Growing Interest for Gothic and Steampunk Style Science Fiction

Growing Interest for Gothic and Steampunk Style Science Fiction

Over the last few years to the last decade, there’s been a growing interest in different types of science fiction. Gothic and steampunk have certainly become a favourite whether through the physical or digital form. Just look at the books released, the books that have been adapted to movies and shows, and the growing use of steampunk and Gothic nature for new shows.

Just why is this? What do Victorian Gothic and steampunk offer that other science fiction works can’t? Why are they so alluring? It’s worth taking a look at how they differ to others that make them so intriguing.

What Are Victorian Gothic and Steampunk?

You’ve likely heard of Victorian Gothic. Think of the period dramas that bring a sci-fi element to them. They’re darker in nature, fusing together the architecture of the past with sci-fi and fantasy elements. Bram Stoker’s Dracula is one of the best examples of Victorian Gothic literature.

But what about steampunk? Is that some sort of band?

Steampunk first became a term used by Kevin Jeter, who wanted to stand out from the futurist “cyberpunk” authors. Steampunk mixes old and new together, fusing the Victorian period with modern technology and new designs.

While the two forms of sci-fi have grown in popularity in recent years, they’ve been around for some time. Disney incorporated them in the likes of 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Around the World in 80 Days back in the 50s and 60s. However, it’s only now that they’re really gaining traction and going viral. Books are being turned into movies and TV shows and they’re heading to Broadway and the West End as musicals.

More Focus on Positive Influencers

There is a growing trend to finding more than a damsel in distress or a typical romance novel. People want more from their stories; more than the basic good vs. evil. This is where steampunk comes into play. There’s more focus on the positive influencers throughout the story.

This could be a strong female character, who is smart, cunning, and protective. People of colour are more fairly represented and the LGBTQ community has characters to aspire to be. In fact, in a lot of steampunk science fictions, someone who isn’t the typical white, straight male isn’t on the outskirts or the one in distress all the time and nothing seems “weird” about that within the story.

However, within all this is some focus on the good elements of the old. The storylines can often be more streamlined, focusing on character development instead. Old and new technology is mixed together and there are some elements of the 18^th and 19^th century brought back into play in a positive way.

Take the Old with a New Twist

Steampunk and Victorian Gothic science fiction also offer the chance to bring old works back with a modern-day twist or with a new and fresh story. Look at Penny Dreadful, which took all the monsters from the Victorian novels and made it into a show for the modern-day. The Frankenstein Chronicles has offered much of the same. Even though both are set in Victorian London, they both bring elements of today’s world or a fresh take on the stories to add modernity to them.

There’s something about history that is alluring. Stories from the past have lessons for all, but we don’t always see them from one old tale. Plus, with a steampunk version of historical science fiction, the world of alternate history is opened and that’s sure to draw people in.

Even futuristic shows can bring in history. Look at The Handmaid’s Tale and The Hunger Games for how things can go back to the beginning.

A Move Away from the Minimalist Look

When you look at contemporary science fiction, you’ll see a lot take the minimalist approach. Some shows and movies even focus on just plain white rooms or opt for one standard colour throughout. Victorian Gothic brings in more of the colouring of the past. There’s a focus on the deep, bold colours.

Steampunk has the ability to stand out. There’s a personality that many people need when it comes to viewing or reading pleasure. It’s no surprise with that in mind that the contemporary options just do nothing for the soul.

Victorian Gothic and steampunk science fiction is certainly on the rise. More authors and showrunners are turning to the styles, adding more colour and vibrancy into their works. People want to see the hidden gems from old tales and need to see the tropes turned on their heads into beautiful tales of wonder.