countless magnificent creators. In the 70's, there was a major influx of Filipino artists into US Comics. This was largely prompted by the great Tony DeZuniga, and included Alfredo Alcala, Nestor Redondo, E.R. Cruz, Alex Nino, Rudy Nebres, Romeo Tanghal jr. and many others.

As the years went on, countless other artists would follow bringing their unique style, look and perspective to comics. Among these are Whilce Portacio, Leinil Francis Yu, Jay Anacleto, Rod Espinosa, Rafael Kayanan, the Luna Brothers, Francis Manapul and the late, great Gerry Alanguilan, who campaigned tirelessly for Filipino Creators and Komiks at home and internationally!

The late, great Gerry Alanguilan (1968-2019)

Now, though, Filipino creators don't have to leave their home to find work in other people's companies, and instead of going to the US, are having tremendous success creating their own home-grown komiks which reflect he rich folklore, culture, passion and creativity of the Philippines!

In the last few years, Netflix signed a deal with Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo to bring there supernatural adventure/horror series 'Trese' to animation, and this year, Filipino creators had a MAJOR impact and presence at the prestigious Angoulême International Comics Festival, walking away with a host of prizes. 

And in October of this year, the prestigious Frankfurt Book Fair will feature an array of Filipino creators as Guests of Honour! 

For more information...

This is a great Youtube Piece on the Filipino Comics Invasion from 'Comic Tropes'
This is the entry for Darna at the International Heroes Directory (which is just a great site all round!)
This is a heartfelt biographical piece about Mars Ravelo, the creator of Darna, who created dozens of enduring and beloved characters
This is footage of a recent display of Filipino Comics at San Francisco's Comic Art Museum
This is the Facebook Page for Gerry Alanguilan's Komikero Komik Art Museum. 

I could easily keep going forever. The depth of this rabbithole is, like the depth of the love and passion the people of the Philippines have for comics as a medium, endless. And there are always new delights to discover.