2/13/18

What is Steampunk?

For those who have never heard the term, Steampunk refers to an alternate history genre. This genre could be said to be a science fiction version of the late Victorian era.  The question is, what exactly does this entail?

To begin with, take any image you might have from a favorite science fiction show or film. Once you have selected, start replacing the technology with steam power.  If one uses Star Trek as a short example, replace the familiar antimatter warp drive with a steam engine and the warp nacelles with smoke stacks.

As to dress, much of the look is indeed based on late Victorian or Civil War era clothing. What is largely different are the accessories and equipment that is being employed.  Almost everything is made to look bold and fantastic.  With the addition of a few (or many) extra buttons and gears, the pistol one carries goes from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

A good example of this genre can be found in the Will Smith film Wild Wild West. Just as an example taken from that film, there is a giant walking machine that in a traditional science fiction film might have been operated with fusion power and looked sleek or streamlined.  In this film, the legs are steel girders and the power plant is a massive steam engine.


-Corporal and Jade

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