Superbook
Superbook, also known as Animated Parent and Child Theatre, 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. 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 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 currently producing a new Superbook series and has released fourteen episodes.
When Superbook falls onto a computer keyboard, Ruffles, a dog, is accidentally transported back into the ancient time of Abram, the patriarch.
The time-travelers come across the city of Sodom, which is about to be destroyed because of its wickedness.
The children again come across Abraham, Sarah, and a newly arrived son, named Isaac. Later, the children witness Abraham's nearly attempted sacrifice of Isaac.
The children travel to the Mesopotamian city of Nahor, where they witness a group of people seeking a suitable wife for Abraham's son, Isaac.
The children witness the story of Jacob and his beloved son, Joseph, and how Joseph's jealous brothers sell Joseph into slavery in Egypt.
The children travel to Pharaoh's palace in ancient Egypt where they see Joseph thrown into prison unjustly, only to later be released and given a high position of honor as governor.
The time-travelers witness how Joseph, governor of Egypt, successfully deals with famine in Egypt. Also, they witness how Joseph will deal with his lost brothers who came to Egypt for grain.
The children experience how Joseph tests his brothers to determine whether they are repentant about selling Joseph into slavery years earlier.
The children witness how Egypt no longer welcomes the children of Israel, and how the Israelites are now enslaved and treated brutally. A young man names Moses is coming forth to change things.
The children witness Moses at the burning bush and Moses' demands to Pharaoh to let the Israelites out of bondage and out of Egypt.
The time-travelers experience the many plagues sent upon Egypt to punish Pharaoh for not releasing the enslaved Israelites.
The children witness how the Red Sea parted to provide the Israelites an escape from the Egyptians, and how the closing of the parted sea downs the Egyptian army.
The children experience a complaining group of Israelites, who are punished with poisonous snakes. But finally after 40 years, Israel begins to rally round Joshua, their new leaders.
The time-travelers witness how Othniel conquers the Canaanite city of Debir because Caleb promised a daughter as a reward.
The children witness Ehud's overthrow of King Eglon of Moab. A rebellion has erupted and the Israelites are fighting for their freedom
In this action-filled episode, the Israelites defeat an invading Canaanite army who gets trapped in the mud.
The time-travelers are in ancient Israel when Israel is in a state of war, led by a great but rash general names Jephthah.
The children witness the story of Eli and Samuel in the city of Shiloh.
The time-travelers nearly become involved in a war, and Israel demands that a king be established.
The time-travelers meet a young boy named David, who skillfully uses musical instruments and weapons.
The children witness the battle between David and Goliath, where the future of Israel as a nation rests upon the outcome.
The children witness Saul's jealousy and hatred for David. Saul is determined to kill David, so David flees.
David, who has an opportunity to take Saul's life, spares Saul. Finally, David is proclaimed King of Israel after Saul dies in battle.
The children experience the dedication of the temple and King Solomon's great wisdom.
The children almost experience death when Queen Athaliah decides to kill her "rivals" for the throne, but eventually, the Queen is put to death and a just ruler is installed.
The children find themselves in a country about to be invaded by the might Assyrian army. However, God intervenes and destroys the Assyrians. The children then return to the 20th Century.
Chris, Joy and Gizmo meet Superbook while reluctantly cleaning the attic for Chris' father. Superbook transports the children back in time, where they meet the first man and woman in the Garden of Eden.
Chris, Joy and Gizmo meet Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve. The travelers witness a jealous Cain who kills Abel, and then gets punished.
Superbook takes the children back in time to witness the story of Noah and the flood. During the flood, the children board Noah's ark, along with two of every living thing on earth.
The children travel to meet Abraham and his son Isaac. They witness Abraham attempting to sacrifice Isaac on an altar.
The children journey to see the courtship and marriage of Rebecca and Isaac.
The children witness the story of two brothers, Jacob and Esau. Esau sells his birthright to Jacob, but later regrets it and threatens to kill Jacob.
The children witness the rise to office of a young man, Joseph. The story includes Joseph's slavery in Egypt, his wisdom and revelation, and his becoming governor.
The children witness the life of Moses, and his leadership of the Israelites. The travelers see many miracles, such as the parting of the Red Sea and the discovery of drinking water.
In this action-packed episode, the travelers experience the battle of Jericho, and the fall of the city walls.
The children witness the victorious story of Gideon and his army defeating the Midianites by shouting and breaking pitchers with torches inside.
The children travel back to live the story of Samson, one of the world's most powerful men. Samson gets deceived, captured, and then destroys the temple where he's held a prisoner and slave.
The children experience the first Christmas where they meet Mary and Joseph. Mary bears a child, and King Herod attempts to kill the baby.
Superbook takes the children back in time to see the highlights of Jesus' life, which includes many miracles.
The children experience the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Superbook takes the children through time to ancient Israel, where they meet Naomi and Ruth. Ruth falls in love with Boaz and gets married.
Superbook takes Chris, Joy and Gizmo back in time to meet Job, a wealthy man of great faith.
Superbook takes the children on a journey to meet Jonah. Jonah is thrown from a ship and swallowed by a giant fish. The fish them spits Jonah on the shore.
Superbook takes the children back to ancient Israel where they meet Saul, Israel's first King, and see his rise to office.
The children witness how David kills Goliath the giant with a slingshot. Saul then becomes jealous of David and attempts to kill David.
The children experience how King Solomon came to office and how the King rules with wisdom and understanding.
The travelers witness the story of Elijah the prophet. Elijah performs many miracles, spiritually battles the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel, and wins!
The children witness the exciting story of how Elisha, the prophet, was protected with chariots from the attacking Syrian soldiers. Elisha then leads the captive Syrian soldiers to Samaria.
The children experience the story of Daniel, who was protected by an angel in a den full of lions.
The children are accused of being spies and thus captured. Rescued by Nehemiah, the children experience the battle to protect Jerusalem without completed walls.
The children witness the story of Queen Esther, and how she successfully intercedes for her people to the Persian King. Esther has wisdom on how an internal enemy of the King is deceiving him.
The children experience the many miracles of Paul's ministry.
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Language | Japanese |
| Release | 1981-10-01 |
| Producer | Tatsunoko Production |