By Aaron Zhao
Society portrayed in this subgenre completely obliterates the general idea that science fiction is always placed in the future. Just the word by itself has a distinctive, retro ring to it, one that is unlike any other science-fiction term. Sci-fi fanatics, welcome to the world of steampunk.
Explained in a jiffy
Steampunk is like an oxymoron: it is technology and aesthetics from the past, but characterized by its futuristic advancement (a.k.a retrofuturism). Simply put, imagine all of today’s and tomorrow’s technology powered by steam with exposed bronze cogs, sprockets and gears.
Where did steampunk originate from?
The term was coined by author K.W Jeters, an author who sought to establish an umbrella term that distinguished the styles of his, James Baylock’s, and Tim Power’s works from cyberpunk. Whereas cyberpunk primarily revolves around an urban, futuristic dystopia, steampunk takes place in the past with retrofuturistic themes. In a letter sent to Locus (https://locusmag.com/) in 1987, Jeters wrote this:
“Personally, I think Victorian fantasies are going to be the next big thing, as long as we can come up with a fitting collective term for Powers, Baylock and myself. Something based on the appropriate technology of the era; like “steam-punks,” perhaps….”
— K.W. Jeter
And my goodness, his prediction hit the bullseye.
Why is it called “steampunk” ?
Perfected by Thomas Watt in 1765, the steam engine proved to be one of the most influential inventions of the Industrial Revolution. The engine was applied to countless different industries, from mining to locomotives and was much more efficient than previous. You can imagine from this description that the steam engine essentially represents the Industrial Revolution simply because of its prestige and influence.
What does the Industrial Revolution have to do with steampunk? Because it defines this subgenre! Steampunk borrows concepts and inventions from the Industrial Revolution and morphs it into something new.
How about the “-punk”? Where does that originate from?
The definition of “punk” is someone who seeks individuality, especially in their appearance. After glancing at images of steampunk characters, it is evident that their attire is eccentric, especially when there is a considerable amount of steam- or spring-powered technology adapted into their fashion. After all, you don’t walk out into the city and see people with elaborate mechanical arms and brass goggles that have a built-in compass and changeable monocles. Finally, let us not forget about how “cyberpunk” also inspired the origin of the suffix, as mentioned in Jeters’ letter above.
How has steampunk influenced society in real-life?
A mere subgenre of science fiction blowing up into a massive subculture is truly the paragon of how science-fiction can influence reality. However, out of all the different areas steampunk has inspired and re-shaped, its most noticeable influence is on fashion.
As mentioned earlier, steampunk heavily borrows aesthetic designs from the Victorian Era. Along with this, it also adopts a “post-apocalyptic, retro” vibe, as if the downfall of civilization is imminent or has already occurred, and steam engines have once again risen to keep the remaining pieces of humanity alive. Taking this into consideration, you can imagine that its fashion is very much distinguished, including corsets, cage hoop skirts, and top hats often modified to expose clock-work-like mechanisms and hydraulics.
However, if you pay attention to steampunk fashion you will find that it is rather repetitive. Almost all attire is based off of archetypes that have been popularized by fiction. The pilot with brass goggles, an aviator cap and a canvas coat? That’s an archetype. The mechanic with the wrench, strange gizmos attached to his belt, and the leather crossbody bag? That’s steampunk. The color scheme of steampunk fashion tends to be bronze, brass, black, and white, chosen because they capture the essence of Industrial Revolution machines and paints a vintage atmosphere.
Steampunk is arguably the most prestigious subgenre of retrofuturism, and demonstrates how the past and the future can happen at the same time. In fact, steampunk has proved itself to be such a global phenomenon that it even has its own convention, Steampunk Con, where steampunk fandoms from all over the world come together. This all came from a letter sent to Locus in 1987. Fascinating, is it not?