Dyesebel

Dyesebel
The original depiction of Dyesebel created by Mars Ravelo.
Publication information
Created by	Mars Ravelo
In-story information
Species	Half-human/Half-mermaid
Team affiliations	Darna
Partnerships	Fredo
Abilities	Able to live on or under the sea.

Dyesebel (Tagalog pronunciation: [dʒɛˈsebɛl]) is a popular mermaid character in the Philippines. The comic book character was originally conceived by the Filipino comic book illustrator, Mars Ravelo and drawn by Elpidio Torres. Dyesebel is a prominent character in Philippine cinema and television. It was first serialized in Pilipino Komiks in 1952-53, and was later adapted into the big screen that same year. The film was produced under Manuel Vistan Productions, Inc. and released through Premiere Productions. It was directed by Gerardo 'Gerry' De Leon.

Dyesebel first appeared in the pages of Pilipino Komiks during the 1950s, then in Kampeon Komiks (Champion Comics) in 1975. The story has been adapted into five films and a spin-off, throughout the timeline from 1953 to 1996. Among those who took on the role in the big screen are Edna Luna (1953), Vilma Santos (1973), Alma Moreno (1978), Alice Dixson (1990), and Charlene Gonzales (1996). On the television, the iconic mermaid is portrayed by Marian Rivera (2008) and Anne Curtis (2014).

Dyesebel is unique among the merfolk for she is the only mermaid born of human parents from the surface world. A mermaid from birth, she is shunned by the superstitious due to her physical form.

Dyesebel was the daughter of two normal human parents, however due to her mother obsessively collecting and gazing at artistic depictions of mermaids while she was pregnant the baby was born with what looked like a fishtail instead of legs. Horrified by his daughter’s deformity Dyesebel’s father took her out during a storm to abandoned her, however a lightning bolt loosed by the typhoon directly in front of him while on his way to do this convinced him to return to his home with the child. Knowing that having a child that looked like Dyesebel would mean nothing but trouble and condemnation in their village the couple found a small secluded islet to raise their child.