Mars Ravelo (1916–1988)

Mars Ravelo was a prolific storyteller whose imagination helped shape the fabric of Filipino pop culture. With over 300 original comics titles, he created some of the country's most beloved characters—including Darna, Captain Barbell, Lastikman, and Dyesebel—each reflecting the hopes, struggles, and dreams of everyday Filipinos.

His stories crossed generations and mediums. Over 50 of his works have been adapted into films and television shows, making his characters household names and his narratives deeply woven into the nation's cultural identity. From action and fantasy to romance, drama, and comedy, Ravelo had an uncanny ability to tell stories that resonated with the times—and continue to do so today.

Even decades after his passing, Mars Ravelo's creations live on, continuously reimagined by new storytellers and cherished by fans in the Philippines and beyond.