Author Topic: Anyone heard of Steampunk? (Read 974 times)

Matthew · « **on:** October 14, 2008, 01:18:09 PM »

I found this post on another board.

It really gives some good examples of this new phenomena:

Recently I've been starting to like steampunk stuff.

For those of you who don't know what it is, steampunk is basically new technology with an old aesthetic or "look" to it.

For example, Jules Verne is said to be the first steampunk author. All of the technology in his books exists today, but back then it was science fiction.

Another example, here is a steampunk keyboard:

http://steampunkworkshop.com/images/keyboards_blogpic.jpg

As you can see its a regular keyboard, but it has been modified to look like an old fashioned typewriter.

Here is a steampunk computer screen:

http://steampunkworkshop.com/images/M16.jpg

Another:

http://steampunkworkshop.com/images/ain21-front.jpg

Steampunk versions of Batman, Superman and other DC comics heroes:

http://www.majorspoilers.com/archives/2727.htm/

A steampunk mobile home!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/189/5069771...086a0dc.jpg?v=0

A steampunk Dalek:

http://www.slipperybrick.com/wp-content/up...mpunk_dalek.jpg

You get the idea. Old look to a new thing.

The clothing isn't too bad either. Edwardian or Victorian era clothing.

Only downside I can see is that alot of Goths are into this subculture too.

But they don't seem to dominate it. Its still a pretty cool thing to do on your spare time if you know basic industrial tech and can find some old objects and new gadgets to combine.

Raoul76 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 04, 2009, 02:13:29 PM »

"Steampunk" is the glorification of industrial civilization, as opposed to the more agrarian style of life favored by God. Sci-fi is the devil's dream. Perhaps his time is short and he is relishing his dominion over the Earth while he can.

From his perspective, floating over the Earth, the last two centuries must have been a glorious age of "ignorant armies clashing by night," massacring each other with all kinds of crazy weapons. Just imagine a medieval man transplanted to World War II and seeing planes roaring overhead dropping bombs, tanks chewing up the ground with their treads... He'd think hell itself had been unleashed, and he'd be right. It just shows how far we've been desensitized that now we get nostalgic about the heavy weaponry of yesteryear. "Oh, look at the elegance of those fighter jets they used to have!"

Probably the two "classic" examples of steampunk are the Japanese anime Steamboy and the bulky Thomas Pynchon novel Against the Day.

--Michael de la Sota

DeMaistre · « **Reply #2 on:** June 04, 2009, 02:15:20 PM »

Steampunk is one of my favourites. I beat you to it though, look in the "The Person above you" thread.

Lybus · « **Reply #3 on:** June 09, 2009, 05:24:56 PM »

rofl....lol DeMaistre, you're the man.

Joel_C · « **Reply #4 on:** June 10, 2009, 07:31:52 PM »

Excellent stuff!

Dulcamara · « **Reply #5 on:** June 13, 2009, 03:41:46 PM »

The "mech" style is kind of creepy. But to make things look like, say, the victorian style or something would be pretty neat. I guess I'm saying I prefer wood and what have you to the metal look.

The idea is interesting though. I think it could go two ways, however. If it goes the way of making things look more bizarre or even "evil" (ominous or anything), then I think it's a bad thing. If, however, people find ways to take their ugly, modern looking electronics and make them into something beautiful to look at (adding art to our empty, modern, junkey designs), then I think it would be a good thing. Any time mankind puts beauty or art back into their lives, it's a good thing.