
Melbourne
March 29-30, 2025
Melbourne Showgrounds
Written by Leah Williams
February is bursting with pop culture treats this year, with the highly anticipated release of Black Panther, the debut of Netflix’s Altered Carbon, and the return of The Tick, Legends Of Tomorrow and more to your television screens.
Not only does this month play host to a range of great releases across television, film and gaming, did you know it also saw the debut of Deadpool and Bela Lugosi’s iconic Count Dracula in the past? Here are few more notable events.
Feb, 1917 – The very first anime film is released
Much debate exists over the first anime film to be produced, but many critics agree that Dekobō Shingachō: Meian no Shippai (Bumpy New Picture Book – Failure Of A Great Plan) is the oldest confirmed film release to feature anime’s now well-known style.
Feb, 1940 – Captain Marvel/Shazam debuts in Whiz Comics #2
While the exact date is unknown, it was this month that legendary superhero Captain Marvel, aka as Shazam, made his debut. He was first created by Fawcett Comics, before being controversially ousted from print by rival DC Comics, and later licensed by DC for continued use. A feature film based on the character is expected to be released in April of 2019.
Feb 1, 1974 – The Punisher arrives on the scene in The Amazing Spider-Man #129
Frank Castle, aka The Punisher, made his debut on this date, as an assassin tasked with hunting down Spider-Man. The character has since become iconic, recently scoring a Netflix series.
Feb 2, 1964 – G.I. Joe action figures are first released
This line of famous toys first debuted on this day, and soon spawned a franchise that covered cartoons, animated movies and even a live-action film series in 2009.
Feb 4, 2000 – The Sims is released for Microsoft Windows
Kickstarting the enduring Sims franchise, the original title was released on this day, becoming the best-selling PC game in history by 2002. It has since led to several sequels and spin-offs, including The Sims Medieval and The Sims Social.
Feb 4, 1938 – Disney’s Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs is released nationally
While Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs first premiered in December of 1937, it wasn’t until February of the following year that it received a nationwide release in the United States, quickly becoming a beloved family favourite. Snow White was soon followed by family favourite Pinocchio, on Feb 7, 1940.
Feb 10, 1991 – Deadpool debuts in New Mutants #98
The Merc with a Mouth made his first appearance on this date, going toe to toe with Cable and his New Mutants as an evil, mercenary assassin. His popularity would soon spawn several solo titles, comic cameos and television appearances. On Feb 11, 2016, his first feature film was released with a sequel this year.
Feb 11, 1999 – Final Fantasy VIII releases in Japan
While Australian audiences had to wait until Oct 29 for the localisation of what is considered the best Final Fantasy of all time, it was on this date that the game first debuted. Featuring the tales of Squall Leonhart, Rinoa Heartilly and their team, it represented a leap for the franchise, and remains highly regarded today.
Feb 20, 2005 – Robot Chicken premieres on Adult Swim
Created by Seth Green and Matthew Senreich, this irreverent sketch comedy series premiered on this day, sending up a variety of popular characters and franchises.
Feb 28, 2017 – The stunning Horizon Zero Dawn is released
On this date, heroine Aloy made her draw-dropping debut in Horizon Zero Dawn, which imagined a future where technology had overrun the world. The game soon became the second best-selling Playstation 4 video game of all time, and received high praise from critics.
Join us again next month as we take you through March’s pop culture milestones.