Steampunk - What is Steampunk and Why is it at Comic Con?

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Pin It
• Share on Tumblr

As excitement builds for the latest MCM Comic Con to be held in London, news has reached us that they are planning for a whole area dedicated to one of the newest, and coolest, cosplay fashion genres: Steampunk.

Being held over three days at the ExCel Centre in London’s Royal Victoria Dock in late May, click on this link for details of the actual dates and ticket purchases; [MCM London Comic Con Website Link] the Comic Con events bring together thousands of like-minded fans and followers who get the chance to meet their favourite stars for photos and autographs, hear the latest insider gossip as well as seeing what’s new in the gaming, film and cosplay worlds.

And one of the newest of these is the world of Steampunk.

And what is Steampunk you may well ask?

Well it is now considered, by those in the know, that many of the works, seminal to the genre, were actually published in the 1960’s and 1970’s although the word Steampunk appears to have been coined during the 1980’s as a tongue in cheek variation of Cyberpunk which was the new kid on the block at that time.

Steampunk covers a genre of fictional writing and scene setting that is set somewhere in the Victorian period covering the 1800’s. It basically combines Victorian elegance with a technology that has gotten skewed in the fictional element. So in the world of Steampunk you’ll find steam-powered devices that would have been impossible at the time. Examples of this merging of futuristic devices with the available technology includes steam-robots, under-water bases, moon rockets, time-machines all developed alongside a diet of gas-light romance, mad scientists and elegant clothing.

Steampunk has been the basis for a number of big box-office movies ranging from those based in Victorian Cities to those exploring the wilds of America and even the gothic horror locations in Transylvania. Some of the most memorable would be; 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, The Wild Wild West, Van Helsing, The Golden Compass plus lots more.

As a basis for a costume party or cosplay gathering, Steampunk offers a wealth of opportunity with some very affordable Steampunk costumes and accessories being available at a number of online and high street retailers.

So if you’re planning on creating your own Steampunk look, at Karnival Costumes we’ll have some items that you might be interested in. Here’s just a flavour of what you’ll find in our store;

Steampunk Wild West Temptress Costume

Reference: BQ028721

Crossing old Wild West with punk the resultant outfit comprises of a faux suede fabric dress and cogs and gears design inset panel trimmed with a white ruffled lace fabric across the neckline. With straps and buckles this is a super starting point for your Steampunk adventures. It comes with a matching brown choker which has a brass coloured cog to the front and a short, looped length of gold coloured chain attached and it’s all completed with a white felt mini top hat which has a printed hatband featuring cogs and gears to the front.  The accessories shown are all available from our extensive collection of Steampunk costume accessories.

Steampunk Clockwork Angel Costume

Reference:  BQ028724

A great alternative to the traditional Christmas angels, this delightful costume crosses the mechanical feel of Steampunk with the virginal white of the traditional angel and the resulting outfit comprises of a stunning dress which features short sleeves with a faux bodice style over a modern cogs and gear fabric. Richly trimmed with luxurious gold, the outfit includes a pair of modern styled wings which have a printed veining and large cog design. An ideal club night outfit, it’s completed with a super white felt mini top hat which is attached to a black headband and which has a hatband also featuring cogs and gears. The model is shown wearing the super sexy blonde wig and a pair of white thigh high stockings, these are not included.

Apocalypse Steampunk Pirate Costume

Reference:  AG089009

Our Steampunk inspired Apocalypse Pirate costume comprises of a black jacket which has wide blood red lapels and matching cuffs decorated with brown faux leather straps which include a brass ring and rivet detailing. The front of the jacket has matching straps which are similarly trimmed. Included is a blood red sash which is tied at the side as shown, along with a dark neck scarf. The costume includes a matching pair of dark knee length trousers and the whole look is completed with a long red bandana which features an appliqué skull and crossbones. Please note that the model is shown holding a cutlass, this is not included with the costume but it is available from our extensive range of Pirate themed costume accessories.

This is just a sample of our Steampunk costumes, there’s plenty more to choose from. But if you just need some new costume accessories, why not take a look at a sample of what we have available? Here’s just a few:

Steampunk Monocle

Reference:  UN7BA749

A very affordable Steampunk accessory, this is an antiqued brass effect monocle which combines all of the aspects of the latest craze in Victorian Industrial Science Fiction with a large cog wheel behind the lens. Sure to be a hit for many seasons to come, you'll be every bit the gentleman around town this is a super costume accessory.

Steampunk Pocket Watch

Reference:  UN7BA778

This a super antiqued brass coloured pocket watch and chain and it’s so realistic it'll fool most people when you draw it out and open it up. In fact twice a day it’ll actually function just like the real thing! This is a beautiful object which is a very affordable addition to any Steampunk costume. It’s how the past would have looked if the future had happened earlier (and you're right, a cleverer man than me said it first).

Steampunk Goggles

Reference:  UQ735752

We’ve a number of pairs of Steampunk goggles and we’re showing just one set here. This is a pair of pre-coloured latex goggles which have all of the mechanical styled detail that you would associate with the Steampunk costume look. Although these are not designed for looking through, they will look super cool worn on the head or as shown in the image over a hat.

Steampunk Gun

Reference:  BQ728748

We’ve also a number of Steampunk weapons all designed to maximise the blending of the Victorian age with that modern twist. This is an absolutely super hand gun which will be great either with your Steampunk costume or alternatively with any futuristic fancy dress.  In brown and gold with a splash of silver running through the barrel, this is a cool looking hand gun. Both a smaller pistol and larger rifle are available.

So as you can see, at Karnival Costumes we’ve a super variety of Steampunk themed costumes and accessories for you to wear either at Comic Con or as your own party costume idea.