Sydney
June 19-21, 2026
Sydney Showground Olympic Park
Written by Leah Williams
January is shaping up to be a stellar month for pop culture, with the release of the final Maze Runner film, some awesome gaming releases in Ni no Kuni II, Dragon Ball FighterZ and Monster Hunter World alongside the return of DC’s Dark Nights: Metal and so much more.
Not only is this January packed with pop culture greatness, it’s a pretty significant month for pop culture history, playing host to a range of weird and wonderful milestones. Here are a few of our favourites.
Jan 1, 1818 – Frankenstein is published
Mary Shelley’s debut novel made waves when it was released, and has since spawned countless film, television and stage adaptations.
Jan 7, 1934 – Flash Gordon comic strip debuts
Alex Raymond’s famous space opera comic strip debuted, inspired by Buck Rogers. It has gone on to become a film franchise, as well as a live-action and animated television series.
Jan 9, 2011 – FOX’s Bob’s Burgers premieres
The tales of the unassuming Belchers began on this date, introducing audiences around the world to the hilarious exploits of Tina, Gene, Louise, Linda and Bob.
Jan 10, 1927 – Fritz Lang’s Metropolis released in German cinemas
This dystopic masterpiece has inspired countless films, including Star Wars, Blade Runner and Dark City, and laid the blueprint for many iconic sci-fi franchises.
Jan 12, 1966 – ABC’s Batman TV show crashes the scene
Now lovingly referred to as Batman ’66, this iconic series premiered to a rapt audience and brought fun and humour to the superhero genre.
Jan 12, 2001 – Lizzie McGuire first airs
The idol of many young teens, Lizzie McGuire launched the career of Hilary Duff, and should bring back fond memories for any ’90s children.
Jan 13, 1930 – Mickey Mouse newspaper strip appears
After his big screen debut in 1928’s Steamboat Willie, Mickey Mouse’s popularity led to the creation of his first comic strip appearance on this date, written by Walt Disney himself.
Jan 17, 1929 – Popeye makes his first appearance
Sailor and everyman Popeye debuted on this date in comic strip Thimble Theatre, soon becoming the principal character and forging his way to pop culture icon status.
Jan 20, 2006 – High School Musical airs on The Disney channel
Pop culture phenomenon High School Musical danced and sung its way into the hearts of many young kids and teens when it first aired on this date.
Jan 23, 1983 – The A-Team premieres on NBC
The arrival of John “Hannibal” Smith, Templeton “Faceman” Peck, Howling Mad Murdock and B.A. Baracus on our screens heralded the birth of the brand new and long-enduring A-Team franchise on this date.
Jan 29, 1959 – Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty is released
Everybody’s favourite adaptation of the classic fairy tale premiered in cinemas on this date and continues to enchant entire generations to this day.
Join us next month as we take a look at February’s significance in pop culture history.
