Metaist

Steampunk

  • meme

Definition #

Steampunk is a genre of science fiction that imagines what the world would be like if Victorian steam-powered technology persisted into the modern era. It also refers to a visual style commonly associated with the late 18th to early 19th century as applied in a modern context.

Will you give me a hint if I tell you the street I grew up on?

"Will you give me a hint if I tell you the street I grew up on?"

(Image & Quote: Wondermark)

Commentary #

While I've never read any of the zombie-enhanced literature, I do appreciate the resurgence of interest in 19th-century, albeit with a darker twist.

At its core, steampunk represents a culture of anachronism that is part of the cyberpunk speculative fiction genre. I should note that this is similar to, but distinct from, the activities endorsed by the Society for Creative Anachronism which targets pre-17th century Europe.

See Also #

  • Wondermark for an interesting comic that splices Victorian-era comics to discuss modern issues.

  • Steampunk Flat-panel LCD for examples of the lengths to which people go to encase modern technology in brass.

  • Information about the actual Victorian era (the one that really happened).