Cartoon Network's Secrets Revealed

The Secret Saturdays, an animated television series with a retro Jonny Quest-inspired look, debuted in October, 2008, and is still running strong as part of Cartoon Network’s Saturday morning lineup. Created by Canadian cartoonist Jay Stephens, the show centers around a family of cryptozoologists, scientists who study creatures that others consider the stuff of legend, myth, or even practical jokes.

Zak, 11, and his parents, Doc and Drew Saturday, are part of a secret society dedicated to learning more about these amazing cryptids—strange-looking critters that possess all manner of weird abilities—and protecting them from the general public (and vice-versa). The Saturdays journey the world in their high-tech airship to explore ancient ruins and other mysterious locales in search of these fantastic beasts. They also skirmish against various villains, particularly V.V. Argost, a creepy-looking character who hides behind his persona as host of the popular Weirdworld TV series while secretly plotting to gain control over all cryptids and use them for his evil ends.

In between their various adventures, the Saturdays engage in lively banter and wrestle with typical family challenges and concerns. They are aided in their quest to save the world by some really cool gadgets as well as several unusual companions: Fiskerton (a large but lovable gorilla-cat crossover who is like a brother to Zak), Komodo (a better-than-a-dog mutant reptile with super-enhanced self-disguising abilities), and Zon (a pterosaur descendant). Kids can meet the characters, view episode clips, and try out some plot-related games at the Cartoon Network Web site.

Book Tie-ins
Several recently published books with covers featuring dynamic images of Zak and his cohorts are sure to reel in kids who are hooked on the TV show. Random House has launched its “Secret Saturdays” series with two “Stepping Stone”-style volumes, each based on an episode of the cartoon. In Vengeance of the Hibagon, the Saturdays head for Japan to investigate a giant, gorilla-like cryptid that is on the rampage. They soon discover that the beast harbors a mysterious secret involving a misled scientist, a crime lord, and a new brain-transferring technology.

In the second volume, the evil V.V. Argost makes himself The King of Kumari Kandam (an ancient city that sank beneath the ocean long ago and has suddenly reappeared) and leads its inhabitants in attacks against the surface world. When his parents are taken captive, it’s up to Zak to save the day. Short, action-packed chapters with edge-of-your-seat endings keep the pages turning quickly. Awash in deep jewel shades, the single-page illustrations and smaller insets depict the heroes and villains as well as a cast of colorful cryptid characters, while also helping youngsters visualize the twists and turns of the narrative. Just right for newly confident readers as well as reluctant readers, these easy chapter books will grab cartoon fans. (Gr 2-6)

Also from Random House, The Official Cryptid Field Guide presents an overview of the main characters as well as a look at some unusual species. Entries about each cryptid include a habitat map, scale chart (in relation to Zak), danger level rating, description of known traits, and summaries of “recent encounters.” Supplemented by Zak’s “handwritten” comments and personal reflections, the tone is light and entertaining. The easy-to-browse pages are generously illustrated with stills from the series, and the format encourages kids to re-live or delve more deeply into the plot elements of their favorite episodes. (Gr 2-6)

A just-launched graphic novel series from Del Rey blends cartoon stills with succinct dialogue in a fast-paced comic-book treatment. Based on the first episode, Volume 1 introduces the show’s characters, settings, and primary plot arc as the Saturdays hurry to stop the twisted V.V. Argost from acquiring all of the pieces of The Kur Stone. This dangerous relic provides the key to finding the ancient Sumerian Kur, and, as legend has it, whoever controls this cryptid controls all cryptids. Humorous touches abound in both the dialogue and the pictures, as Zak butts heads with his parents and tries to define his role in their mission. The layout is varied and easy to follow, and the colors are vibrantly reproduced. The first of two parts, this winds up with a cliffhanger ending. (Gr 3-6)

Stay tuned, there are more fan-pleasing books to follow from both publishers.

Publication Information
TRIMBLE, I., adapt. The Secret Saturdays: Vengeance of the Hibagon (vol. 1). illus. by Scott Jeralds. PLB $12.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96428-2; pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86428-5.

_____. The Secret Saturdays: The King of Kumari Kandam (vol. 2). illus. by Scott Jeralds. PLB $12.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96429-9; pap. $5.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86429-2.

The Secret Saturdays: The Official Cryptid Field Guide. pap. $9.99. ISBN 978-0-375-85725-6.

Ea vol: Random House. August 2009.

The Secret Saturdays: The Kur Stone (vol. 1). adapt. by Elizabeth Hurchalla. designed and lettered by Tomás Montalvo-Lagos. Del Rey. Aug. 2009. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-345-51694-7.