Today in Nerd History | September 11

Today’s lineup gives us a beloved DC antihero’s debut, a basketball game with plumber power-ups, and a level-building tool that let fans unleash their inner Nintendo designer. Let’s dive in!

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.

Harley Quinn made her first appearance on September 11, 1992, in “Batman: The Animated Series.” Created by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm, Harley was initially introduced as a sidekick and love interest for the Joker, but she quickly became a fan-favorite character in her own right.

Nerdy Facts:

• Original Creation: Harley Quinn was not part of the original Batman comics but was created specifically for “Batman: The Animated Series.” Her popularity led to her inclusion in the DC Comics universe.
• Voice Acting: Harley Quinn was voiced by actress Arleen Sorkin in her original appearances, and Sorkin’s performance helped shape the character’s quirky and chaotic personality.
• Cultural Icon: Since her debut, Harley Quinn has become one of DC Comics’ most popular characters, starring in her own comic series, animated shows, and films, including “Suicide Squad” and “Birds of Prey,” where she is portrayed by Margot Robbie.

“Mario Hoops: 3-on-3,” developed by Square Enix and published by Nintendo, was released on September 11, 2006, for the Nintendo DS. This basketball game features Mario and other characters from the Mushroom Kingdom, combining traditional basketball gameplay with Mario’s unique brand of fun and power-ups.

Nerdy Facts:

• Square Enix Collaboration: The game was developed by Square Enix, known for the “Final Fantasy” series, and features several characters from their games, including Black Mage, White Mage, and Cactuar, as playable characters.
• Stylus Controls: “Mario Hoops: 3-on-3” took advantage of the DS’s touch screen by allowing players to control the game using the stylus to perform dribbles, passes, and special moves.
• Unique Power-Ups: As with many Mario sports games, “Mario Hoops: 3-on-3” introduced various power-ups like bananas, Koopa shells, and stars, adding an extra layer of strategy and chaos to the basketball matches.

“Super Mario Maker” was released on September 11, 2015, for the Wii U, with a 3DS version following later. This game allowed players to create, share, and play custom Mario levels using a variety of tools and assets from different Mario games.

Nerdy Facts:

• Creative Freedom: “Super Mario Maker” gave players unprecedented creative control, allowing them to design their own Mario levels with tools from multiple games, including “Super Mario Bros.,” “Super Mario World,” and “New Super Mario Bros. U.”
• Community-Driven: The game’s online component allowed players to share their levels with others, creating a massive library of user-generated content and fostering a vibrant community of creators and players.
• Legacy: The success of “Super Mario Maker” led to the release of “Super Mario Maker 2” on the Nintendo Switch in 2019, which introduced even more features and tools for level creation.

September 11th is a day that celebrates the creation of beloved characters, the joy of creative gameplay, and the enduring appeal of the Mario franchise. Happy Nerd History Day to all who appreciate these iconic and influential releases!