Creator behind ‘Ella Arcangel’ shares reason behind writing the comic series

The creator of “Ella Arcangel,” Julius Villanueva, wrote Filipino horror-fantasy comic series because he wanted to tackle the issues of the urban poor. 

In Athena Imperial’s report in “24 Oras” on Wednesday, Villanueva said he wanted to shed light on the problems of settlement among the poor in the Philippines. 

“Plight ng mga mahihirap. Plight ng mga walang bahay. Plight ng mga pinapaalis sa mga bahay nila. ‘Yung mga dinedemolish ang bahay. Ayan ‘yung parang pinaka-goal ko noong ginawa ko ito. Mabigyan ng light ‘tong mga nangyayari na to,” he said. 

[It's the plight of the poor, of the homeless, of those being evicted and whose houses are being demolished. When I was writing it, the goal was to give light to all these.]

“Ella Arcangel: Awit ng Pangil at Kuko” tells the story of a young mambabarang, or witch, who fights both humans and mythical monsters in the city to protect her community.

The beloved comic series has been announced to be produced into an animated film by GMA Pictures, teaming up with no less than the original creators.

Written and illustrated by Villanueva, the comic book series will be directed by National Book Awardee Mervin Malonzo, the comic book creator of “Tabi Po.”  

According to Malonzo, “Ella Arcangel” has a very important message that Filipinos will find out through the film. 

“Ang Ella Arcangel ay may importanteng mensahe na tingin ko dapat mas mapanood ng mas maraming mga Pilipino na nandito sa labas at loob ng bansa natin.”

In the same report, GMA Network Senior Vice President and GMA Pictures President Annette Gozon-Valdes said they are looking froward for the film adaptation because they want to celebrate the creativity, the artistry and the culture of the Filipino. 

“Buhay pa rin ang comics. We want to really celebrate the artistry of Filipinos pati sa comics. Exciting dahil ang galing nila, ang galing ng talent nila, and we are very honored to be a partner in this movie,” she added.

The animated film will be co-produced by GMA Pictures and Twenty Manila. Film producer Manny Angeles said that it is an honor to have this partnership with the Kapuso network.

“Overwhelmed na para naniwala ang isang broadcasting powerhouse na GMA Pictures sa pagsusulat at pagkukwento ng Ella Arcangel. Magandang pagsasama ng media ito because masasabi natin na homegrown series ang Ella Arcangel at sa partnership na ito with GMA Pictures,” he shared.

“Ella Arcangel: Awit ng Pangil at Kuko” premieres in cinemas in 2026. — Jade Veronique Yap/LA, GMA Integrated News