Steampunk: A Retrofuturistic Aesthetic Explored in New Publication

A new book titled 'Steampunk, una estética retrofuturista' by Francisco Bracero Jerez, published by Ediciones asimétricas, delves into the cultural movement of steampunk. The book examines the genre's enduring appeal, questioning whether its persistence is due to its plastic originality or deeper values. Bracero Jerez, who trained in narrative at the Escola d’Escriptura del Ateneu Barcelonés and holds a degree in Business Sciences and a Master's in Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, has also worked as an evaluator for the journal Ala Este at the Complutense University of Madrid. His previous book, 'Esclavos de la Sangre', was published in 2023 and led to his participation in the Festival 42 in Barcelona, where he gave a conference titled 'El nuevo boom del steampunk: ¿utópico, distópico o ucrónico?' alongside other genre names such as Julia Díez, José Antonio Bonilla, Celia Corral-Vazquez, and Jordi Font-Agustí. The book explores steampunk's origins in the mid-1980s and its continued presence in fashion accessories, TV series, and other media, suggesting that the genre's retrofuturistic aesthetic—featuring zeppelins, steam-powered machinery, and exposed gears—resonates with contemporary audiences. The publication is part of a broader interest in steampunk as a cultural phenomenon, bridging literature, comics, and film.