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We love subcultures, and different genres of punk are a hotbed for creativity, expression and weirdness. Steampunk and cyberpunk might not have much to do with punk as a political movement, but they’re close to each other and complement wonderfully. Having said that, there are some significant differences between their origins, styles and ideas. Here, we’re going to break down what makes both of them great, and what makes them different.
What is Steampunk?
Firstly, let’s look at steampunk. Steampunk is art, fashion, film and literature (see my top 10 steampunk novels) that combines both Victorian and industrialist ideas from the past with post-apocalyptic thoughts from the 20th century. Instead of the future being some kind of hyper-tech world run by Apple, steampunks imagine a future with the kind of planes designed by the Wright brothers and filled with clockwork, monocles and corsets.
The fashion is often heavily influenced by the Victorian and industrialist elements: steampunk goggles and top hats are a must, but they often have winks to the modern day in the length of skirts for women, or the occasional sneaky zip. Steampunk is a contradiction: if, in the past, society had crumbled, what would the future look like? Would our modern day be filled with people wearing robotic, clockwork arms? Possibly. This is where the imagination behind steampunk really comes in.
What is Cyberpunk?
Cyberpunk is still preoccupied with the apocalypse, but it’s much more techno and colourful. Society may have fallen, but we’ve all still got acid and bright pink hair dye. Cyberpunk is also closely linked with raves and rave culture, and especially the attire that’s worn there. The influences aren’t as old as steampunk, and you’re far more likely to come across pacman, Robocop or Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep.
