Today in Nerd History | September 12

Today we saddle up with a TV Western juggernaut, meet a villain who can give The Flash a run for his money, cook up some touchscreen fun, raid ancient tombs in high-definition, and roll dice for adventure in a brand-new actual play series. Let’s get started!

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.

“Bonanza!,” created by David Dortort, premiered on NBC on September 12, 1959. This Western television series followed the lives of the Cartwright family on their Nevada ranch, the Ponderosa. The show became one of the most popular and longest-running Westerns in TV history.

Nerdy Facts:

• Color TV Pioneer: “Bonanza!” was one of the first television series to be broadcast in color, which helped it stand out and attract viewers during the early days of color television.
• Iconic Theme: The show’s theme song, composed by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, became instantly recognizable and is one of the most iconic TV themes of all time.
• Long-Running Success: “Bonanza!” ran for 14 seasons and 431 episodes, making it one of the longest-running Western series in television history. It also left a lasting impact on the genre, influencing future Western-themed shows and films.

Zoom, also known as Hunter Zolomon, made his first appearance in “The Flash: Secret Files, Origins #3,” published on September 12, 2001. Created by Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins, Zoom became one of The Flash’s most dangerous and complex villains.

Nerdy Facts:

• Time Manipulation: Unlike other speedsters, Zoom doesn’t move fast through space; he manipulates time, making it seem like he’s moving at super speed while everyone else slows down.
• Tragic Backstory: Hunter Zolomon’s transformation into Zoom was fueled by personal tragedy and a desire to make The Flash a better hero by putting him through extreme challenges, reflecting a twisted sense of justice.
• Live-Action Adaptation: Zoom has appeared in several live-action adaptations, including the TV series “The Flash,” where he was portrayed by actor Teddy Sears, adding another layer of menace to The Flash’s rogues’ gallery.

“Cooking Mama,” developed by Office Create and published by Taito, was released on September 12, 2006, for the Nintendo DS. This cooking simulation game quickly became a hit for its fun and engaging gameplay, allowing players to prepare various dishes using the DS’s touch screen.

Nerdy Facts:

• Interactive Cooking: “Cooking Mama” made clever use of the Nintendo DS’s touch screen and stylus, allowing players to chop, mix, stir, and cook their way through a variety of recipes in a hands-on manner.
• Global Appeal: The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay made it popular across different age groups and regions, leading to numerous sequels and spin-offs on various platforms.
• Mama’s Legacy: “Cooking Mama” became a beloved franchise, known for its cheerful and encouraging titular character, Mama, who would praise or scold players based on their cooking performance.

CollegeHumor’s subscription service Dropout premiered Dimension 20, a tabletop roleplaying show blending comedy, character drama, and elaborate set pieces. Dungeon Master Brennan Lee Mulligan quickly became known for his theatrical storytelling and lightning improv skills.

Nerdy Facts:

• The first season, Fantasy High, mashed up high school teen drama with classic D&D tropes.
• The show uses practical miniatures and sets to bring battles to life.
• Dimension 20 has since expanded into multiple “side quests” and anthology campaigns.

“Shadow of the Tomb Raider,” developed by Eidos-Montréal and published by Square Enix, was released on September 12, 2018. This action-adventure game serves as the conclusion to the rebooted Tomb Raider trilogy, chronicling Lara Croft’s evolution into the iconic tomb raider.

Nerdy Facts:

• Dark Tone: “Shadow of the Tomb Raider” features a darker, more mature tone compared to its predecessors, focusing on Lara Croft’s internal struggles and the consequences of her actions as she confronts the deadly Trinity organization.
• Immersive Environments: The game is praised for its stunning visuals and detailed environments, including lush jungles, ancient tombs, and vibrant cities, providing players with a rich and immersive experience.
• Cultural Sensitivity: The developers worked closely with historians and cultural consultants to ensure that the depictions of ancient civilizations, such as the Maya, were respectful and accurate, adding depth to the game’s narrative and world-building.

September 12th is a day that celebrates classic television, thrilling comic book villains, fun and interactive gaming, and the evolution of a legendary video game heroine. Happy Nerd History Day to all who enjoy these iconic and influential releases!