Terry and the Gunrunners facts for kids
Terry and the Gunrunners is a popular book created by New Zealand authors Bob Kerr and Stephen Ballantyne. It's a comic book that became famous and even led to a TV show!
The first Terry and the Gunrunners comic book came out in 1982. It was part of a series that also featured Terry and the Yodelling Bull (1986) and Terry and the Last Moa (1991). The comic was very successful in New Zealand, selling more than 20,000 copies. The main character, Terry, became a well-known "retro-icon," meaning he was a cool character from the past. His image was even used on T-shirts! The book was re-released in 2015 when a new TV show based on it was made.
Meet Terry Teo and His Adventures
The story of Terry and the Gunrunners follows Terry Teo, a skateboarding schoolboy who is the main hero. Terry is brave and ready for action. He teams up with his sister, Polly, who is an expert in martial arts. Together, they face off against a dangerous character named Ray Vegas, who is a gunrunner. Ray Vegas has two helpers, Bluey and Curly, who also cause trouble. The comic book uses bright colors and exciting scenes to bring the story to life, just like a real comic book.
From Comic to Screen: TV Shows
Terry and the Gunrunners became so popular that it was turned into a children's television series in 1985. This TV show was a big hit! Adrian Bell played the role of Terry Teo. Many famous people appeared in the series, including Michael Bentine from a comedy group called The Goons, and Billy T. James, a well-known comedian. Even Rob Muldoon, who used to be the Prime Minister of New Zealand, made an appearance! The catchy theme song for the show was written by Don McGlashan. You can watch the original series online at NZ On Screen.
In the 1980s, the story was also adapted into a stage show. This live performance was even accompanied by the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra, making it a grand event.
Years later, on October 11, 2013, it was announced that a new TV series based on Terry and the Gunrunners would be made. NZ On Air, an organization that funds New Zealand television, provided money for Semi-Professional Pictures to create this new version for TV2.
