Darna

Darna (Tagalog pronunciation: [daɾna]) is a fictional superhero appearing in Filipino comics. The character was created for Pilipino Komiks by writer Mars Ravelo and artist Nestor Redondo in 1950. She first appeared in Pilipino Komiks (Ace Publications, Inc.) #77 (May 13, 1950). Darna is a retooling of Ravelo's earlier character, Varga, whose stories he wrote and illustrated himself. This character first appeared in Bulaklak Magazine, Volume 4, #17 (July 23, 1947). Ravelo left Bulaklak due to differences with the publication's editors. One of the most popular Filipino superheroes, Darna has appeared in many films and several television series through the decades which have far overshadowed her actual comics tenure.

The origin of Darna relates that she is a deceased extraterrestrial warrior magically manifesting herself through a human girl from Earth, named Narda. After Narda swallows a magic white stone, she transforms into the mighty warrior by shouting "DARNA!". As Darna, she stands up for those who cannot fend for themselves. She fights against both common criminals as well as greater forces of evil, most famously the snake-haired woman Valentina. She is often accompanied by her younger brother, Ding. Several alternate versions of Darna have been characterized over the years.

Darna's appearance is distinctive and iconic: she usually wears a red bikini with a gold star in each brassiere cap; red helmet with ruby encrusted gold winged medallion; gold bracelets; golden medallion belt with a loincloth in the middle; and almost knee-high red stiletto boots. Darna is widely considered as a Filipino cultural icon, and is considered to be the most celebrated superhero character in the Philippines.

The character has been adapted extensively and portrayed in other forms of media as well, including films and television series. Several actresses have portrayed Darna in motion pictures and TV series including Rosa del Rosario, Liza Moreno, Eva Montes, Gina Pareño, Vilma Santos, Lorna Tolentino, Rio Locsin, Sharon Cuneta, Nanette Medved, Anjanette Abayari, Regine Velasquez, Angel Locsin, and Marian Rivera. Liza Soberano will portray the newest incarnation of Darna in an upcoming film adaptation of Star Cinema.