What is Fantasy Steampunk?
Fantasy Steampunk is a rich mixture of old, new, and a little bit of magic. Ships that fly, islands in the sky, fairy lands lit by gaslight, automatons, walking castles, and contraptions, the list is as long as your imagination.
Steampunk alone can often be dark and industrial. Adding fantasy lightens the mood and adds a bit of mystery and light, this is why we prefer Fantasy Steampunk.
Steampunk alone can often be dark and industrial. Adding fantasy lightens the mood and adds a bit of mystery and light, this is why we prefer Fantasy Steampunk.
Some Examples for you to discover:
I'm starting with my favorite, Stardust. A book written by Neil Gaiman, Stardust became a movie in 2007. Witches, Fairies, and magic meet a medival lineage and lightning pirates aboard an air ship. The ultimate marriage of fantasy and steam.
As wonderful as the movie is, the book, of course, is phenomonal. Find out more at the Stardust's IMDB site.
As wonderful as the movie is, the book, of course, is phenomonal. Find out more at the Stardust's IMDB site.
Another Must-See
Howl's Moving Castle (2004) might be an anime film you've missed in the past, but you really must remedy that. This cartoon mashes together witches, witchcraft, curses, and an industrial yet magical masterpiece. And let's not forget those incredible flying machines. The book by Diane Winne Jones shouldn't be missed either!
Check out Howl's Moving Castle at IMDB.
Check out Howl's Moving Castle at IMDB.
And Finally...
The Golden Compass also made its theatrical debut in 2007. Phillip Pullman splices scientific ingenuity with witches, gypsies, prophecies, and dust. The result is a book and movie that is a feast for the imagination. If you've never read the book, by all means, enjoy the movie first. Because if you try to read the book first, you will be sorely disappointed and realize why this movie did not do well in theatres...
But on its own, it's pretty good.
For more info, see The Golden Compass at IMDB.
But on its own, it's pretty good.
For more info, see The Golden Compass at IMDB.