The Secret Origin of Supernova

Summary
Arthur is dismayed when he learns that the energy drink endorsed by Dark Bunny, his favorite super hero, is unhealthy. He goes in search of a new superhero.

Plot
An announcer introduces Futuropolis, where Arthur works as an insurance clerk. When "disaster strikes," he becomes a superhero called Supernova. He is then joined by Starchild and Sirius the Super Dog, as Starchild tells the viewers to stay tuned for "The Secret Origin of Supernova."

The Secret Origin of Supernova

While Arthur and Buster are watching Dark Bunny, they learn of both a comic convention coming to Elwood City and the Dark Bunny Might-a-Max Energy Drink, which is endorsed by Dark Bunny himself. They go to buy costumes, planning to dress up as Dark Bunny and Bionic Bunny for the convention, and Arthur buys the energy drink.

Arthur shows off the energy drink to his friends, but Brain reads the ingredients and informs Arthur that the drink is just sugar, water, and food coloring. Arthur is disappointed, especially after remembering Dark Bunny's "self-imposed code of honor," and throws away his drink, then gets rid of all his Dark Bunny merchandise.

At Meteor Comix, Arthur and Buster look through a book of super heroes for one to dress up as, and Arthur decides on Manacle. After learning that a branded cereal called Manacle-Os is unhealthy, he takes down his Manacle posters.

Arthur looks through the book again, and sees Doodle Dog. He recalls having liked Doodle Dog cartoons when he was younger. After Francine sees Arthur with a Doodle Dog water bottle, she takes him to some kindergartners, who say that Doodle Dog is "for babies." Arthur throws his water bottle in the garbage.

Arthur asks Freddy K. who his favorite super hero is, and he chooses Jack Kirby, who invented a lot of characters in the 1940s-60s.

After a dream, Arthur chooses to dress up as Supernova. While he initially thinks his costume is silly, D.W. thinks it is cool and wants to be his partner. They go to the convention, and Arthur's friends like their costumes as well. Arthur is called to look at some Dark Bunny comics, and he realizes that he doesn't have to buy everything that's sponsored and can still enjoy Dark Bunny.

Major

 * Arthur Read
 * Buster Baxter
 * Freddy K.
 * Francine Frensky

Minor

 * D.W. Read
 * David Read
 * Pal
 * Binky Barnes
 * Muffy Crosswire
 * The Brain
 * Dark Bunny
 * Liam

Cameo

 * Ms. Morgan
 * Kate
 * Jane Read
 * Kyle
 * Amanda Hulser
 * Czech student

Trivia

 * The kindergartners are identical to the children at the Elwood City Preschool.
 * The blankie appears again, but in a fantasy and as Starchild's weapon.

Episode connections

 * Buster mentions Captain Pomodoro and Cat Saver as superheroes that he invented.

Cultural references

 * Supernova is a parody of the Marvel Comics hero Nova.
 * Jack Kirby was an actual comic book legend. He worked for both Marvel and DC Comics, and created such characters as The Demon for DC, and Silver Surfer for Marvel. However, he is more famous for his co-creations with Stan Lee, including Spider-Man, The Avengers, the X-Men, and the Fantastic Four.
 * Doodle Dog is a parody of the animated character Underdog.

Errors

 * Although the flashback is chronologically set before "Arthur's Eyes," Arthur is seen wearing glasses.
 * Liam, Amanda, and Kyle are called "kindergartners" by Francine, despite being in preschool.
 * Near the end, D.W. is wearing her Starchild costume, and she's wearing a short sleeve shirt, but when Arthur and D.W. go to the convention, she is wearing the same shirt, but it is long sleeve.

Production notes

 * This is the final episode to feature the Super Sister title card.