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Solarpunk contemplations
2 years ago
Over the past couple months I've pondered how closely my New Atlantis setting fits within the fascinating genre that is Solarpunk. It does focus a lot on a utopian society where futuristic technology and nature have embraced, sustainable living has been achieved, and the prejudices and strife of the past have been abandoned. That being said, New Atlantis steers toward more fantastical elements not typically found in Solarpunk, and a lot of theming is around glowing elements that can't be seen in the day (presence of "solar," y'know?). Plus, the "punk" element is focused more on defiant survival in a mysterious wilderness where unseen dangers prevail, rather than resisting against an establishment present throughout society (I guess the nudity of naturism also has a place in that defiance of norms, too :p ). The themes are similar, but still divergent enough for me to wonder if it makes its own unique brand. In other words... Lunarpunk?
The idea makes sense. Both evoke optimism with sustainable future elements, though whereas Solarpunk is heavy on science, Lunarpunk is geared more toward spirituality. It turns out, after coming to this revelation I did a bit of research and discovered that this genre does exist, and it's exactly that! The term was coined about a year ago, so there isn't much about it so far, but as I said its themes are parallel to Solarpunk without diverting too far from that source. New Atlantis' focus on inner spirituality and the frequent existence of glowy elements certainly fit, and while the titular city and its surrounding wilderness have elements of future-tech in harmony with nature and civilization, it also involves heavy usage of quiet, contemplative themes that promote inward reflection (notice how many of the stories and artwork so far show characters in isolation, yet without feeling lonely?). Plus, one cannot deny the heavy usage of "spirit magic" in the setting thus far, where characters use their own presence to reach out and interact with their world. There's also the common aspect of body runes that act in a way similar to acupuncture theory and chakra, albeit rather loosely-defined so far in the stories. They focus and channel one's "energy," in the stories, for example. And while the "punk" element is still rather wobbly in this setting, it does exist in its own way as the characters face an unseen, faceless looming threat against their advanced-yet-still-vulnerable society. More on that as the stories develop, but for now, what I can say is that New Atlantis, for all its advancements, remains an oasis surrounded by creeping danger, and while society may be comfortable, it still needs to provide for itself before the population outgrows its territory, hence the scouts like Orchid and research councils that work to better understand the outside world so they can safely expand without disturbing whatever is out there. And again, nudity... I'm sure we're all familiar with how naturism has its own spiritual reflection, as well.
So yeah, I'll probably still call the setting "Solarpunk" since the term is more well known, but by embracing fantasy I can still keep it unique and allow it to show its own personality.
The idea makes sense. Both evoke optimism with sustainable future elements, though whereas Solarpunk is heavy on science, Lunarpunk is geared more toward spirituality. It turns out, after coming to this revelation I did a bit of research and discovered that this genre does exist, and it's exactly that! The term was coined about a year ago, so there isn't much about it so far, but as I said its themes are parallel to Solarpunk without diverting too far from that source. New Atlantis' focus on inner spirituality and the frequent existence of glowy elements certainly fit, and while the titular city and its surrounding wilderness have elements of future-tech in harmony with nature and civilization, it also involves heavy usage of quiet, contemplative themes that promote inward reflection (notice how many of the stories and artwork so far show characters in isolation, yet without feeling lonely?). Plus, one cannot deny the heavy usage of "spirit magic" in the setting thus far, where characters use their own presence to reach out and interact with their world. There's also the common aspect of body runes that act in a way similar to acupuncture theory and chakra, albeit rather loosely-defined so far in the stories. They focus and channel one's "energy," in the stories, for example. And while the "punk" element is still rather wobbly in this setting, it does exist in its own way as the characters face an unseen, faceless looming threat against their advanced-yet-still-vulnerable society. More on that as the stories develop, but for now, what I can say is that New Atlantis, for all its advancements, remains an oasis surrounded by creeping danger, and while society may be comfortable, it still needs to provide for itself before the population outgrows its territory, hence the scouts like Orchid and research councils that work to better understand the outside world so they can safely expand without disturbing whatever is out there. And again, nudity... I'm sure we're all familiar with how naturism has its own spiritual reflection, as well.
So yeah, I'll probably still call the setting "Solarpunk" since the term is more well known, but by embracing fantasy I can still keep it unique and allow it to show its own personality.
This is really cool, and a funny coincidence that you arrived at the idea independently. The moon is a mysterious force in metaphysical realms, tapping into the dark, rarely seen depths and bringing out who-knows-what. The Solarpunk label is surely more recognizable, but do keep going the direction you want!
I think furries have a knack for finding genres and niches of writing that are usually not considered by other people. I'm writing mecha fiction of a type that would be very rare here in the West.