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Retro-futurism

Retro-futurism describes the return to the to fanciful depictions of the future produced many years ago called futurism. These may be based on a lack of scientific knowledge and a great deal of imagination and speculation.

A great deal of attention is drawn to fantastic machines and architecture, the logistics of which are realistically impractical. The retro-futuristic design ethic tends to solid colors, streamlined shapes, and mammoth scales. It might be said that retro-futurism is the ultimate development of googie design.

The setting retro-futuristic stories is usually a utopian society.

The spirit of retro-futurism, with its optimism and embracing of the status-quo is a complete contrast with cyberpunk. Retro-futurism is also different from steampunk, although the two had things in common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when modern technology as we know it was still young.

Metropolis, Buck Rogers, Astro Boy, and The Jetsons are prominent examples. Others include old science fiction covers from pulp magazines and Scott McCloud's Zot. The original Star Trek also has a retro look to it.

Artists who have worked with a retro-futuristic style

Books on Retro-futurism