Before Filipino superheroes became fixtures on television, film, and digital platforms, their stories first came alive in the vibrant world of komiks.
This September, SuperManila Comic Con 2026 pays tribute to that enduring legacy with two exclusive collector’s releases featuring landmark works by two of the country’s most celebrated creators.
Fans can look forward to Classic Darna #1, which brings back the earliest adventures of Mars Ravelo’s iconic heroine, and Kaluluwa ni Dante, one of the acclaimed masterpieces of National Artist Francisco V. Coching.
Available only during SuperManila Comic Con, both releases celebrate the artistry, imagination, and storytelling that helped shape Philippine popular culture.
Classic Darna #1 Brings a Filipino Icon Back to Her Roots
Few Filipino characters have achieved the cultural impact of Darna.
Created by legendary komiks writer Mars Ravelo, Darna made her debut in Pilipino Komiks in 1950 and quickly became a symbol of courage, heroism, and strength.
Now, collectors can return to the character’s earliest days through the Classic Darna #1 SuperManila Comic Con Exclusive.
The special release reprints stories from Darna’s original komiks appearances, including her first appearance and celebrated origin story. The stories feature illustrations by acclaimed Filipino artist Nestor Redondo, whose expressive and detailed artwork became closely associated with the heroine’s classic image.
For this exclusive release, internationally renowned artist Stanley “ARTGERM” Lau gives Darna a fresh visual showcase with special cover artwork created for both editions.
Two Limited Darna Editions for Collectors
The Classic Darna #1 release will be available in two strictly limited versions.
The Full-Color Virgin Cover Edition, priced at ₱1,000, is limited to 1,000 copies and presents the classic stories in vivid color.
Meanwhile, the Sepia Cover and Black-and-White Interior Edition, priced at ₱800, is also limited to 1,000 copies. Its sepia-toned ARTGERM cover and black-and-white interior evoke the traditional komiks experience familiar to generations of Filipino readers.
Adding even more collector appeal, every copy of both editions comes with an exclusive Darna trading card.
These editions do not present a new Darna adventure or modern retelling. Instead, they preserve and reintroduce the original material that helped establish the character as a Filipino pop culture legend.
Classic Darna #1
Created by Mars Ravelo
Illustrated by Nestor Redondo
Exclusive cover artwork by Stanley “ARTGERM” Lau
Kaluluwa ni Dante Returns in a Rare Collector’s Edition
SuperManila Comic Con 2026 will also spotlight the extraordinary work of Francisco V. Coching, one of the most influential figures in Philippine comics.
Known as the “King of Komiks,” Coching built a remarkable body of work across four decades, creating dozens of serialized stories that combined dramatic storytelling with striking visual detail.
Among his most celebrated titles are Pedro Penduko, Hagibis, Sabas, ang Barbaro, El Indio, Lapu-Lapu, and Kaluluwa ni Dante.
First serialized in 1949, Kaluluwa ni Dante tells the story of Dante Magtanggol, who embarks on an extraordinary out-of-body journey under the guidance of the mysterious Dr. Futiphar.
Along the way, the story blends mystery, fantasy, adventure, romance, and moral conflict while exploring themes of justice, redemption, love, and the struggle between good and evil.
Coching’s cinematic compositions and richly rendered artwork helped make the story one of his standout works.
His influence would eventually reach far beyond the pages of komiks. Fifty-one of his 63 komiks novels were adapted into films, demonstrating the extraordinary reach of his storytelling across Philippine entertainment.
In 2014, Coching was posthumously named National Artist for Visual Arts, further cementing his place in the country’s cultural history.
Only 300 Copies of Kaluluwa ni Dante Will Be Available
For SuperManila Comic Con 2026, Kaluluwa ni Dante will be released as a special 116-page softcover edition.
The book retains its original black-and-white format, allowing readers to appreciate Coching’s detailed line work as it was originally presented.
Only 300 copies will be produced.
Priced at ₱1,000 per copy, the release is expected to be one of the convention’s most sought-after items among komiks collectors and fans of classic Filipino illustration.
Kaluluwa ni Dante
By Francisco V. Coching
116-page softcover edition
Original black-and-white format
Limited to 300 copies
₱1,000 per copy
A Celebration of the Stories That Shaped Filipino Pop Culture
Together, Classic Darna #1 and Kaluluwa ni Dante highlight two distinct but equally important chapters in Philippine komiks history.
Darna represents one of the country’s most recognizable heroic figures, while Kaluluwa ni Dante showcases the storytelling mastery of one of Philippine comics’ greatest artists.
By bringing these works back into print as limited collector’s editions, SuperManila Comic Con gives both longtime enthusiasts and younger readers an opportunity to experience the creativity that defined a golden era of Filipino komiks.
The two releases will be available exclusively at the SMCC Merch Booth at The Concourse during SuperManila Comic Con 2026, happening September 4 to 6, 2026, at The Concourse and SPACE at One Ayala, Makati City.
With quantities strictly limited, collectors will want to secure their copies during the three-day event.
For tickets and event updates, visit supermanila.ph and follow SuperManila Comic Con on its official social media channels.
