Science fiction has several subgenres, the most well-known of which being Steampunk and Cyberpunk. Both genres have a strong connection to technological developments.
It’s impossible to compare the two science fiction subgenres. Whereas Steampunk takes inspiration from the historical context and emphasizes the Victorian-era style, Cyberpunk is set in the future and draws on the modern age of the Internet.
Cyberpunk Vs. Steampunk
While both Steampunk and Cyberpunk include future elements, Cyberpunk centers on a world in which computers rule supreme. Steampunk, on the other hand, is a subgenre centre on Victorian-era technology in an alternate universe.
Definition
“Cyberpunk” is an amalgam of both a culture and science fiction genre that depicts technology and science in an urban setting.Steampunk is a combination of Victorian-era style with science fiction fantasy.
Genre
In a civilization controlled by the Internet and science, a sub-genre of science fiction known as cyberpunk is set.Anachronistic technology is used with a modern touch in this film.
Inspiration
The New Wave Science Fiction Movement of the 1960s and 1970s has a strong influence on this storey.H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, and Mary Shelley’s romances in the 19th century influenced it.
Technology
High-tech characteristics, modern technology, and scientific discoveries are the primary focus.
It’s a hybrid of technology and aesthetics influenced by steam-powered machinery of the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Fashion
It has a powdered look and is a type of street fashion. It’s a science fiction subgenre influenced by the Victorian-era aesthetic and part of the Steampunk movement.
What is Cyberpunk?
Science fiction subgenre Cyberpunk depicts technology and science in a dystopian city of the future. It depicts a dystopian civilization that is dominated by technology and incorporates the employment of computers and robotics.
The present, the past, and the future are all controlled by computer technology. Cybernetics and Artificial Intelligence are just two examples of the cutting-edge technology that is included.
The cyberpunk style is an urban street fashion with a dirty aesthetic and a futuristic twist. In addition to the trench coats and pants, there are other accessories like goggles.
The New Wave Science Fiction Movement of the 1960s and 1970s is the inspiration for cyberpunk. According to Michael Moorcock, this period saw a resurgence of literary and experimental fantasy and science fiction, rejecting the American pulp heritage in favor of reclaiming its own unique vision.
In the 1980s, the New Wave Science Fiction Movement spawned the genre called cyberpunk. Blade Runner, The Matrix, Ghost in the Shell, Tron: Legacy, The Terminator, and Total Recall are just a few examples of cyberpunk films.
What is Steampunk?
Steampunk is a subgenre centered on the technical advancements of an alternate universe that are heavily influenced by Victorian-era technology. It was influenced by nineteenth-century authors like H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, and Mary Shelley who wrote science fiction romances.
Steampunk is mainly inspired by the Victorian era’s romantic perspective at technological advancements. In 1987, K.W. Jeter, the author of Morlock Night, coined the word “Steampunk.”
Steampunk is a blend of the 19th century steam powered machinery’s technology and aesthetics. Airships, steam-powered automobiles, analogue computers, and a slew of other technologies are frequently on show.
Based on the idea that steam-powered technology still exists, Steampunk is a subgenre of post-industrial fantasy. Steampunk is notable for its use of obsolete technology.
In the Steampunk fashion world, corsets, fanny packs, purses, hats, and waistcoats are common.
Time Machine, Wild West and Sherlock Holmes are only a few examples of steampunk works. Among others are Hugo and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.
Difference Between Cyberpunk and Steampunk
- Cyberpunk and Steampunk are two distinct subgenres of the science fiction genre, both focusing on technology and science in an urban and dystopian future, respectively.
- Computer technology is the driving force behind Cyberpunk, whereas Steampunk is focused on Victorian-era technology in a future world where society is governed completely by the improvements in that technology.
- The New Wave of Science Fiction in the 1960s and 1970s was a major influence on the development of cyberpunk. Whereas Victorian romance authors like H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, and Mary Shelly influenced Steampunk.
- As compared to Steampunk, Cyberpunk’s attire is inspired by the urban street style with a futuristic makeover.
- In the cyberpunk style, dark hues and goods like trench coats, trousers, and goggles are a must have. Steampunk fashion, on the other hand, is characterized by accessories such as corsets, handbags, hats, and parasols.
- Cybernetics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are prominent themes in cyberpunk novels and films. Airships and steam-powered autos are examples of Steampunk technology.
Conclusion
Both Cyberpunk and Steampunk are distinct subgenres of science fiction, despite the fact that they are frequently used interchangeably.
Cyberpunk is a genre of literature that takes place in a lawless subculture of a society that is dominated by the use of computers. However, Steampunk is a science fiction subgenre that is based on 19th century steam-powered machinery and features obsolete technology and style.
Unlike Steampunk, Cyberpunk takes place in a technological universe that is not a work of fiction.