Today in Nerd History | August 31

Nerd culture is a vibrant tapestry of events, releases, and milestones that have shaped the entertainment landscape. From iconic movies to groundbreaking games and significant literary contributions, this article takes a trip down memory lane to explore the notable nerd culture events that occurred on August 31st in history. Let’s celebrate these cherished moments that have left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans around the world.

Photo Credit: GiveMeSport

WOAH!

On August 31, 1996, Crash Bandicoot released. This classic platformer game follows the adventures of a genetically enhanced bandicoot who must stop the evil Doctor Neo Cortex from conquering the world.

Nerdy Fact: Crash Bandicoot was originally designed as a wombat named Willie, but the developers changed it to a bandicoot after finding them in an Australian wildlife guide.

Photo Credit: Sports Video Game Reviews

Pop Shove-It

On August 31, 1999, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater released. This groundbreaking skateboarding game lets the player perform amazing tricks and combos as one of several legendary skaters in a variety of realistic and creative levels. It spawned a series of 20 games, across several platforms.

Nerdy Fact: The game had a cheat code that enabled the player to play as Spider-Man, who had his own set of tricks and abilities. This was because Neversoft also developed the Spider-Man game for PlayStation in 2000. Tony Hawk can also be spotted in the Spider-Man game, skateboarding on a rooftop.

Photo Credit: Superhero etc.

The New 52

On August 31, 2011, Justice League #1 kicked-off “The New 52” era of DC Comics. The New 52 was a bold initiative to relaunch its entire line of superhero comics with new #1 issues, new costumes, new origins, and a new continuity that merged elements from the previous DC Universe, Wildstorm, and Vertigo Comics.

Nerdy Fact: DC Comics ended the New 52 imprint in June 2015 after the Convergence event, which brought together characters from different universes and timelines, and launched a new line of comics called DC You, which focused on more diversity and creativity. After this event, Action Comics and Detective Comics returned to it’s previous numbering system, bringing their total numbers up to where they should be after adding in The New 52 issues.

Photo Credit: The Hollywood Reporter

We Blend In By Standing Out

On August 31, 2021, Only Murders in the Building premiered on Hulu. This American mystery comedy-drama television series created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman, stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez as three true crime podcast fans who investigate murders in their Upper West Side apartment building.

Nerdy Fact: The show is inspired by the popularity of true crime podcasts, such as Serial and S-Town. The three main characters are fans of a fictional podcast called All Is Not OK in Oklahoma, hosted by Cinda Canning, played by Tina Fey.

Today in Nerd History is produced by Radio Matt & Deidra for Rise & Shine, Nerds, LTN’s official Nerdy Morning News Show.