Film Synopsis:

In 1981, the Christian Broadcasting Network created a children animated Bible series as part of an outreach to the nation of Japan. Little did we realize what impact the series would have in Japan and throughout the world. The English name for this series was “Superbook”.

Research performed during and after the outreach showed that this series was an unprecedented success. Superbook, also known as Animated Parent and Child Theater (Anime Oyako Gekijo), is an anime television series produced by Tatsunoko Productions in Japan in conjunction with the Christian Broadcasting Network in the United States. Over 8 million people a night watched Superbook on Japanese prime-time television, 104 episodes were produced and aired on television throughout Japan, and the Bible became the best selling book in Japan. From Japan, the Superbook series went on to air throughout the world from Asia to North America… by John J. Schafer

Now it’s time to believe God for even greater things. We are bringing the new “Superbook” to a new generation!

Using state-the-art animation, each episode features Superbook’s heroes — Chris, Joy and Gizmo — as they travel through time finding adventure and discovering biblical truth that speaks to today’s kids.

These beloved Superbook characters are being re-imagined in CBN’s updated version of the animated classic. First airing in Japan in the early 1980s, the series sparked an interest in the Bible in the minds of kids around the world. Today, a team of talented artists, including a few industry veterans, is bringing these adventures back to life.

There are Thirteen 22-minute episodes in production. We intend to begin their release to the retail market in late summer/early fall of 2011. Our vision is to produce a total of 104 episodes over a period of eight years.

Season 1,

Episode 1: A Giant Adventure

For “A Giant Adventure,” there were key moments that Gordon Robertson (Executive Producer) really wanted in there. The biggest thing was that the anointing of David had to be a powerful moment. He wanted to really show that no one saw value in David, not even his own father. Gordon wanted the children of the world to know… “You have a purpose. You have a destiny, and no matter what anyone says about you God has a plan for you.”

Of all the episodes we could have done as a pilot, we thought of David and Goliath mainly because we could show people the cool fight scene. Gordon approved it not because of the action scene, but he thought that it could really speak to people. He wanted to show that this kid was plucked out of obscurity to all of the sudden one day he is going to become king. The anointing scene was a very powerful one, and then he was in the chambers with Saul. At that moment, he wanted there to be a powerful time when Saul saw something David.

Episode 2: In the Beginning

When Chris disobeys his father by sneaking into the Quantum lab to look at the Professor’s latest invention, he has an accident that almost destroys the top secret work-in-progress. Chris is mortified and doesn’t know what he’ll say to his father. Superbook intervenes and takes our three heroes on a journey to witness Lucifer’s fall and transformation into Satan during a blistering heavenly battle. After Satan has been cast to Earth, Chris, Joy and Gizmo are witness to the destruction of Adam and Eve’s perfect world in Eden due to their own disobedience. Superbook eventually returns our kids home with an important message about God’s love and forgiveness. Chris has come to understand that we’re all human and in our weakness we do things we shouldn’t; however, God knows this and is forgiving. Chris applies his new found knowledge to his relationship with his own father. Although the Professor is disappointed in his son’s disobedience, he does love Chris and ultimately forgives him – but there are repercussions and Chris knows he will need to make amends for what’s occurred through his act of disobedience.

Episode 3: Let My People Go

You and your children will experience the adventure as you watch Moses confront Pharaoh, witness the miracles God performed, survive the plagues, and see the parting of the Red Sea.  You’ll discover the important lesson that when God is for us, it doesn’t matter who is against us!  We can always count on God and His great love.

Episode 4: The First Christmas

The kids in your life will love this new Superbook adventure as they learn the true meaning of Christmas and why Jesus came into our world. From Bethlehem’s manger to the majestic choir of angels – it’s sure to be a holiday classic in your home for many years to come!

Episode 5: Roar

Daniel and the lions’ den. Chris is morally challenged, “to do the right thing,” when a smaller boy, Tommy, is harassed by Skateboard Park bully, Barry. SUPERBOOK takes the kids off to an adventure where they meet Daniel and King Darius in the land of Babylon. Through this adventure, Chris learns that no matter how difficult the situation, when you stand up for what is right, God will be with you.

Your kids will learn about courage and God’s awesome power and protection.

Episode 6: The Test

The story of Abraham and Isaac. Chris is stoked because he got an HoloStation 4, the ultimate holographic gaming system! But Chris starts to feel a twinge of guilt, when he hears that a sick boy in the hospital would like to have one. It takes SUPERBOOK’S assistance to turn Chris around after he meets Abraham and Issac. Through Abraham’s obedience to God, Chris learns that you should put God first, above all else (even an Holostation 4) and everything else will work out.

Your kids will learn that unexpected joy and happiness sometimes come through the hardest choices we have to make.

Check out the Prequel Series “Superbook: The Series I“

 Check out the sister series: “The Flying House“