Mars Ravelo

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Mars Ravelo

Mars Ravelo (born October 9, 1916 in Tanza, Cavite, Philippines - 1988) was one of the most successful Filipino graphic novelists. He created Filipino classics like 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.

[edit] About

Mars Ravelo was born on October 9,1916 when the Philippines was still American Territory. Mars went trough a life of hardship and drop out of high school, vowing to be number one in whatever he did. Mars started out as a cartoonist, then as a writer, and later on as editor -in- chief for two major publications houses and even for several film companies. Ravelo was the highest paid comic writer during his time. He later established his own company, RAR, to give him more elbow room with more obras. Mars Ravelo used to say that he wanted to impart " the highest form of values to the lowest tier of our society with the lowest form of literature"

His contributions to the Filipino art world are quite remarkable. Some of his achievements are the classic fantasy of Darna the super heroine, Dyesebel the love-lorn mermaid, and Kaptain Barbel the super hero. Furthermore, he also created another classic drama about a young orphaned girl named Roberta. The movie was a huge success that made Sampaguita Pictures one of the biggest film outfitz in the 50's. Vilma Santos starred in "Trudis Liit" and became an instant hit. Not to mention the unforgettable award-winning movie adaptation of Alicia Vergel's Basahang Ginto. An additional feather to his hat is the controversial film about a homosexual in Lea productions, Tubog sa Ginto, another comic's adaptation. And who can forget the love story of Maruja which was also immortalized on silver screen several times. Not only Mars Ravelo made us cry and played our imagination through his fantasy creations, but he also tickled our funny bones with Facifica Falayfay, and the lovable dou of Jack & Jill. His creations are his legacy to the world.