Adelaide
November 2-3, 2024
Adelaide Showground
Written by Leah Williams
March is shaping up to be an absolutely fantastic month for movies, with the release of the highly anticipated Pacific Rim Uprising, Ava DuVernay’s fairy tale story, A Wrinkle in Time, the easter egg filled Ready Player One, and blockbuster video game adaptation, Tomb Raider.
With a host of great movies, television shows and video games coming out, including Far Cry 5, Kirby Star Allies and Detective Pikachu, as well as the premiere of Krypton, Jessica Jones season two and more, March is packed full of pop culture goodness. But, did you know that this month in history, Captain America, Batman and Iron Man all made their spectacular debuts? Here are a few of our favourite March events.
Mar 1, 1941 – Captain America debuts
What better way is there for a patriotic comic book character to debut than punching out Hitler in his first issue? Captain America Comics #1 answered this question definitively, premiering the long enduring superhero Captain America on this day. He’s since gained widespread popularity through Chris Evans’ much loved performance in the Avengers and Captain America film franchises.
Mar 2, 1933 – King Kong crashes the scene in his first self-titled feature film
King Kong has gone on to become a mammoth franchise, crossing over with the likes of Godzilla and Doc Savage, but it all started on this date, with the release of King Kong’s first ever feature film. It has since been ranked as the greatest horror film of all time, and has received multiple film adaptations, including 2017’s Kong: Skull Island.
Mar 4, 1964 – Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch and the Brotherhood of Evil Mutants debut in The X-Men #4
Anti-heroes Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch made their debut in this issue of The X-Men, as conflicted villains tasked with defeating the titular X-Men. They would later go on to become Avengers, and featured in 2015’s Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Mar 6, 2000 – Mobile Suit Gundam Wing airs on Cartoon Network
Mobile Suite Gundam Wing became the first Gundam series to be aired on Western television on this date, following the journey of five teenage boys tasked with piloting mechanical Gundam suits to defeat the evil Alliance that has taken over Earth. The popularity of the Gundam Wing franchise soared after its Western premiere, and has since launched a variety of media including films, novels, figures and games.
Mar 10, 1997 – Buffy The Vampire Slayer premieres on The WB Network
The iconic Buffy Summers slayed her first vampire in the premiere episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer on this date. It would go on to gain cult status, lasting seven seasons, spawning a five season Angel spin-off, and eventually leading to further seasons and spin-offs in comic book form.
Mar 11, 1984 – Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind premieres
This 1984 animated film is regarded as one of the most influential anime films of all time, and is widely acclaimed for its gorgeous animation and mature story. Taking place in a post-apocalyptic world, it follows the melancholy tale of Princess Nausicaä as she battles an opposing kingdom across mountains and jungles.
Mar 27, 2007 – Cassandra Clare’s City Of Bones is released
Young adult franchise The Mortal Instruments began on this day, with the release of the stellar City Of Bones. It was followed by several sequels and two spin-off series’, as well as being adapted into a feature film, and a television show known as Shadowhunters.
Mar 30, 1939 – Batman makes his grand entrance in Detective Comics #27
Everybody’s favourite caped crusader arrived on the scene on this date to strike fear into the hearts of villains everywhere. In his debut issue, he took on one-time villain Alfred Stryker, who dies after being knocked into an acid tank.
Mar 30, 1990 – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles makes its live-action debut
A childhood favourite of many, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles made their film debut on this date, kicking off a series of live action films, and an eventual reboot in 2014.
Mar 31, 1985 – The first Wrestlemania takes place, kicking off an annual WWE tradition
The original Wrestlemania event took place on this date, showcasing a main event match that saw Hulk Hogan team up with the A-Team’s Mr T. to face off against Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff. Also appearing on the card was Cyndi Lauper, André the Giant and Muhammad Ali.
Mar 31, 1999 – The Matrix premieres in cinemas
Post-modern sci-fi film The Matrix debuted on this date, receiving high acclaim and becoming entrenched as one of the greatest sci-fi films of all time. Telling the tale of chosen one Neo as he discovers he lives in a simulated reality within a machine, the film explores deep philosophical and religious ideas that continue to provoke deep thought to this day.
Join us again next month, as we explore the amazing events of April!
Pic: City Of Bones cover art
