Inventions & Breakthroughs of June 1981
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Personal Computer (IBM PC)
2 
Graphical User Interface Concept
3 
Word Processing Software (Microsoft Word)
4 
Digital Camera Prototype Commercialization
5 
Medical Infusion Pump
6 
Local Area Network Expansion
7 
Portable Video Game Console
8 
Computer-Aided Manufacturing Software
9 
Speech Recognition System Improvement
10 
Reusable Space Shuttle Program
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON June 19, 1981
Full News Archive
- Headline: GlenDA Jackson Stars in 'Stevie'. Impact: The success of 'Stevie' led to an unexpected surge in poetry slams, ultimately resulting in the rise of competitive poetry as a serious sport. We now have a world championship where instead of medals, participants receive turtlenecks and berets.. Fact: Did you know Glenda Jackson went on to become a Member of Parliament? Because nothing says 'artistic integrity' like debating budget cuts while wearing a dramatic cape..
- Headline: Mr. Forbush and Penguin Mating Behavior. Impact: The study of penguin mating rituals sparked a global obsession with animal documentaries. In a twist, it somehow led to the invention of the reality TV genre, where humans mimic penguins in increasingly absurd dating competitions.. Fact: Did you know that emperor penguins can dive to depths of 1,850 feet? Just like we dive into the depths of bad reality TV for entertainment!.
- Headline: Superman II: A Cinematic Milestone. Impact: The over-the-top antics of 'Superman II' catalyzed a boom in superhero films, eventually leading to the multiverse of cinematic universes we have today. Thanks, 'Superman II,' for giving us 27 different Spider-Men.. Fact: Did you know that 'Superman II' was originally cut down to 90 minutes? A true tragedy, as we could have had 90 more minutes of joyfully absurd villainy and flying men in tights!.
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1981, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #2
INTC
Intel
Price in 1981
$0.23
2025 dataset value
$155,194
Intel - If you invested $1,000 in 1981, it would be worth $155,194 today (155.2x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
Daredevil #181
$2,600
Uncanny X-Men #141
$1,000
Marvel Graphic Novel #1
$42,000
Moon Knight #1
$250
Saga of the Swamp Thing #1
$300
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Rubik's Cube
$150.00
LEGO Space Sets
$400.00
My Little Pony
$150.00
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
$150.00
Smurfs Figurines
$150.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
Donkey Kong
$300.00
Pac-Man
$1,500.00
Frogger
$50.00
Galaga
$262.70
Ms. Pac-Man
$33,400.00
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
1981 Topps Joe Montana Rookie Card
$76,250
1981 Fleer Fernando Valenzuela Rookie Card
$400
1981 Donruss Tim Raines Rookie Card
$1,200.00
1981 Topps Magic Johnson and Larry Bird Card
$427,000
1981 O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky
$2,000