What is steampunk? ÞGoing beyond the standard default definitions of Victorian science fiction yesterday's tomorrow today or some other equally vague or limited description ÊSteampunk FAQÊ provides a historical exploration of its literary and cinematic origins.ÞThe journey begins with a look at steampunk's genesis in the novels and short stories of three Californians who hung out a lot with Philip K. Dick before moving on to the inspirations and antecedents of steampunk. Contrary to what many articles and books say steampunk's direct inspiration is arguably far more cinematic than literary a likely reaction to the many film adaptations pastiches and knockoffs of the scientific romances of Jules Verne and H. G. Wells. While Verne Wells and a host of other Victorian and Edwardian writers have influenced steampunk fiction cinematic elements from films such as Disney's Ê20 000 Leagues Under the SeaÊ (1954) and George Pal's ÊTime MachineÊ (1960) show up more often as immediate influences on the style we call steampunk.ÞIn offering a celebration of steampunk's style and cultural aesthetic ÊSteampunk FAQÊ also explores its connection to cyberpunk the world of fashion comics and culture around the world.