View source for Varga (comics)

{{Multiple issues|
{{More citations needed|date=March 2024}}
{{Primary sources|date=March 2024}}
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{{Use Philippine English|date=December 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox comics character
<!--Wikipedia:WikiProject Comics-->
| character_name = Varga
| image          = Varga first issue comicbook.jpg
| imagesize      = 
| caption        = 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 superhero Varga ('''Var'''a + Ol'''ga''').
| publisher      = [[Bulaklak Magazine]]
| debut          = 1947
| creators       = [[Mars Ravelo]]
| alter_ego      = [[Darna]]; Princess Vara; Olga
| full_name      =
| species        = Varan
| homeworld      = Planet Vargon; Earth
| alliances      = <!-- optional -->
| partners       = <!-- optional -->
| supports       = <!-- optional -->
| aliases        = <!-- optional -->
| powers         = 
* Flight
* Super strength
* Super reflexes
* Super speed
* Unlimited stamina
* Skilled in hand-to-hand combat
* Ultra-enhanced senses
* Psionic abilities 
| cat            = 
| subcat         = 
| hero           = super
| villain        = 
| sortkey        =
}}
'''Varga''' (''real name:'' '''Narda'''), a [[Filipinos|Filipino]] comic [[superheroine]], was created by Marcial "Mars" Ravelo and first appeared in [[Bulaklak Magazine]] in 1947. The character, originally named Varga and later known as '''[[Darna]]''', is an alien princess from Planet Vergon. She possesses superhero abilities like flight, super strength, and [[Psionics|psionic]] skills. Varga, recognized as the first female superhero in the [[Philippines]], has been featured in various media, including [[Film|films]],[[TV shows]] and [[Comic book|comic books]].

== Publication history ==
[[Mars Ravelo]] created the character Varga in 1939,<ref>[http://erneelawagan.blogspot.com/2010/02/darna-filipino-superheroine.html Darna: The Filipino Superheroine]</ref><ref name="History2">[http://www.marsravelodarna.net/ History] marsravelodarna.net</ref> which debuted in [[Bulaklak Magazine]] in 1947 and later became popular as "Darna".<ref>[http://lambiek.net/artists/r/ravelo_mars.htm Mars Ravelo]</ref><ref>[http://erneelawagan.blogspot.com/2012/06/real-story-behind-captain-barbell.html THE REAL STORY BEHIND CAPTAIN BARBELL]</ref> Before this success, Ravelo faced challenges in getting Varga published, initially proposing the character to [[Liwayway Magazine]] and experiencing several rejections. The character went through periods of archival before eventually gaining widespread recognition.

Varga's design was partly influenced by American [[Superman]] comics, brought to the [[Philippines]] by U.S. soldiers.<ref name="IH4">[http://www.internationalhero.co.uk/d/darna.htm Varga] internationalhero.co.uk</ref> In Ravelo's initial concept, Narda, a mortal girl living in Masambong with her brother Ding and grandmother Lola Asay, transforms into the superhero Varga when a falling star, revealed as a magical amulet, bestows powers upon her. This early narrative forms the basis for Varga's character, where the central theme revolves around Narda's transformation into a superhero through a mystical object.

After a long absence, the character resurfaced in the 2008 TV series [[Komiks Presents: Varga]].

==Costume==
The original costume of Varga, as featured in the series, includes a long-sleeved shirt adorned with three stars representing the [[Flag of the Philippines|Philippine flag]], accompanied by shorts and a belt with a [[Bahag (garment)|Bahag]], a traditional loincloth.

In the 2008 TV adaptation, Varga's costume is updated to a purple [[Romper suit|romper]], complemented by a [[cape]] and [[Boot|boots]], both accented with gold details. Additionally, her ensemble includes accessories such as a golden [[headpiece]] marked with a "V" sign and a golden medallion belt.{{Citation needed|date=January 2024}}

==In other media==
[[Komiks Presents: Varga]], a 2008 [[television series]] featuring [[Mariel Rodriguez]], introduces Princess Vara, an alien from Planet Vargon. After the destruction of Vargon, Vara finds refuge on [[Earth]] but remains in an intangible [[ghost]] form. She encounters Olga, a young human girl with a compassionate heart, who becomes her ally. Their unique bond allows Olga to see Vara, otherwise [[invisible]] to [[Human|humans]].

In the series, Vara, initially a violet-colored ghost, merges with Olga through a specific ritual involving a shout and touch. This transformation results in Varga, a singular [[superhero]] entity. The narrative centers on their joint efforts to combat Earth's adversaries, notably Xandra, an [[antagonist]] who preys on others for youth and beauty. The story follows Varga's journey in confronting these threats, emphasizing themes of unity, courage, and the [[battle between good and evil]].

== Collected editions ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Title
! Volume
! Issue
! Date
|-
| rowspan=3|''Varga''
| Bulaklak Magazine Vol. 4
| [http://www.unanglabas.blogspot.com/2008/09/varga.html #1]
| (1947–1948)
|-
| Bulaklak Magazine
| #17
| July 23, 1947 
|-
| Bulaklak Magazine p.&nbsp;54
| [http://unanglabas.blogspot.com/2013/06/blog-post_30.html #43]
| May 12, 1948
|-
|}

==See also==
{{Portal bar|Philippines|Comics|Television}}
*[[Darna]]
*[[Captain Barbell]]
*[[Isang Lakas]]
*[[Siopawman]]
*[[Ipo-ipo]]
*[[Lagim]]
*[[Voltar (comics)|Voltar]]
*[[List of Filipino superheroes]]

==[[BTS|References]]==
{{Reflist}}

{{Mars Ravelo}}
{{Darna}}
{{ABS-CBN Adaptations (Local Comics and Books)}}

[[Category:1947 comics debuts]]
[[Category:Comics about women]]
[[Category:Comics characters introduced in 1947]]
[[Category:Female characters in comics]]
[[Category:Fictional Filipino people]]
[[Category:Filipino comics characters]]
[[Category:Filipino superheroes]]
[[Category:Philippine comic strips]]