Superbook

YouTube Channel Review

Back in the early 80s, Superbook was an anime kids television series that taught biblical concepts and lessons for children of all ages. Now, the series is getting a reboot from CBN, the Chrirstian Broadcasting Network, which can be found not only on their app, but also on YouTube.

The original series introduced viewers to Chris, his robot Gizmo and a friend named Joy as the main characters. Now, Chris is known as Chris Quantum, a middleschool gamer, skateboard fanatic and guitarist. And he’s once again joined by his advanced, intelligent robot Gizmo; and as his athletic neighbor and friend, Joy.

Together, these three find a Superbook, which doubles as a portal to the past. It allows them to travel through time to moments in the Old and New Testament.

This fun YouTube channel not only helps these digitally savvy middle schoolers travel, but it helps kids of all ages learn about stories in the Bible and the lessons that can be learned. Lessons focus on themes such as faith, holiness, honor, obedience and other biblical topics in each 20- to 30-minute animated episode. And additional vlog called The Superbook Show further helps teens break down these biblical concepts.

Positive Content

In the episodes we reviewed, Chris and his friends learn about why it’s important to obey God and your parents. Chris also learns about the importance of consequences.

Chris stands up against temptation, telling Satan that he will not be a slave to him. Chris and his friends learn lessons of forgiveness, responsibility, living your life for the Lord and making choices that honor God.

In the vlog, two teens discuss why we are not called to have a spirit of fear (see 2 Timothy 1:7). They talk about how to trust God as he teaches us dependence.

Content Concerns

One scene deals with Lucifer and his dark angels fighting against angels in heaven with swords ablaze. This scene, and others that deal with Satan, might be too scary for young or sensitive viewers.

In the Garden of Eden, before the Fall, we hear that Adam and Eve were naked. Chris and Joy are freaked out by this, but nothing is shown.

Channel Summary

This imaginative and contemporary reboot of an ’80s franchise delivers some terrific biblical lessons, and it does so with a storytelling emphasis on technology that will appeal to many kids today. The only mild cautions here for parents involve being aware of some biblical subjects (such as Lucifer’s fall from heaven, as noted above) that might be a bit too intense for preschool-aged kids.