Forgive me if my heart is not quite in this blog entry as I had already completed it to my great satisfaction last week only to have it wiped when a virus attacked my computer at work. But as one of my faithful readers said,

This just goes to show that these new-fangled transistors are unreliable. We need to learn about steam technology as quickly as possible!

And so I return.

Well, not really with steam technology, but something just as awesome.

Today I am going to tell you about the cultural movement of steampunk, and I call it a movement because it goes far beyond just unique fashion statements and adaptations to existing devices to have an old-fashioned feel. In many cases steampunk has translated into our modern entertainment culture as well and is a continuing presence.

Steampunk is often recognized as a fusion of Victorian era England and elements of science fiction, usually fantastical technological inventions like those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne. Or, if written or created in our own modern times, having real devices showing up at an earlier date, like the computer existing in Victorian England.

What is most unique about steampunk is that it began with people like Wells and Verne, only they were writing about their current times interacting with futuristic or fictional technology. Whereas today people who create steampunk fashion or write fiction in a steampunk setting have the technology of today to influence them, but they still choose to set their story in that older era.

An example of the original incarnation of steampunk can be found in Wells’ famous work “The Time Machine.” I read this book as a child and was both fascinated and disturbed by the protagonist—the Traveler—and his interactions with the future.

It wasn’t just that Wells even before entering the 20th century already predicted that technology could be mankind’s downfall, but that in some ways he wasn’t wrong. We are still concerned with that possibility today.

MODERN STEAMPUNK FICTION

Current fictional representations of steampunk can be found all over. Probably one of the most prominent examples that spring to mind is also one of the worst, or at least not the most highly acclaimed film, Wild Wild West.

Now, I love Will Smith, and I enjoyed this movie well enough when it came out in 1999, but most people agree it was a huge flop. It did, however, incorporate a lot of steampunk in the villain’s use of advanced devices.

For a slightly more praise-worthy example, the film adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s Stardust had some steampunk elements to it also, mostly the airship section with Robert De Niro, though I wouldn’t say this was a true steampunk film since that idea was not incorporated into the entire thing.

League of Extraordinary Gentlemen had some wonderful steampunk flavor as well, though I remain forever disappointed that it wasn’t half an hour longer to really give the attention all those fascinating characters deserved.

The Hellboy series is probably my favorite live action example of a steampunk world displayed on the big screen, and the twist is that it is still set in our modern world.

Certain characters have a close tie with an older era feel, and combining that with the market place from the second film which mixes technology and a fantasy world of fae and goblins, the entire series paints an equally fantastical and mechanical landscape.

Sherlock Holmes that I recently gave a fairly glowing review to also had some wonderful steampunk touches, mostly in Holmes’ inventions, like his very close attempt at creating a gun silencer, and in the villain’s use of alchemy and machines to do his dirty work.

A couple notable animated steampunk films are Steamboy by the creator of Akira, and the Disney futuristic interpretation of Treasure Island, Treasure Planet.

My friends would no doubt shoot me where I stand (or sit since I am typing) if I forgot to mention the Firefly series by Joss Whedon.

This series took on a whole new meaning for the term Space Cowboy.

The show incorporated the idea of space pirates with a wild west undercurrent that put Wild Wild West’s reverse attempt to utter shame. You can read more about Firefly in my previous blog entry “Remembering Joss Whedon”.
 
 
Video games use a steampunk backdrop quite often, like the many Final Fantasy series and their common use of airships. Magical tales in cultures with barter systems and old school fashions existing side by side with advanced technology fit right in with the usually sword-wielding hero to create a truly unique world.

There are too many other video games and series to mention that combine advanced technology with Victorian era or often much earlier times in human culture, but I at least have to also mention the Shadow Hearts series, as it is a personal favorite.

There are a few steampunk MMOs out there and some in the works, but nothing too notable yet.

FASHION & ADAPTATIONS

As much as I adore steampunk in fiction, the fashion is what really draws me. Something about corsets, gathered skirts, crazy metalworking, and goggles that look like something an engineer would make in World of Warcraft just work so well together.

Several fashion designers have incorporated steampunk into their work. Just type the word into eBay and you get a huge selection of interesting purchase ideas.

One of my favorite clothing magazines, The Pyramid Collection, is very steampunk inspired. You can check out there selection and shop online at their website, but don’t forget to sign up for the magazine subscription for FREE while you are there.

If you are at all inspired to attempt your own steampunk attire, please check out my previous blog on cosplaying.

Besides the fun and fascinating fashion of steampunk, I am continuously amazed by the items people ‘dress up’ in a steampunk style.

Like this working arcade game that looks like it might have been salvaged from Nemo’s ship in Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.

For more on this and other awesomely adapted items, check out The Steampunk Workshop.

With articles and pictures of projects and fashion to keep you up to date on the ever widening steampunk world, it is a great place to get ideas and see what others have created.
 
 
CONCLUSION

While the steampunk movement is still hot and growing, being quite a force at many sci fi/fantasy and even anime conventions these days, I would like to see more in television and cinematic fiction, something that really focuses on the steampunk atmosphere as the main theme.

Or, you know…we could have Firefly back. But I digress.

Until something new and truly inspiring comes along, at least there is plenty of awesome to go around and enjoy, so be sure and check out The Steampunk Workshop and see if there is any inspiration to be found for your life from this unique style.

~G³

Next time I will be exploring the wonderful world of musical episodes in sci fi/fantasy television shows. Yes, there are enough to warrant a whole blog. Credit for this idea goes to my awesome supervisor and fellow Whedonite, Kat.

Thanks for tuning in.

Images taken from:
http://etheremporium.pbworks.com/f/1200599976/05gog.jpg
http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s55/rurouni_jedi/Miscellaneous/steamheat-1.jpg
http://moderateinthemiddle.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/firefly.jpg
http://img2.timeinc.net/ew/dynamic/imgs/050620/14429__west_l.jpg

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