Mars Ravelo

Marcial "Mars" Custodio Ravelo (October 9, 1916 – September 12, 1988) was a Filipino comic book cartoonist and graphic novelist. Dubbed as the "King of Pinoy Komiks", he is notable for creating 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.

Mars Ravelo was born on October 9, 1916, when America still occupied the Philippines.

Ravelo started out as a cartoonist, then as a writer, and later on as editor-in-chief for two publications houses and for several film companies. He later established his own company, RAR.

Ravelo crafted iconic characters such as Darna the superheroine, Dyesebel the lovelorn mermaid, and Captain Barbell the superhero, along with Facifica Falayfay, and the comedic pair Jack & Jill. He also developed the drama centered on a young orphan named Roberta for Sampaguita Pictures. Additionally, Ravelo penned the film adaptation of Alicia Vergel's "Basahang Ginto." He is known as the "King of Pinoy Komiks."

Mars Ravelo died on September 12, 1988, due to heart attack.

The life story of Mars Ravelo was featured in the anthology series Magpakailanman on May 26, 2005, actor Dennis Trillo portrayed Ravelo. [1]