MANILA – ABS-CBN Corporation has formed partnerships with several companies to bring to life popular characters in Philippine pop culture — Darna, Captain Barbell and Lastikman — through its new Ravelo Komiks Superheroes brand.
The new licensees have agreed to design toys and games and produce clothing, food and beverage, collectibles and novelty items carrying illustrations and artworks inspired by the characters created by the late Mars Ravelo during the Golden Age of Philippine comics. Among them are Avon, Balangay Entertainment, Chef Tony’s Popcorn, Dakki, Halimaw Sculptures, Playkit Philippines, Universal Ivergos Corp, and Xeleb Technologies, and more partners are expected to sign with the Kapamilya network for further offerings.
ABS-CBN chief content officer Charo Santos-Concio, retail, licensing and storefronts head Lina Quiogue, licensing head Karen Coloma, and licensing cluster 1 head Julie Ann Gutierrez led the contract signing ceremony held at the network’s compound.
Premium collectible statues featuring 20-inch Darna, Captain Barbell, Lastikman, and Valentina characters have been developed by local group of sculptors Halimaw Sculptures. These limited edition products were first exhibited during the Philippine Toys, Hobbies and Collectibles Convention (ToyCon) 2017 recently held in SMX Convention Center in Pasay City and are now available.
Darna fans will enjoy the pioneering card game, “Darna At Ang Nawawalang Bato,” which has been conceptualized and produced by local game design firm Balangay Entertainment.
The new brand also showcases popular gifts and favorite souvenir picks like tumblers, keychains, magnets, pouches, and bagtags produced by Universal Ivergos Corp, while various pillow items are manufactured by the leading vacuum-packed pillows producer Dakki.
Captain Barbell and Lastikman toys, Darna dolls, and other Ravelo character-inspired toys and games will be developed by leading toy manufacturer Playkit Philippines.
An exciting array of products in the beauty, fashion and home category bearing the superheroes’ artworks will be produced and carried by leading direct seller Avon, while a superhero-themed popcorn will be developed by gourmet brand Holy Kettle Corn by Chef Tony’s.
Early next year, an exciting mobile Ravelo Komiks game app will be released by Xeleb Technologies, a known developer for local celebrity-branded casual games.
The new comics-inspired brand targets toy collectors, comics enthusiasts, children and families who are looking forward to the rebirth of these well-loved pop culture icons. Products will be available in various distribution channels such as bookstores, department stores and toy stores nationwide.
Aside from the consumer products carrying this latest offering, the well-loved Pinoy superhero characters will be seen in other ABS-CBN platforms – television, film, various digital platforms, etc. — in the next few years.
