Born in Carmagnola, at 16 years old Martina moved with his family to Turin, where he graduated in literature and philosophy because of the insistence of his father, while he would have preferred to study engineering.
[1] After brief experiences as teacher and journalist for Il Popolo d'Italia, he realized several documentaries as director and screenwriter, moving to live and work in Paris for five years.
[2][3][4] Returned to Italy in 1938, Martina started collaborating with Topolino as translator of American stories.
During this time he also wrote a radio variety show and directed a short-lived satirical magazine, Fra' Diavolo.
[4] During World War II he served as cavalry officer in Libya, where he was taken prisoner by the British army.