Inventions & Breakthroughs of December 1988
Gadgets, lab surprises, odd bets, and future-shocks from this slice of the calendar.
1 
Internet Worm
2 
Portable Laptop Computer
3 
Digital Video Compression Concept
4 
Global Positioning System Civilian Access
5 
Medical Imaging PACS Systems
6 
Touchscreen Interface Prototype
7 
Digital Signal Processor Expansion
8 
Automated Speech Recognition Systems
9 
Electronic Mail Client Software
10 
Reusable Launch Vehicle Studies
The Sounds of
Popular recordings and roots/country selections associated with the year
HEADLINES ON December 2, 1988
Full News Archive
- Headline: A Fall Guy: The Antihero's Rise. Impact: The rise of the antihero in cinema led to countless morally ambiguous protagonists, ultimately resulting in the creation of every single 'reboot' Hollywood has churned out since. You're welcome, America.. Fact: The 'Fall Guy' series was so influential that it inspired a generation of actors to take up stunt work. Just think of all the bruises they endured while trying to be the next big thing!.
- Headline: Of Cocaine and Loyalties: A Film Review. Impact: This film's blend of romance and incoherence paved the way for future movies where plotlines are just suggestions. Now we have entire genres dedicated to vague feelings and pretty people staring into the distance.. Fact: Cocaine and melodrama were once considered the secret ingredients to a successful film. Now, they just serve as metaphors for Hollywood's creative process!.
- Headline: Biker in Horse Country: A Texas Romance. Impact: The combination of bikers and Texas romance solidified the stereotype that every rugged man needs a horse, a leather jacket, and an overly dramatic love life. Thanks to this, countless rom-coms have featured motorcycle-riding heartthrobs ever since.. Fact: Hammy Texas romance is so common that it's basically a sub-genre of its own. If you want to watch a film where love conquers all while someone rides off into the sunset, just grab a bag of popcorn and hit play!.
Wall Street Time Machine
The Right Call: If you'd invested $1,000 in any one of these companies in 1988, here's what the stored 2025 dataset estimates.
Rank #1
AAPL
Apple
Price in 1988
$0.31
2025 dataset value
$884,238
Apple - If you invested $1,000 in 1988, it would be worth $884,238 today (884.2x return)
Rank #2
MSFT
Microsoft
Price in 1988
$0.24
2025 dataset value
$2,037,337
Microsoft - If you invested $1,000 in 1988, it would be worth $2,037,337 today (2037.3x return)
🦸 Top 5 Comics
The Killing Joke
$75
Sandman #1
$500
Batman: A Death in the Family
$150
The Spectre #1
$42,000
Wolverine #1
$1,500
🧸 Top 5 Toys
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Action Figures
$200.00
Super Powers Collection
$150.00
Ghostbusters Proton Pack
$300.00
Polly Pocket
$250.00
Micro Machines
$300.00
🎮 Top 5 Video Games
Super Mario Bros. 3
$120.00
Mega Man 2
$200.00
Dragon Quest III
$200.00
Super Contra
$150.00
Altered Beast
$269.99
⚾ Top 5 Trading Cards
Michael Jordan 1988 Fleer Basketball #17
$250,000
Wayne Gretzky 1988 O-Pee-Chee Hockey #1
$2,040.00
Kenner Starting Lineup Steve Young 1988 Figure Card
$600
Super Mario Bros. 1988 Topps Nintendo Game Pack #1A
$500
Bo Jackson 1988 Topps Baseball #750
$129