Steampunk Willy

The New York Time's Steampunk article has certainly made its way around the blogosphere, no doubt shocking many that such a movement exists in the first place. Count me as one of the many. I'm all for a good alternative-history fiction, but this strikes me as taking it a bit too far.

Now, I realize I run the risk of alienating some readers who are sincerely into the steampunk movement, but I can't be everyone's friend when I have my own opinions. To phrase it simply: steampunk is dumb. Supposing a world where we still lived off of steam-power and digital/analog technology never existed is cool for a book or a movie, but as a cosplay/lifestyle type of thing I think it's ridiculous. There is so much time and effort spent decorating laptops, but what is the point? You're still using modern technology.

So while the notion seems silly to me, I do have to say that some of the steampunk gadgets are pretty cool looking (but they don't look pragmatic in the least).

Take this steampunk guitar, for instance:




Or this ipod:



They look pretty darn cool. Don't they? But, why spend the time doing this? I don't get it.

Steampunk fashion is interesting sometimes, even though the photo in the New York Times article depicts the fashion as nothing more than a bunch of uncomfortable looking goths with a bit of a victorian twist:



This Hisui outfit came up on a steampunk search, and I suppose it's pretty inventive:



And this guy is pretty bitchin', though what he's wearing hardly seems representative of the typical steampunk outfit (he just looks like a grown up Ruffio, no?):


Bangorang!

So, while unwieldy costumes don't really appeal to me, though they are interesting, I do dig the jewelry with all of the exposed gears. My friend, Mel, makes jewelry like that (more on her in an upcoming blog) and I'm a big fan. I found two "steampunk" accessories on etsy that I wouldn't mind buying:





So, while there are a few steampunk things (style-wise) that appeal to me, overall, I think it's a little goofy and I can hardly believe that people are really serious about it. Again: what's the point(or am I missing it entirely)? To be fair, I feel the same way about RenFair kids and cosplay nerds, but I am an equal opportunity scoffer.

And for all of you die-hard steampunk fans out there who will take umption with this post, I give you the ultimate steampunk to satiate your apetites:




Oh hells yeah, you just got the title of my post!