SuperTed

Story

SuperTed is a faulty teddy bear who is brought to life by an alien, Spotty, using cosmic dust. When trouble arises, SuperTed whispers his magic word (which we never hear) and transforms into a Superhero. He and Spotty protect the world and often come up against Texas Pete and his henchmen who want to rule the world.

Why we chose it

A discarded teddy bear becomes a superhero! SuperTed and his spotty alien sidekick were much loved by children growing up in the 1980s, who fondly remember SuperTed unzipping his fur to reveal the red cape and rocket boots beneath before jetting off to to protect the earth.

Where it came from

Mike Young first came up with the idea to help his son who was afraid of the dark. He went on to turn the stories into books and then in 1981 created the animated series of SuperTed, intending to show children’s television could be made without violence. The cartoon was first released in the Welsh language in 1982, before being released in English on the BBC.

Where it went next

There are now over 100 SuperTed books. In 1980 a SuperTed stuffed toy was released.

In 1989 The Further Adventures of SuperTed was produced in America - it was the first British animated series to be shown in the United States. The series went on to be aired across the world.

In 2016 a reboot was developed, with the characters updated to suit modern audiences.

Associated stories

The SuperTed character has been used in a Public Information Film for the BBC teaching children to safely cross the road.

It was also turned into a stage show, and into a line of vitamin supplements for children.

Look for the SuperTed toy in the display cases in the Enchanted Library.