ABS-CBN’s modern-day account of the most iconic Pinay superhero has finally seen the light of day as Mars Ravelo’s Darna debuted to rave reviews, encouraging support, and high viewership that promises an exciting run for the highly anticipated series top billed by Jane De Leon.
The first episode, which soared to a peak of 296,334 live concurrent viewers via Kapamilya Online Live on YouTube, introduced viewers to Jane’s Narda Custodio, her mom Leonor (Iza Calzado), brother Ding (Zaijian Jaranilla), and grandmother Berta (Rio Locsin).
It also provided an explanation as to how Leonor, the first Darna, came to Earth from her planet of origin Marte, and gave viewers a clear image of her capabilities as she fought off an alien being that has invaded their town as Darna.
Narda also learned of Leonor’s superhero identity and her inevitable fate as the next protector of the white mythical stone. Meanwhile, a scene also showed an enigmatic female character who was infected with a toxic element from the alien creature—alluding to how Janella Salvador’s
Regina would become the serpent villain Valentina.
Apart from Jane, Zaijian, Janella, Rio, and Iza, Joshua Garcia also appeared in the first episode as Brian Robles, Narda’s high school friend who she tries to help from bullies.
Mars Ravelo’s Darna is directed by the Chito S. Roño, Avel Sunpongco, and Benedict Mique and produced by ABS-CBN’s JRB Creative Production unit.
The series airs weekdays, 8:00 p.m. on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, CineMo, and TV5. It is also available to watch via Kapamilya Online Live, iWantTFC, and The Filipino Channel.