Superbook

Superbook
Cover of the first DVD volume
アニメ 親子劇場 (Anime Oyako Gekijō)
Genre	Christianity
Anime television series
Directed by	Masakazu Higuchi
Written by	Akiyoshi Sakai
Studio	Tatsunoko Productions, Production LOOSE
Network	TV Tokyo (Japan) CBN (United States)
Original run	October 1, 1981 – March 29, 1982
Anime television series
Superbook II
Directed by	Masakazu Higuchi
Written by	Akiyoshi Sakai
Studio	Tatsunoko Productions
Network	TV Tokyo (Japan) CBN (United States)
Original run	April 4, 1983 – September 26, 1983

Superbook III
Genre	Christianity
Directed by	Tom Bancroft, Rob Corley, Bryant Paul Richardson
Country of origin	(United States)
Original language(s)	English
No. of seasons	3
Release
Original network	CBN (United States)

Superbook, also known as Animated Parent and Child Theatre (アニメ 親子劇場 Anime Oyako Gekijō),^[1] is an anime television series initially produced by Tatsunoko Productions in Japan in conjunction with the Christian Broadcasting Network in the United States and more recently solely produced by CBN for global distribution and broadcast.^[2][3]

The series chronicled the events of the Bible's Old and New Testaments in its 52 episode run. The first 26 episodes aired from October 1, 1981 to March 29, 1982. The series returned as Superbook II (パソコントラベル探偵団 Pasokon Toraberu Tanteidan, lit. Personal Computer Travel Detective Team) with 26 episodes to air from April 4, 1983 to September 26, 1983. Between both series in the first run was the companion series The Flying House. The Christian Broadcasting Network is producing a new Superbook series and has released twenty episodes.^[4]

Plot

The first series (Anime Oyako Gekijo) began at the home of a young boy named Christopher Peeper (Sho Azuka in Japanese) who discovers the Bible "Superbook" (Time/Space Travel Book) that speaks and sends him, his friend Joy (Azusa Yamato), and his clockwork toy robot Gizmo (Zenmaijikake) back in time to the early events of the Old Testament. Gizmo can walk and talk, but only for the duration of the adventure (and he still needs to be wound up regularly).

In the first episode, Chris and Joy were cleaning the attic for Chris's father (a somewhat eccentric college professor) when they noticed an old book glowing. The children tried to open the book, but were unable to open it, no matter how hard they pulled. The book promptly opened on its own, shining a blinding light around Chris's bedroom, and started to speak before whisking the children and Gizmo back in time to the Garden of Eden to experience the story of Adam and Eve.

In Superbook II (Pasokon Travel Tanteidan), which took place two years after the first series, the book fell onto a computer keyboard, giving anybody the ability to see into the past from Christopher's home via the monitor. Ruffles, Chris' dog, managed to get lost in time, prompting Gizmo and Chris' cousin Uriah (or "Uri" for short; Hisashi in the original Japanese) to search for her. Chris and Joy kept watch and control of the computer from the present. The older children also had a hard time trying to keep what happened a secret from Chris's parents. Gizmo appeared as a functioning robot in the present day rather than as a toy in the second series, but still needed to be wound up on a regular basis. Gizmo also had a built in computer keyboard and a monitor in his chest in order for Gizmo and Uri to stay in contact with Chris and Joy in the present day as well as transporting to other places in time or returning to the present.

The first series of Superbook featured stories chiefly from the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), although a few episodes dealt with the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and the final episode was about the conversion of Paul of Tarsus. The episodes in the first series are chiefly one-shot stories, with no overarching "plot" aside from Chris and Joy learning life lessons from their travels in the Superbook. However, some condensation or editing of stories was necessary in order to fit them into half-hour episodes and make them suitable for young viewers. Also, some additional edits were necessary for the English versions to make the episodes conform to American broadcast standards.

The episodes in Season Two focused solely on Old Testament stories. Season Two covered some stories featured in Season One (for example, the stories of Abraham, Joseph and King David) in more detail, while also covering some stories not included in the first series (i.e. the fall of Sodom and Gomorrah). In Season Two, the overarching plot concern was Uri and Gizmo's quest to find the missing Ruffles. Likewise, The Flying House, which originally aired in Japan between the two Superbook series, was a more in-depth look at the life of Jesus and other events from the Christian Scriptures (New Testament). Additionally, unlike season 1 (and by extension the aforementioned Flying House series), interaction between the modern day characters and the Biblical characters in season 2 is minimal; each episode is mostly a straightforward adaptation of the Biblical stories shown, occurring while Uri and Gizmo are searching for Ruffles.

Main characters

The main cast of the original series includes:

• Christopher "Chris" Peeper (Sho Asuka) - The main hero of the first series, the son of Professor Fred Peeper. Chris is depicted as a somewhat lazy boy who hates school and goes to sometimes ridiculous extremes to get out of doing housework or homework, which often puts him at odds with his father. However, through his adventures in the Superbook, his attitude slowly begins to improve.
• Joy (Azusa Yamato) - Christopher's next-door neighbor and best friend. She is more conscientious than Chris when it comes to things like schoolwork. Joy is generally sweet-tempered but has a short fuse and angers easily when Chris teases her. In the first series, it is hinted at several times that she may have feelings for Chris, and as seen in the first episode, Chris seems to return her feelings. Joy tends to show signs of jealousy whenever Chris looks fondly at a beautiful woman (such as Eve, Rebekah, or the Queen of Sheba in their respective episodes). Her last name is never mentioned in English dub, but is mentioned in Japanese. Her surname is probably Jameson similarly with Yamato from Japanese.
• Uriah Peeper or "Uri" for short (Yuu Asuka) - Chris's cousin, son of professor Fred Peeper's brother Kenneth "Ken" Peeper. He was not mentioned in the first series (he is not son of Mrs. Peeper's sister, who was said to give birth in the first series). With Gizmo, Uri travels back in time via the now-computerized Superbook to search ancient Israel for the missing Ruffles. His father appears only in the first and the last two episodes of the second series.
• Professor Fred Peeper (Professor Asuka) - Christopher's father. An eccentric and absent-minded scientist.
• Gizmo (Zenmaijikake) - The name of two characters depending on the season. In Season one, he is an advanced toy robot which needs to be wound up regularly; he grows in size and activates only after being sent back in time. He is also a frequent source of comic relief, as he often tries to protect Chris and Joy from danger or help out in the Biblical stories, but with little or no success (for example, trying to put out a raging fire with his built-in squirt gun). In season two, it is not the same Gizmo, but a life-sized robot built by Uri's father; unlike his toy counterpart, he is always active both in the present as well as biblical time. He is also shown as a more competent protector and companion for Uri. Both Gizmos look exactly alike, only their voices are different.
• Ruffles (Kikyomu) - Chris's small Yorkshire Terrier dog. In season one she is a source of comic relief, and often (much to Chris's annoyance) inadvertently exposes some of his harebrained schemes (in one episode, Chris lifted a small barbell one hundred times, and his father and Joy watched in awe until Ruffles demonstrated that she was able to pick up the barbell in her mouth, revealing the barbell to be a mere toy). In season two, she accidentally gets sent back into biblical times in the now-computerized Superbook, and Uri and Gizmo have to find her before Chris' parents learn what has happened.

New series

• Christopher "Chris" Quantum - An awesome skate-boarder, video gamer and lead guitarist in a garage band with his Valleyview Middle School buddies, Chris uncovers the secrets of Superbook through a mysterious portal to the past.
• Joy Pepper - Next-door neighbor and classmate of Chris Quantum at Valleyview Middle School. Likes to challenge Gizmo and Chris at trivia games. Super athletic and great at sports.
• Gizmo - Created by Chris' dad, Professor Quantum, to protect the kids - but they end up protecting him. He loves upgrades to make himself more useful and would rather stay in the lab than time travel with Superbook. A notable feature of Gizmo is that he can change his appearance as needed.
• Professor Crispin Quantum - Professor Quantum is a brilliant scientist. He wears a lab coat everywhere, but is only an inventor part-time. Father of Chris and inventor of Gizmo, Professor Quantum can sometimes be a little scattered, but he is always warm-hearted.
• Phoebe Quantum - She's a great counterbalance to her scientific-minded husband, Professor Quantum. She reads voraciously and enjoys a good comedy film. One of her greatest strengths is being always available to her son Chris (and her other 'son', Gizmo)^[5]

Original Series

Series 1 (1981)

NOTE: The official English dub episode title is listed first, followed by a translation of the Japanese title, Japanese titles in Romaji, and, if necessary, a note about the characters and/or events portrayed in the episode.^[1][6]

No.	Title
1	"How It All Began" / The story of Adam and Eve "Adamu to eba monogatari"
This is the first episode of Superbook. Chris and Joy discover a book that takes them back in time particularly during Biblical times. This is the story about creation and how Adam and Eve were sent out from the Garden of Eden by God after Eve ate the forbidden fruit after being tempted by the serpent and convinced Adam to do the same.
2	"My Brother's Keeper" / The story of Cain and Abel "Kain to aberu monogatari"
It tells the story of how Cain murdered his brother Abel after God found more favor in the latter's offering.
3	"The Flood" / The story of Noah's ark "Noa no hakobune monogatari"
It tells the story of Noah building the ark; the flood that killed everyone except Noah's family and the animals in the ark; and God's promise of not destroying the world once again.
4	"The Test" / The story of the great father "Idai na chichi no monogatari"
It tells the story of how God made Abraham the descendants of all nations; the promise of God of giving him a son; and how he passes the test of faith given to him by God.
5	"Here Comes the Bride" / The story of the foreign bride "Takoku no hanayome monogatari"
It tells the story of how Abraham's servant found Rebekah in the town of Haran to become Isaac's wife.
6	"Double Trouble" / The story of the twin brothers "Futago no kyodai monogatari"
It tells the story of how Jacob deceived his father Isaac to be able to steal his twin brother Esau's rightful blessings with the help of his mother, Rebekah.
7	"A Dream Come True" / The story of the magical stick "Maho no tsue monogatari"
It tells the story of how Joseph, the governor of Egypt, was reunited with his brothers and his father, Jacob.
8	"The Miracle Rod" / The story of Egypt "Ejiputo monogatari"
It tells the story of Moses and the exodus of the Israelites out of slavery from Egypt.
9	"Those Amazing Trumpets" / The story of the wondrous bugle "Fushigi na rappa monogatari"
It tells the story of Joshua and the fall of Jericho.
10	"Pitchers of Fire" / The story of the 300 pots "Sanbyakko no tsubo monogatari"
It tells the story of Gideon and how he led his people to victory using pots as weapons of war with the help of God.
11	"Muscleman" / The story of Herculean strength "Kairiki monogatari"
It tells the story of Samson’s birth, the story of his betrayal by Delilah and how he regains his strength to fulfil one last mission by God.
12	"The First Christmas" / The story of the stable "Uma goya monogatari"
The birth of Jesus.
13	"Miracles of Love" / The story of the miracles of Jesus "Iesu no kiseki monogatari"
It narrates numerous events in Jesus’ life such as: The finding of the lost 12-year-old Jesus at the temple in Jerusalem; The baptism of Jesus by John The Baptist; The wedding at Cana; The healing of the paralytic in the bed; The Sermon on the Mount; The multiplication of the loaves; and Jesus walks on the water and helps Peter to do the same.

Series 2 (1982)

No.	Title
1	"The Best News Yet" / The story of the empty tomb "Karappo no haka monogatari"
The death and resurrection of Jesus.
2	"Mother's Day" / The story of the faithful child "Oyakoko monogatari"
It tells the story of how Ruth became the wife of Boaz; and her mother Naomi.
3	"The Patience of Job" / The story of the devil's temptation "Akuma no yuwaku monogatari"
It tells the story of how Satan challenges Job about his character, integrity and faith in God.
4	"Big Fish and Little Fish" / The story of the man swallowed by a whale "Kujira ni nomareta otoko no monogatari"
It tells the story of how Jonah was swallowed by a whale after trying to avoid God's order of preaching repentance to the people of Nineveh.
5	"The First King" / The story of the donkey king "Roba kokuo monogatari"
It tells the story of the prophet Samuel and his anointing of Israel's first king, Saul.
6	"The Giant Killer" / The story of David "Dabide monogatari"
It tells the story of David. It includes the killing of Goliath; his anointment as the next King of Israel by Samuel; his friendship with Jonathan; and how he eludes King Saul's attempts on his life.
7	"Superbrain" / The story of King Solomon "Soromon monogatari"
It tells the story of how Solomon is anointed as the next King of Israel; how God granted him great wisdom; the building of the temple where the Ark of the Covenant was placed; and the meeting between him and the Queen of Sheba.
8	"A True Prophet" / The story of the prophet Elijah "Yogensha eriya monogatari"
It tells the story of how Elijah was challenged to prove God's existence over the existence of Baal by setting fire to stone.
9	"Flaming Chariots" / The story of the fiery tank "Hi no sensha monogatari"
It tells the story of how Elisha helped cure General Naaman of Syria and how he helped the Israelites win the war against the Syrians.
10	"The Lion's Den" / The story of the lion's den "Raion no ana monogatari"
It tells the story of how Daniel escapes death after being placed in the lion's den by King Darius.
11	"Nehemiah and the Walls of Jerusalem" / The story of the shining castle walls "Kagayaku joheki monogatari"
It tells the story of how Nehemiah led the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem and the purification of the Israelite people.
12	"The Beauty Queen" / The story of the beautiful princess "Utsukushii ohi no monogatari"
It tells the story of Queen Esther and how she stood up for her people as well as her adopted father (cousin) Mordecai.
13	"The Mighty Convert" / The story until the ends of the earth "Sekai no hate made monogatari"
It tells the story of the conversion of Saul into becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ and his rise as the Apostle Paul.

Series 3 (1983)

No.	Title	Japanese Air Date
1	"Where, Oh Where..." / Birth of the Personal Computer Detective Team "Tanjou! Pasokon tanteidan" (誕生パソコン探偵団)
The series premiere wherein Ruffles gets sucked into the newly “computerized” Superbook. Uri and Gizmo start their search by going back into Ancient times. God tells Abram, who was later renamed as Abraham, that he is going to become the “father of all nations.” Abraham also rescues Lot from his captors, the Sodomites.
2	"Hot Dog" / The Great Fire! Sodom, the Evil City "Daienjou! Aku no machi Sodomu" (大炎上!悪の町ソドム)
An Angel of the Lord tells Abraham that God is going to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. During the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot and his daughters escape from Sodom. Lot's wife dies by being turned into a pillar of salt after looking back while Sodom is being destroyed.
3	"The Test Of Faith And Obedience" / The Dagger of Sorrow "Kanashimi no tanken" (悲しみの短剣)
Three travellers visit Abraham and Sarah that tell them that they are going to have a son and they are going to name him Isaac. God tells Abraham to offer Isaac as an offering to God. But upon seeing his faith, God tells him to do otherwise.
4	"Love at First Sight" / The Bride at the Well "Idobata no hanayome" (井戸ばたの花嫁)
Abraham tells his servant to find a wife for Isaac in Heron. At that place, the servant finds Rebekah. Later, Isaac and Rebekah fall in love upon seeing each other and get married.
5	"Father's Pet" / The Shaved Wheat that Bowed "Ojigi wo suru mugi taba" (おじぎをする麦束)
The story of Jacob and his twelve sons particularly Joseph, who happens to be his father's favorite. Also, it narrates how Joseph was sold by his brothers as a slave in Egypt.
6	"All About Dreams" / Pharaoh's strange dream "Ousama no fushigi na yume" (王様の不思議な夢)
The story of the rise of Joseph as he becomes a governor of Egypt from being a slave. Also, it narrates how Joseph was put into prison and how he interpreted dreams for his fellow prisoners and the Pharaoh.
7	"The Hostage" / The Wisest Man in Egypt "Ejiputo ichiban no chiesha" (エジプト一番の知恵者)
The interpretation of Joseph’s dream comes true as Egypt experiences seven years of prosperity and seven years of famine. Joseph, the current governor of Egypt, meets his brothers when they ask Egypt for food and he asks them to bring Benjamin with them next time.
8	"The Family Reunion" / Reunion! The Twelve Brothers' Tears "Saikai! Namida no 12-nin kyoudai" (再会!涙の十二人兄弟)
Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers. Also, he gets reunited with his father, Jacob. But everything happened after Joseph made a plan to test his brothers by placing a silver cup in Benjamin's sack and accusing him of theft.
9	"A Gift From Heaven" / The Baby Abandoned in the River "Gawa ni suterareta akachan" (川に捨てられた赤ちゃん)
The Pharaoh’s daughter finds a baby placed in a basket and names him Moses. Miriam offers her services to become the nurse of the baby. Moses grows up as a part of royal family but later escapes from Egypt into the land of the Midianites after murdering an Egyptian, who happens to have beaten an Israelite slave.
10	"The Burning Bush" / Mysterious Voice in the Flames "Honoo no naka no fushigi na koe" (川に捨てられた赤ちゃん)
God talks to Moses in the burning bush in the land of Midianites and gives him instructions to return to Egypt and talk to the Pharaoh to free the Israelites. He takes Aaron with him. The Pharaoh becomes stubborn as he refuses to follow Moses. Also, Moses clashes with the Pharaoh's magicians. Then, plagues starts to happen to Egypt as the river turns into blood.
11	"No More Plagues" / Disaster Strikes Ten Times "Osoikuru juu no sainan" (襲いくる十の災害)
The Pharaoh remains stubborn despite Moses' pleadings to free the Israelites. More plagues happens to Egypt. Finally, the Pharaoh agrees to let the Israelites go after many first born sons were killed (including his) by the Angel of Death, the Tenth and Final Plague. The episode also includes the parting of the Red Sea when the Pharaoh and his chariots chased the Israelites after changing his mind.
12	"So You Want To Go Back To Egypt!" / Long Journey in the Wilderness "Arano no dai hourou" (荒野の大放浪)
The story of journey of the Israelites towards the Promised Land that includes the following: the grumbling of the Israelites after experiencing hunger; the provision of manna by God to the Israelites; the battle of the Israelites against the Amalekites; when the Israelites started to worship idols; and the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses and the Israelites.
13	"Snakes and a Donkey" / The Burning Snake and the Bronze Snake "Moeru hibi to seidou no hebi" (燃える蛇と青銅の蛇)
Moses appoints Joshua as the new leader of the Israelites as they continue their journey towards the Promised Land. It also includes the Battle of Jericho, the enormous walled city that Joshua eventually defeats and conquers. In the end, the Israelites finally reach the land of milk and honey and kill all the people living in the Promised Land – the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Hivitites, Girgushites, and other heathen “ites” who do evil in the land of milk and honey.

Series 4 (1984)

No.	Title	Air date
1	"Worth Fighting For" / A Young People's Trials "Tamesareta wakamono-tachi" (試された若者たち)
Israel falls into idolatry and the Israelites worship other gods instead of the true God, thus The Lord God allows the Canaanites (one of the Israelites’ ancient and many enemies) to conquer Israel and enslave its people. Othniel, the first of many Judges, was sent by God to deliver them from Chushan-Rishathaim, the king of the Canaanites and the ruler of Mesopotamia. It narrates how he led them to a successful battle by calling out to God and how he was rewarded with the hand of Achsah, the daughter of Caleb, for his victory.
2	"The Good Left Arm" / The Left-handed Sword of Justice "Hidarikiki no seigi no ken" (左ききの正義の剣)
After the Israelites once again fall into idolatry, they are conquered by King Eglon of the Moabites (another of the Israelites’ many enemies). Ehud, a judge sent by God, leads the Israelites and delivers them from the Moabites. He also kills King Eglon (who was a very fat man) with a double-edged sword by concealing it on his right thigh being left handed.
3	"Stick In The Mud" / A Great Defeat! 900 Units of Iron Tanks "Dai bakuha! 900 dai no tetsu sensha" (大撃破!900台の鉄戦車)
Deborah, a prophetess and a female judge, is sent by God to deliver Israel from the Canaanites. She summoned Barak to become the commander of her army and led the Israelites to overcome the armies from Canaan led by King Jabin and Sisera, their military commander.
4	"That's A Promise" / A Hero's Tears "Eiyuu no namida" (英雄の涙)
Jephthah, a judge sent by God, was tasked with leading the Israelites and delivering them from the Ammonites. Before the battle, he made a vow to God about sacrificing the first thing to meet him should he return in triumph. It turned out to be his daughter and his only child. Later, he fights and defeats the jealous Ephraimites.
5	"Just Rewards" / The boy Who Spoke with God "Shin to hanashita shounen" (神と話した少年)
This tells the story of how Samuel became a judge and prophet of God. Hannah prayed to God and asked for a child. She gave birth to a son and called him Samuel. She offered him to be of service to God and he undergoes training under Eli, who is a judge in Israel. It also tells the story of how the Israelites were able to recapture the Ark of the Covenant from the Philistines.
6	"A Wonderful Gift" / The First King "Hajimete no ousama" (はじめての王様)
Samuel warns the Israelites about their practice of idolatry and tells them to turn to God to help them in their battle against the Philistines (the Israelites’ most bitter and hated enemies). After their obedience to Samuel, the Israelites defeated the Philistines. Also, he selects Saul and anoints him to become the first King of Israel after the people asked Samuel for a king. Then, King Saul leads the Israelites after their war against the Philistines begins once again.
7	"The Mighty Little Shepherd" / David the Shepherd Boy "Hitsuki kai no shounen Dabide" (羊飼いの少年ダビデ)
Samuel selects another king of Israel with God’s guidance after he becomes displeased with King Saul. He particularly selects Jesse’s youngest son, David, who works as a shepherd. Also, King Saul calls for David to play the harp for him and became friends with the king’s children, Jonathan and Michal.
8	"The Bigger They Come" / Confrontation with Goliath the Giant "Kyojin Goriyate to no taiketsu" (巨人ゴリヤテとの対決)
The Israelites and the Philistines go into war which particularly features the battle between David and Goliath, the giant from Gath who is the champion of the Philistines. David kills Goliath and gains popularity among the Israelites.
9	"Faithful and True" / The Prince and the Fugitive "Ouji no otazunemono" (王子とおたずね者)
King Saul becomes jealous of David’s greater popularity among the Israelites. Then David leads the Israelites to another big victory against the Philistines and acquires Michal’s hand in marriage as a reward. King Saul tries to kill David but his best friend, Jonathan, helps him escape from the palace.
10	"David the King" / The Birth of King David "Dabide ou tanjou" (ダビデ王誕生)
King Saul continues to harbour feelings of envy towards David so he and his soldiers continue to pursue him. But in the end, the king and his son, Jonathan, are killed in their battle against the Philistines. After their death, David becomes the king of Israel and rules them for thirty-three years.
11	"In All His Glory" / The Great Successor, King Solomon "Daiou no koukeisha Soromon" (大王の後継者ソロモン)
The story of King Solomon and his great wisdom. It also narrates how he makes judgement about two women arguing and claiming to be the mother of a baby; and when the Queen of Sheba visits him.
12	"The Wicked Queen" / The Queen's Conspiracy "Joou no inbou" (女王の陰謀)
Athaliah (the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, the sister of Ahaziah and Joram, her brothers, the sons of Ahab and Jezebel) was Queen of Judah and she was known for her wickedness. Queen Athlaiah practiced idolatry, she had her husband King Jehoram of Judah lead the nation of Judah to evil and cruelty, and ordered the death of the entire extended family of her son King Ahaziah of Judah to put a stop on the worship of God. However, one grandson named Joash was rescued and raised in secret by the priest Jehoiada. After six years, Jehoiada led a revolt to overthrow Queen Athaliah and the seven-year-old Joash became the new King of Judah.
13	"A Matter Of Time" / The Great Overnight Victory "Ichiya no dai shouri" (一夜の大勝利)
The story of King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah. It narrates how the Israelites were able to free themselves from the Assyrians and the miraculous recovery of King Hezekiah from his illness. Also, it is the final episode as Uri and Gizmo find Ruffles.

American TV Series

Series 1 (2009)

No.	Title
1	"In The Beginning"
The trio – Chris, Joy, and Gizmo – find themselves at the Creation of the Earth and witness the glory of Heaven, the fall of Lucifer, Adam and Eve, and even the fall of man. Superbook then brings them back home before Satan, the Devil, starts making Earth his kingdom and they apologize for sneak peeking at their father’s, a brilliant scientist’s, work. (Superbook takes the Chris, Joy, and Gizmo to these biblical places to teach them wise lessons that they will use in life.)
2	"The Test"
Chris, Joy, and Gizmo are transported to the time of Abraham and witness the birth of Isaac, Abraham's faith in God tested, Isaac's marriage with Rebekah, Isaac's trouble with the Philistines (the archenemies of the Israelites), and how Isaac has two sons called Jacob and Esau. Superbook then brings the kids home and they learn to keep their faith strong no matter what happens.
3	"Jacob and Esau"
Chris, Joy, and Gizmo are transported to the time of Isaac in his old age and they witness Jacob trick Esau out of his birthright, an elderly Isaac blessing Jacob instead of Esau, Jacob fleeing from Esau, Jacob taking a wife, and Jacob reuniting with his brother Esau. Superbook then teleports the kids back home where they learn to forgive others and to never deceive someone.
4	"Let My People Go!"
Chris, Joy and Gizmo are teleported back in time to the period the Israelites where enslaved at the Egyptians' hands, the birth of Moses, Moses becoming a prince of Egypt, Moses fleeing to the desert and to the land of the Midianites (more bitter enemies of the Israelites), Moses receiving a message from God, Moses returns to Egypt and unleashes the Ten Plagues, the Israelites leaving Egypt, and the parting of the Red Sea. Superbook takes them back home and they learn to follow the Lord completely.
5	"The Ten Commandments"
Joy, Chris, and Gizmo are taken back in time to the exodus of the Israelites and they witness the Israelites crossing the Red Sea, the Israelites are attacked by the Amalekites, the Israelites’ many journeys, the golden calf, and even the Lord God’s laws. Superbook brings them home and they learn to honor God by keeping his laws.
6	"A Giant Adventure"
Gizmo, Joy, and Chris are transported to the time of Saul and witness Samuel's prophecy, David killing Goliath, and eventually David becoming king of Israel. Superbook teleports the kids back home where Chris has the courage to play guitar in front of a large crowd.
7	"Roar!"
When Chris finds it difficult to stand up for a boy harassed by a school bully, he, Joy, and Gizmo are transported to the time of Daniel who was under the reign of King Darius. They witness three shrewd advisers planning to get rid of Daniel, King Darius agreeing to their plan, and ultimately Daniel thrown into the lion's den. Chris then learns that it is important to stand up for the right even at the risk of your life and confronts the school bully to stop picking on the school boy.
8	"The First Christmas"
At Christmas Eve, when Chris thinks that the holiday of Christmas time is just about getting presents, he, Joy, and Gizmo are taken to the birth of Jesus by His parents, Mary and Joseph, and witness the shepherds arriving at the manger, three wise men from the East coming to greet the new King with gifts, jealous King Herod ordering the death of children under two years old, and Jesus’s real position as the Lamb of God. Chris then learns that Christmas isn’t about getting. Instead, it is about giving and the gift God gave to the world: His only Son.
9	"The Miracles of Jesus"
When Chris starts to believe that a magician called Miraculo the "Miracle Maker" actually has real powers given by God, he, Joy, and Gizmo are teleported to the time where baby Jesus has grown up and is performing miracles so that the world will know he is the Savior and the Messiah. The kids witness Jesus healing a paralyzed man, Jesus teaching parables to other people, Jesus calming the storm, and Jesus casting demons out of a possessed man. Chris then understands that true miracles only come from the Lord. Satan the Devil appears in every scene and watching Jesus. He declares that he and Jesus are far from through and that their battle has only begun.
10	"The Last Supper"
When Chris starts hanging out with his cool friends and ignoring the less cool Joy, he and Joy and Gizmo are taken to the time when Jesus was about to be put to death on the cross. They witness the last supper between Jesus and his disciples, Judas's betrayal of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, Peter denying Jesus, and after conquering death Jesus appearing to Peter and rebuilding His faith as the Rock of his Church of followers. Chris returns home and then learns that Joy is just as awesome as his cool friends. Satan the Devil is shown possessing Judas and watching as Judas betrays Jesus to the Pharisees and Sadducees who hate Christ very much.
11	"He Is Risen!"
When Chris begins arguing with his mom Phoebe over visiting his relatives, he, Joy, Gizmo, and, surprisingly, Phoebe are taken to the time Jesus is killed and resurrected. They witness Jesus praying at the garden of Gethsemane, Judas betraying Jesus, Peter trying to defend Jesus, Jesus taken before the High Priest, Jesus taken to Pilate, Jesus taken to King Herod Antipas, Jesus being put to death on a tree, and Jesus rising from the dead. They stay just in time to see that Jesus has conquered the grave and appeared to Mary Madelane and His disciples. Later, Chris returns home and apologizes to his mother and their relationship is restored while his mom has no memory of the travel in time. Satan the Devil is seen watching Judas betray Jesus in the garden and is seen gloating over Jesus' death not knowing his reign over Earth had ended.
12	"The Road to Damascus"
When a bad teen comes into Chris' life and Chris doesn't believe that there is hope for such a punk such as the kid, he, Joy, and Gizmo travel back to the time where the disciples of Jesus are being persecuted by sinister Saul of Tarsus. They witness Saul hunting down all Christians, Saul going to Damascus, Jesus appearing to Saul in a blinding light, Ananias restoring Saul's sight, Saul changing his name to Paul, Saul's new life, Saul's journeys and near death experiences. Chris then learns that if a evil man like Saul can be changed that a rebellious teen can surely be changed and so Chris befriends the young kid.
13	"Revelation!: The Final Battle!"
When Chris accidentally burns down his family’s house and thinks that there is no forgiveness for something that big, Superbook takes he and his friends to the time of Revelation, but to test the faith of Chris, Joy and Gizmo, Superbook takes Chris to the field of Armageddon where Satan the Devil is rallying his Demonic minions for the final battle and Superbook takes Joy and Gizmo to the island of Patmos where John, an old John disciple of Jesus Christ, is learning about the future. Satan the Evil One finds Chris and takes on the form of Lucifer, a fallen angel evicted from God’s presence. Satan (as Lucifer) tries to deceive Chris by telling him that the world is corrupt and God is to blame while in the meantime Chris forms suspicions in his mind about his new friend. Meanwhile, Joy and Gizmo talk to John about the future and John tells them Jesus is showing him these secrets to confirm his faith even while John is still on the island. John has seen many things: the four deadly horsemen, the rise of the Antichrist and the False Prophet, and the time when everything will be made new. Soon, John tells the kids about the Holy Spirit and explains that Jesus gave it to His disciples and to them and they must use it by keeping their faith in Christ to the bitter end. Then they are taken to Armageddon. Meanwhile, Satan (still disguised as Lucifer) tries to convince Chris that God and all parents are the problem of the world and then Lucifer (Satan) offers him a “solution”: to eat the fruit off of a tree from the ground – really the tree of evil that would darken Chris’ heart. Just as Chris is about to take the poisonous fruit, he sees through the deception and knows that the “angel” before him is the Devil the Enemy. Because of extreme anger, Satan’s cover is blown and he reveals his true form. Then, Joy and Gizmo arrive and Satan causes massive ugly trees to appear out of the ground to separate Chris from his friends. Immediately, Satan transforms into a gigantic snake and attacks Chris, Joy and Gizmo. When the trio tries to escape, Satan’s Demon army appears and surrounds them. The monstrous Satan gloats that he has won. Suddenly, Jesus and His Angel army appears and beats Satan’s army while Christ finally defeats Satan. Chris then learns that everything can be made new.

Series 2 (2010)

No.	Title
1	"Jonah"
.
2	"Joseph and Pharoah's Dream"
.
3	"The Fiery Furnace"
.
4	"Rahab and the Walls of Jericho"
.
5	"Esther - For Such a Time as This"
.
6	"John the Baptist"
.
7	"Paul and the Shipwreck"
.
8	"Job"
.
9	"Noah and the Ark"
.
10	"Gideon"
.
11	"Peter's Denial"
.
12	"The Prodigal Son"
.
13	"The Tower of Babel and The Day of Pentecost"
.

Series 3 (2011)

No.	Title
1	"Ruth"
.
2	"Elijah and the Prophets of Baal"
.
3	"The Birth of John the Baptist"
.
4	"Isaac and Rebekah"
.
5	"Naaman and the Servant Girl"
.
6	"Samuel and the Call of God"
.
13	"The Good Samaritan"
.

Other titles

• Chinese: 妙妙書 (“Wonder Wonder Book”)
• German: Superbuch
• Polish: Superksiega
• Portuguese: Super Livro; O Livro Incrível (in this version, the Super Book itself is simply called “Bíblía” [Bible].)
• Spanish: El Super Libro
• Swedish: Superbook - Böckernas bok
• Italian: Storie Della Bibbia; Superbook; Libro di Libri (“Book of Books”)
• Afrikaans: Wonder Boek; (“Book of Wonder”)
• Finnish: Superkirja
• Hungarian: Könyvek Könyve (“Book of Books”)
• Romanian: Cartea Cărţilor (“Book of Books”)
• Russian: Суперкнига
• Latvian: Grāmatu grāmata
• Arabic: الكتاب العظيم
• VHS and DVD releases: Superbook Series I and Series II were released on various VHS volumes. Superbook was released for the first time on DVD from later 2005 to early 2006. The three DVD volumes features 4 episodes each from Series I. Episode 6 of the new 3D animated Superbook series was the first to be released on DVD in 2009.[5][self-published source?] Episode 1 of the new Superbook series was released in November 2010 on DVD.[6][self-published source?]

VHS/DVD releases

Superbook Series I and Series II were released on various VHS volumes by Tyndale Entertainment. The entire series was available over 26 VHS Volumes. Superbook was released for the first time on DVD late 2005 to early 2006. The three DVD volumes features 4 episodes each from Series I.

Episode 6 of the new 3D animated Superbook series was the first to be released on DVD in 2009.^[7] Episode 1 of the new Superbook series was released in November 2010 on DVD.^[8]. New Superbook episodes are released as part of CBN's Superbook DVD Club.^[9]

See also

• Other Christian-themed Japanese cartoons:
  • In the Beginning: The Bible Stories
  • The Flying House
• Christian-themed Western cartoons:
  • The Greatest Adventure: Stories from the Bible
  • The Story Keepers

References

1. https://www.cbn.com/kids/superbook
2. http://www.cbn.com/superbook/history.aspx
3. Red, Isah. "'Superbook' airs on GMA 7". Manila Standard. Retrieved 13 July 2014.
4. "Superbook". CBN.com. 2013-10-29. Retrieved 2013-10-29.
5. http://us-en.superbook.cbn.com/episode/superbook-series
6. 『アニメ親子劇場』形式:30分　全26話 制作:1981年　放映:1981年10月～1982年3月 (in Japanese). Tatsunoko Productions. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
7. "First episode of the New Superbook Released on DVD!". CEGAnMo.com. 2009-06-19. Retrieved 2009-06-19.
8. "Another Episode of the New Superbook Coming to DVD in November". CEGAnMo.com. 2010-10-19. Retrieved 2010-10-19.
9. "Superbook DVD Club". CBN. 2012-12-05. Retrieved 2012-12-05.

External links

• The Original Superbook Anime Official Website
• Superbook 2009 Official Website
• Superbook DVD Club
• Superbook Kids Bible App
• Superbook (anime) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia
• Superbook at CEGAnMo.com
• Superbook at the Internet Movie Database
• Superbook at TV.com
• Superbook TV Listing at SmileOfAChildTV.org
• Superbook TV Listing at TBN.org