Adelaide
November 2-3, 2024
Adelaide Showground
Written by Leah Williams
April is shaping up to be another great month for pop culture aficionados, especially for Marvel fans, with the release of blockbuster Avengers: Infinity War and the premiere of Legion season two.
There’s also a host of shows returning to our screens, including new episodes of Supergirl, Fear The Walking Dead, The Originals, Westworld, The 100 and more
But let’s go back in time for a moment and check out April’s pop culture history. This month plays host to several iconic debuts, milestones and premieres from across the pop culture landscape and is also historically significant for many of our delightful “Supa-Stars”, including Peter Capaldi, Tom Welling and Arthur Adams, who celebrate birthdays this month.
April, 2008 – Bruce Mutard‘s The Sacrifice is published
The “Supa-Star” began his acclaimed graphic novel trilogy on this date. It deals with conflict, love and family in Melbourne following World War II.
April, 1940 – Robin, the Boy Wonder, joins Batman in Detective Comics #38
This issue marked the first appearance of Dick Grayson as Robin, the Boy Wonder, a sidekick introduced to make the Batman title more accessible for younger readers. Grayson would stay in the role until 1984 when he became Nightwing, being replaced initially by Jason Todd, then Tim Drake and later, by Bruce Wayne’s son, Damian Wayne.
April 1, 2012 – The Ultimate Spider-Man animated TV show begins
This rebooted the Spider-Man universe, which later featured a guest appearance from “Supa-Star” Elizabeth Henstridge’s Agent Jenna Simmons.
April 15, 2017 – Doctor Who’s tenth series premieres
Fans were introduced to new companion Bill Potts, portrayed by the brilliant Pearl Mackie, who you can catch at Supanova Melbourne and Gold Coast.
April 16, 2013 – Injustice: Gods Among Us is released
This video game featured a host of great talent, including “Supa-Stars” Alan Tudyk as Green Arrow and Troy Baker as Sinestro.
April 17, 2011 – HBO premieres Game Of Thrones
Game Of Thrones premiered on this day, adapting George R.R. Martin’s epic fantasy tale of warring kingdoms and familial betrayal. The series would go on to become one of the most popular HBO programs of all time, earning several awards across its run. Among its alumni is Finn Jones, who played the charming Loras Tyrell, and will appear at Supanova in June.
April 19, 1989 – Dragon Ball’s final episode airs
One week later, Dragon Ball Z began airing. Both series were later dubbed into English, and featured the voice talent of Stephanie Nadolny as Kid Goku and Kid Gohan.
April 25, 1940 – The Joker debuts in Batman #1
Iconic Batman villain The Joker made his first appearance in the pages of Batman #1, and was intended to be killed off during his initial appearance. After editorial interference, the character was allowed to live on, and has since become Batman’s most enduring rogue.
April 25, 2012 – Tom Taylor and Chris Calf’s Star Wars: Blood Ties Volume 2 begins
It kicked off with the intriguingly titled Boba Fett Is Dead #1, starting a brilliant whodunit mystery.
April 28, 1994 – The Simpsons celebrates 100 episodes
With the episode Sweet Seymour Skinner’s Baadasssss Song, iconic animated series The Simpsons celebrated its 100th episode. It was a sign of big things to come; 24 years on and The Simpsons have since passed their 600th episode, with no apparent end in sight. Appropriately, the chalkboard gag for this episode featured the phrase, “I will not celebrate meaningless milestones.”
Join us again next month as we take you through the magnificent marvels of May!
Pic: Sean Bean as Ned Stark in Game Of Thrones
