Subculture: Cyberpunk

What do you think of when you hear the word cyberpunk? Do you think about The Matrix trilogy or maybe even Blade Runner? 

Well, you would be right. But cyberpunk actually started out in the literary world as a sub-genre of science fiction. 

Merriam-Webster defines cyberpunk as science fiction dealing with future urban societies dominated by computer technology. 

Merriam-Webster also goes on to say that cyberpunk’s roots extend back to the technical fiction of the 1940s and 50s. The word cyberpunk was coined by writer Bruce Bethke, but cyberpunk didn’t take off as a term or genre until 1984 when William Gibson wrote the novel Neuromancer. 

Cyberpunk is probably most recognizable from film, manga, and television. 

Ghost In The Shell: based on the manga by Masamune Shirow. Ghost In The Shell was made into an animated film in 1995 and has been made into several animated series. Ghost In The Shell was also made into a live-action film starring Scarlett Johansson in 2017. 

Akira: the 1988 film was based on the manga by Katsuhiro Otomo. 

Blade Runner: the 1982 film was based on Philip K Dick’s novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Blade Runner 2049 was made in 2017 and also featured Harrison Ford. 

The Matrix: the first film was released in 1999. The main character, Neo, discovers that his life is not what it seems. Machines are everywhere and humanity is fighting to regain control. 

Electric Dreams: a 2018 series on Amazon Prime. Electric Dreams is an anthology series based on the works of Philip K. Dick.

Other cyberpunk films and TV shows include Altered Carbon, Ready Player One, Judge Dredd, and The Fifth Element, and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.

In video games, the player can also delve into the world of cyberpunk. There's an extremely popular game featuring Keanu Reeves (Matrix, Neo) based around the concept. 

Cyberpunk 2077: the RPG developed by CD Projekt Red and released in 2020 is set in the corrupt and technologically advanced year of 2077. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners on Netflix is based off of Cyberpunk: 2077.

Finally cyberpunk fashion centers around technology and the future.

I'll link the website I used for the reference for fashion inspiration here.