Varga (comics)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Varga
Varga first issue comicbook.jpg
Upon a shout and a touch, the violet-colored ghost Vara unites with the human child Olga, fused into one person in a single body: the superheroine Varga (Vara + Olga).
Publication information
PublisherBulaklak Magazine
First appearance1947
Created byMars Ravelo
In-story information
Alter egoDarna; Princess Vara; Olga
SpeciesVaran
Place of originPlanet Vargon; Earth
Abilities
  • flight
  • Super strength
  • Super reflexes
  • Super speed
  • Unlimited Stamina
  • Skilled in hand-to-hand combat
  • Ultra-enhanced senses
  • Psionic abilities

Varga is a Filipino comics superheroine, similar to the American Wonder Woman. Mars Ravelo wrote and illustrated Varga for Bulaklak Magazine, appearing first in the magazine's No. 17, Vol. 4 (July 23, 1947) issue. A falling out with some of the magazine's editors caused Ravelo to resign from Bulaklak and transfer to Pilipino Komiks (Ace Publications), where he re-launched his superhero. Ravelo renamed her Darna, an anagram of the superheroine's mortal alter-ego name Narda. Darna's adventures in Pilipino Komiks began in the No. 77 (May 13, 1950) issue, where she was illustrated by Nestor Redondo.[1][2]

Varga is not to be confused with the similarly-named Edwin Samonte character, Varga: The Amazing Iron Lady (who first appeared in Super Action Komiks No. 191, April 11, 1989).[3]

Origin[]

It can also be noted that Varga was a character archived twice. First, Varga began as a superheroine concept before World War II/late 1939.[4][1] VARGA made her debut in Bulaklak Magazine, Vol. 4, #17 on July 23, 1947 which Mars both wrote and drew himself. It was under the name "DARNA" that this Ravelo creation would become famous for.[5][6]

In an interview, Ravelo revealed that he offered his creation first to Liwayway Magazine and then to other publications but was rejected several times.

The concept and image of Varga (who could be the first female superhero in the Philippines) was based on the illustrations of Superman appearing on comic books brought by soldiers from the United States to the Philippines.[7] It was the story of a mortal girl named Narda (named after one of Ravelo's childhood playmates), her brother Ding and their grandmother, lola Asay who lived in the town of Masambong when a falling star revealed itself to be a magic amulet that turns the little girl named Narda into the superheroine VARGA.

For more than six decades the character Varga was lost.

Costume[]

The original Varga is not to be confused with the other "Mars Ravelo's Varga" that was recently featured as a TV series on ABS-CBN. The original Varga pretty much looked like Darna except that her original costume featured long sleeves and fitted shirt that featured the SUN and 3 STARS from the Philippine flag. She wore short shorts and a simple belt with a loincloth (bahag) in the middle (just like Darna) before letting go of the long sleeve form fitting shirt with the 3 stars and sun and replaced it with the familiar bra while only retaining 2 of the 3 stars.[citation needed]

In the TV series version Varga wore purple romper, cape and boots with gold detail, golden headpiece with V insignia, and golden medallion belt. She sports braided pigtails.

In other media[]

Komiks Presents: Varga, a television series starring Mariel Rodriguez, was created in 2008. According to the television screen portrayal of Varga in 2008, she was an alien being named Princess Varona from the planet Vargon. On planet Earth, Varga is assisted by a human girl named Olga in secretly protecting mankind and saving the world from “the forces of evil”.[8]

Princess Vara is from Planet Vargon, home to a race of powerful beings from outer space. Due to the destruction of her home planet, Vara is saved and lands on Earth, however, she only exists in ghost form. The Princess meets a young human girl name Olga, who is the only one who can see her, due to her kind heart. Under Olga's influence, Vara falls in love with the people of Earth.[9]

These two women's destiny are meant to be merged - literally. Upon a shout and a touch, the violet-colored ghost Vara unites with the human child Olga, fused into one person in a single body: the superheroine Varga. Together, Vara and Olga begin their journey to become a real hero, and to defeat earth's enemy, Xandra - an evil woman who preys on the youth and beauty of others to stay young and beautiful.

Collected editions[]

Title Volume Issue Date
Varga Bulaklak Magazine Vol. 4 #1 (1947–1948)
Bulaklak Magazine #17 July 23, 1947
Bulaklak Magazine p. 54 #43 May 12, 1948

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b History marsravelodarna.net
  2. ^ Varga KOMIKLOPEDIA: The Philippine Komiks Encyclopedia
  3. ^ VARGA The Amazing Iron Lady pinoysuperheroesuniverse
  4. ^ Darna: The Filipino Superheroine
  5. ^ Mars Ravelo
  6. ^ THE REAL STORY BEHIND CAPTAIN BARBELL
  7. ^ Varga internationalhero.co.uk
  8. ^ Varga imdb.com
  9. ^ Varga Archived 10 February 2012 at the Wayback Machine abs-cbnglobal.com
Retrieved from ""