Narda Custodio

Concept and creation

Darna has served as a standard-bearer for bravery for over seventy years, appearing in numerous film and television adaptations, commercials, and theater shows. The character was first released on May 13, 1950, by Mars Ravelo and Nestor Redondo in Pilipino Komiks No. 77, published by Ace Publications. Ravelo had conceived the idea before World War II under the original name Varga, but faced repeated rejections from publishers who believed female superheroes would not sell.

Superman inspired the initial concept, while the transformation method of Narda crying out a magical word was drawn from Captain Marvel. Jane de Leon, who portrayed Darna in the modern ABS-CBN adaptation, almost declined to audition; her manager convinced her to try. After several callbacks and a long waiting period, she was invited to a meeting with ABS-CBN executives and confirmed for the role. De Leon was chosen from over 200 actresses who auditioned, with a shortlist of seven including Maris Racal, Julia Barretto, Ana Luna, and reportedly Bianca Umali.

Characterization

The modern version of Darna carries forward core values from Mars Ravelo's original work, including bravery, family values, and love, while also honoring everyday Filipino heroes such as frontline healthcare workers. A mural titled Ikaw, Ako, Tayong Lahat si Darna depicted the heroine alongside ordinary Filipinos like a police officer, soldier, teacher, and jeepney driver. Darna was originally described as possessing the charm of Venus, the fortitude of Apollo, and the strength of Samson.

Nestor Redondo's original costume design featured a red bandeau with gold stars, a red helmet with ruby-encrusted gold winged accents, gold arm-braced shorts, a golden medallion belt with a loincloth, and red boots. The ABS-CBN adaptation retained the winged headpiece, stars on the bra, and loincloth, while adding red platforms on each hip. Costume designer Regi Cruz considered Jane de Leon's body frame for comfort during stunts, and make-up artist Joel Atienza aimed for a fresh and young look.

The costume took about eight months to complete, using EVA rubber sheets, fiber glass resin, and leather, with five prototypes created before the final design.

Adversaries

Darna has fought many powerful entities as the protector of Nueva Esperanza and the mythical stone. Her archenemy is Valentina, the Serpent Queen, who possesses life-force absorption, extending snake tendrils, superhuman strength, invulnerability, enhanced leap, regenerative healing, enhanced flexibility, snake manipulation, visual linking, enhanced stealth, night vision, and gorgon physiology. Heneral Borgo is an extraterrestrial being seeking the mythical stone to rule the galaxy, with shapeshifting abilities and strategic cunning.

Xandra or Ishna, Borgo's right hand, is a skilled combatant with shapeshifting and advanced weaponry. Other adversaries include Strength Man (Fredo), Lindol Man (Javier), Killer Ghost, Clone Man (Vince), Silent Shocker, Human Urchin, Dragon Mouth (Inno), the Seductress (Klara), Boy Chop-Chop (Miguel), Dark Brian, Levitator (Eli), Dr. Florentino Ibarra (Mad Doctor), Noah Vallesteros, and Arthur Pineda, each with unique powers such as electrokinesis, pyrokinesis, telekinesis, or acid spewing.

Did You Know?

• The iconic costume took around 8 months to finish, using EVA rubber sheets, fiber glass resin, and leather, with five prototypes created before the final design.
• Darna first appeared in Pilipino Komiks No. 77 on May 13, 1950, created by Mars Ravelo and illustrated by Nestor Redondo, who later worked for DC and Marvel Comics.
• Narda was physically trained by her mother at a young age to prepare her against extraterrestrial threats after the magical stone.