'Classic Darna #1' limited edition to be released at SuperManila Comic Con

Fans of classic Philippine komiks will have a chance to own a piece of history when a special edition comic book of Mars Ravelo's Darna will be released at SuperManila Comic Con 2026.

'Classic Darna #1' contains stories from the character’s earliest komiks appearances, including Darna’s first appearance and origin story. Rather than presenting a new story or modern retelling, the collection faithfully reprints original material that helped establish Darna as one of the Philippines’ most enduring cultural icons.

Created by the “King of Pinoy Komiks” Mars Ravelo, Darna first appeared in Pilipino Komiks in 1950. The character’s recognizable look was shaped largely in part by acclaimed Filipino artist Nestor Redondo, whose illustrations are featured in the reprinted stories.

The SuperManila edition Darna gets a contemporary touch with cover artwork by internationally renowned artist Stanley “ARTGERM” Lau, giving Darna a fresh look while retaining the original stories and artwork inside.

Collectors and fans can choose between two editions, both limited to 1,000 copies: the Full-Color Virgin Cover Edition, priced at ₱1,000 and presented in vibrant color, or the Sepia-Cover Edition (Original Look), priced at ₱800  and features a sepia cover with black-and-white interior. Every copy also comes with an exclusive Darna trading card.

Also joining the lineup is “Ang Kaluluwa ni Dante,” another classic from one of the giants of Philippine comics, Francisco V. Coching. Also known as the “Dean of Filipino Illustrators,” Coching first serialized the comic book story in 1949. It follows Dante Magtanggol on a journey involving justice, redemption, and the battle between good and evil.

The SuperManila edition will be available as a 116-page softcover, faithfully reproduced in its original black-and-white format to preserve Coching’s artwork. Only 300 copies will be available at ₱1,000 each.

"Darna" and "Ang Kaluluwa ni Dante" will be sold exclusively at the SMCC merchandise booth during SuperManila Comic Con 2026 on September 4 to 6, at The Concourse and SPACE at One Ayala in Makati City.