The Steampunk Bandwagon

Steampunk is moving from the geek niche market to "almost mainstream" picking up references in The New York Times, Rolling Stone and even getting a dedicated exhibition at Oxford University (which in turn spawned more press coverage). While the debate of "what is steampunk" will probably be resolved the same way the debate over "what is goth" has been (ie. not at all) as a subculture it's picking up critical mass, and this is good for genre fiction too.

I've recently started reading The Affinity Bridge by George Mann. Published in 2008 in the UK but only released in the US at the end of last year. Some of the tropes are expected in a Victorian set mystery but it's not taking Sherlock Holmes and putting him in a top hat instead of a deerstalker.

Some steampunk books I've read of late have been trying to over focus on the punk, rather than realising it is not a portmanteau but a tongue-in-cheek play on cyberpunk. This one however is sitting nicely with me. I'm 10 chapters in and enjoying the feel. Sir Maurice Newbury is a scholar with the British Museum but is asked to investigate an airship crash on behalf of the Crown. He and his new assistant, Miss Veronica Hobbs, discover that the automaton piloting the airship has disappeared. Add this to rumours of a "revenant" plague in the poor quarters of London and it's all looking good.

This is the first of the Newbury & Hobbs adventures with book two already out and book three due this year. If the first book keeps going like this I'm going to have to find funds for the other two.

That sounds really interesing. I think I'll add it to my must read list.

-Chris

Baralier wrote:Steampunk is moving from the geek niche market to "almost mainstream" picking up references in The New York Times, Rolling Stone and even getting a dedicated exhibition at Oxford University (which in turn spawned more press coverage).

If Steampunk is getting more coverage it will be a good thing for people like me.
You should have seen my frustration in trying to explain a steampunk inspired photoshoot to a room full of people who simply had no idea.
They all loved the style once I explained it with accompanying test shoot imagery, but OMG it was a hard sell!

Steampunk is going mainstream in the US. Mickey Mouse and co are coming out in a set of cool steampunk pins (now to just convince my mom that I NEED them).

Disney posted the pin info on their blog and the blog sight got hit by so many fans saying "WAY COOL...MUST HAVE" that Disney is now holding a special Steampunk Event. So look for Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto in Steampunk costumes soon! :0)

This all makes a very happy Disney Geeky Caribou!

~ Caribou

Steampunk Rocks

Caribou that rocks!
Can't wait to see it

Sorry, a bit of a "bump" here, but I have been trying to find a book for my friend's birthday and this is just perfect. I enjoy the steampunk style, although am reasonably new to the whole collection of works. I do not know where to begin.

I originally found out about this though a company which designed figurines, I cannot find their link now, but I believe the two images below come from their work.

Would love to see someone remake Star Wars with this concept.

Also this warrants a film

Okay, I got Hulk, Ironman, Captain America and Thor but can't pin point the others?

The vision, Scarlet witch, Wasp and Quicksilver. Named in order from left to right minus the characters you know already.

I don't think the Dalek is one of Sillofs but the rest are. I was particularly impressed with his Gaslight Justice League.



I hadn't seen the 1942 Star Wars before, so it's good to see another interpretation.

We need a good Steampunk movie, hopefully soon.

Will this do?

Ooh, I like the look of that a lot!
Love the Dieselpunk vs Steampunk comments on YouTube

Synopsis:
In 1900, the Earth was attacked by ruthless invaders from the planet Mars. The Martian's 80 ft tall, heat-ray spewing, Tripod battle machines laid waste to the planet, but the invaders ultimately fell prey to Earth’s tiny bacteria.

Fourteen years later, Man has rebuilt his shattered world, in large part by utilizing captured Martian technology. Equipped with giant, steam-powered Tripod battle machines, the international rapid reaction force, A.R.E.S., is Mankind’s first line of defense against the return of the rapacious Martian invaders. Based in a massive fortress complex at the south end of Manhattan Island, the young warriors of A.R.E.S. train under the leadership of Secretary of War, Theodore Roosevelt, and the grim General Kushnirov.

And return the Martians do. The rematch finds the multinational squad of the A.R.E.S. battle Tripod “Goliath” on the front-lines of a vicious interplanetary offensive when the Martian invaders launch their second invasion using even more advanced alien technology. In the crucible of combat, this young team helming the mighty Goliath will be tested to the limits of their endurance and courage as they fight for Mankind's very survival under the onslaught of an implacable enemy.

War of the Worlds: Goliath is written by David Abramowitz (Highlander), and features Adrian Paul, Peter Wingfield, Adam Baldwin, Elizabeth Gracen, Jim Byrnes, and many others.

Steampunk is so cool. They have a huge amount at Dragon Con. they were great last year. Fav one I've seen in person would be a Bobafet steampunk. He was just... armour a great mix of wood and steel.

When in Canada they are having the biggest Steampunk get together, with the founder of Canada Steampunk. This... I will have to see.

The superheroes I've seen before, but not the 1942 star wars guys. They are coolness.

*note to self: Go shopping for these.

Founder of Canadian steampunk?

That would be an interesting claim to back up.

Well, this is what they say:

http://www.fanexpocanada.com/genre/guest/view/326

Ah. Founder of "Steampunk Canada" not of Canadian steampunk

Speaking of more steampunk stuff, keep an eye out for this at the more Art House cinemas. Directed by Luc Besson who did the Fifth Element.

I am looking forwards to seeing this film, it hits all the right boxes. Although, sadly no release date is slated for Australia. I did manage to find a copy of the graphic novel which I shall read in the mean time. B-)