Dieselpunk is a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy that features diesel-powered vehicles, such as trucks, cars, motorcycles and trains. It’s often associated with the 1930s and 1940s, but it can be set in any time period.
Dieselpunk Origins
The origins of this genre are rooted in the pulp era of science fiction. In the late 19th century, stories about steam-powered ships were popularized by authors like Jules Verne and H.G. Wells.
However, when the automobile became more affordable to the masses during World War I, writers began to create stories featuring automobiles instead of boats or planes. These early stories were written for magazines like Amazing Stories and Astounding Science Fiction and featured characters who drove around in futuristic gas-electric powered cars.
In the 1920s, there was an increase in the number of people buying new cars and driving them on roads. This led to a rise in traffic accidents and fatalities.
As a result, many people began to fear the future of road travel and started to think about how they could improve things. Many people believed that the solution would come from technology, so they began to write stories about what might happen if we had advanced technologies.
You can say at this point was the birth of Dieselpunk. The reimagining of the world using fossil fuels as a primary source of energy, convenience, and culture.
Dieselpunk Themes
Some common themes found in Dieselpunk include:
- Urbanization – Cities have grown exponentially over the past few decades and continue to grow every year. As cities expand, they also become more congested and polluted.
- Automobiles – Cars are still very important to society. They are the preferred mode of transportation and are necessary for everyday life. However, they are expensive, inefficient, and pollute our environment.
- Oil – Oil production is declining due to environmental concerns and increased demand for alternative sources of fuel.
- Fossil Fuels – Fossil fuels are the main source of energy in modern times. We use oil, coal, and natural gas to power everything from cars to factories to airplanes.
- Trains – Railroads are still extremely important to society. They transport goods across the country and connect cities together. Most major cities have rail lines running through their city limits.
- Military – There are military forces all over the globe today. They protect us from foreign threats and help keep order within countries.
- Industry – Industries play a large role in our daily lives. From manufacturing to construction, industries provide jobs and make products for everyone.
- Transportation – Our ability to move quickly and efficiently throughout the world depends heavily on the infrastructure that supports us. Without reliable transportation systems, it would be difficult to get anywhere.
- Entertainment – People love to go out and socialize with friends and family. It’s part of human nature to want to spend time with others.
- Politics – Governments are responsible for making decisions that affect everyone. They decide how money will be spent, what laws should be passed, and what policies need to be implemented.
- Crime – Criminals commit crimes against other people and property. They steal money, drugs, and anything else that they can take from someone else.
Dieselpunk vs Steampunk
Dieselpunk is defined by its use of diesel engines. While steampunk tend to focus on mechanical engineering, dieselpunk tend to focus on the social aspects of life.
For example, one of the most common themes in dieselpunk is the idea of “the working class hero”. In these stories, the protagonist is usually a blue collar worker who uses his or her skills to save the day. They may also have a love interest who works alongside them.
Steampunk tends to focus on technology and mechanics, which makes sense because it’s based on Victorian England. There are some similarities between the two genres. Both focus on alternative power sources (steam and diesel), both feature a strong work ethic, and both involve a lot of invention.
However, steampunk tend to be more political than dieselpunk. They tend to focus on issues like slavery and racism. They also tend to focus less on the working class hero. Instead, their protagonists are usually aristocrats or wealthy businessmen.
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