Today in Nerd History | March 29

March 29 brings us a seminal Batman story, the rise of a legendary MMORPG, and a virtual reality thrill ride. Let’s explore some Nerdy Facts about The Killing Joke, RuneScape, and Ready Player One!

Inclusion on this list does not imply that the entry is family friendly, only that it was a nerd culture milestone. Parents should, of course, use discernment.

On March 29, 1988, DC Comics released Alan Moore and Brian Bolland’s The Killing Joke, one of the most influential Batman tales ever told.

Nerdy Facts:

• A Darker Joker: “The Killing Joke” is renowned for its mature and psychological exploration of the Joker’s character, presenting him in a more tragic and horrifying light than ever before.
• Lasting Impact: The events of this comic had significant repercussions, most notably paralyzing Barbara Gordon (Batgirl), a controversial decision that has influenced Batman stories for years.
• Iconic Artwork: Brian Bolland’s art in “The Killing Joke” is often cited as some of the best in comic book history, with its meticulous detail and expressive characters adding depth to Moore’s dark narrative.

On March 29, 2004, RuneScape (in its second incarnation) invited players into its free-to-play medieval fantasy world, defining a new era of browser-based MMORPGs.

Nerdy Facts:

• A Dynamic World: RuneScape was groundbreaking for its non-linear approach to gameplay, offering players the freedom to choose their own adventures, skills to master, and goals to achieve.
• Ever-Evolving: The game has undergone numerous updates and reiterations, including a major overhaul in 2013 known as RuneScape 3, yet it still maintains a loyal fan base with its classic version, Old School RuneScape.
• Guinness World Record: RuneScape holds the world record for the world’s largest and most-updated free MMORPG, a testament to its enduring popularity and the developers’ commitment to the game.

On March 29, 2018, Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One transported audiences into the Oasis, a virtual reality world brimming with pop-culture references.

Nerdy Facts:

• A Pop Culture Treasure Trove: “Ready Player One” is packed with references to movies, video games, music, and television shows, making it a fun scavenger hunt for pop culture aficionados.
• Spielberg’s Touch: While Spielberg chose to omit references to his own films to avoid the appearance of self-promotion, eagle-eyed fans can still spot a few subtle nods to his iconic works.
• Virtual Reality Pioneer: The film’s depiction of virtual reality and its potential impact on society sparked conversations about the future of VR technology and its role in entertainment and social interaction.

March 29 celebrates a game-changing Batman comic, a groundbreaking MMORPG, and a cinematic ode to virtual reality adventures. Happy Nerd History Day!