Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction that blends retro-futuristic technology against the backdrop of the Victorian era or even the American Wild West. Steampunk creates an alternate universe and/or historical scene where steam-power is in mainstream use – even in fantasy-inspired worlds. Many visuals of the steampunk genre involve Victorian-era fashion, accented with items like timepieces, goggles, and other post-apocalyptic elements.
The steampunk genre has its inspirations in the literary works of 19th century science fiction authors like Jules Verne, HG Wells, Mary Shelley, and Edward S Ellis. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s-70s that the steampunk genre as we know it today formed. Science fiction authors like James Blaylock, KW Jeter, and Tim Powers had works set in a fictional 19th century Victorian world. Jeter coined the term “steampunk” as a mockery of the popular cyberpunk genre of the 1980s, a subgenre of science fiction set in a futuristic world of high tech and A.I. against societal decay and dystopia. Works like Jeter’s “Infernal Devices” series, Powers’ “The Anubis Gates,” and Blaylock’s “Lord Kelvin’s Machine” were instrumental in popularizing this steam-based alternative historical genre.
While a majority of steampunk is set in Victorian England-type worlds, steampunk genre elements have existed in other countries – particularly Japan. Japanese steampunk has been in manga and anime culture since the 1940s. Osamu Tezuka, who is known as the “Father of Manga,” depicted steampunk in several of his manga comics like the science fiction series “Lost World,” “Metropolis” and “Nextworld.” The Studio Ghibli animated film “Laputa: Castle in the Sky” is also credited as “one of the first modern steampunk classics.”
Popular culture has taken well to the steampunk genre. Many video games incorporate steampunk elements into their worldbuilding. Some of the most popular steampunk video games are: “They Are Billions,” “Frostpunk” and “Dishonored.” Film and television have also incorporated steampunk-inspired worlds. Popular films like Tim Burton’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass” and “The Three Musketeers” have steampunk elements like airships, gadgets, and costumes. TV shows like SyFy’s “Warehouse 13,” Netflix’ “Disenchantment” and “Arcane: League of Legends” and Nickelodeon’s “Avatar: The Legend of Korra” all have post-apocalyptic and steampunk themes as well. If you’re interested in learning more about the steampunk genre, check out The Steampunk Bible by Jeff VanderMeer.