Let me say that we at Steampunk Store , we believe that the retro-future genre contains some of the best anime titles ever made. Dissenting voices? I suspected as much. Think outside the box like Naruto, Dragon Ball and other City Hunter to discover real gems of Japanese animation.
After all, with their signature technology and generally deep plot elements, Steampunk anime have the distinction of being among those that are both visually and mentally stimulating.
So what makes a steampunk manga ?
Let's just point out that although manga is a Japanese comic, we're going to make a TOP of anime, more visual and mainstream. The steampunk manga universe is usually set in alternate universes that are populated with similar or more advanced versions of Victorian era technology. Thus, steam engines and other notable aspects of the industrial revolution are well represented.
Summary table of steampunk manga
| # | Title | Author | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fullmetal Alchemist | Hiromu Arakawa | A world where alchemy is an advanced science with complex machines and mechanical prosthetics. |
| 2 | Steamboy | Katsuhiro Otomo | Set in a steampunk version of Victorian England with a young inventor. |
| 3 | Last Exile | Gonzo | A world with flying ships and steam engines. |
| 4 | Levius | Haruhisa Nakata | A boxer using mechanical prosthetics in a post-apocalyptic world. |
| 5 | Metropolis | Osamu Tezuka | A futuristic world with steampunk elements. |
| 6 | Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water | Yoshiyuki Sadamoto | Adventures with steampunk elements in an alternate version of the Victorian era. |
| 7 | Steam Detectives (Kaiketsu Shoki Tanteidan) | Keiichi Sigsawa | Investigators using steampunk technologies in a universe inspired by the Victorian era. |
| 8 | D.Gray-man | Katsura Hoshino | Exorcists in a gothic, steampunk version of 19th century Europe. |
| 9 | Samurai 7 | Gonzo | Steampunk adaptation of the Seven Samurai story. |
| 10 | Kaze no Tani no Nausicaä (Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind) | Hayao Miyazaki | Flying machines and advanced technology in a post-apocalyptic world. |
| 11 | Kino no Tabi (Kino's Journey) | Keiichi Sigsawa | A universe with steampunk elements in various societies visited by Kino. |
| 12 | Pumpkin Scissors | Ryotaro Iwanaga | A post-war world with Victorian-inspired weapons and technology. |
| 13 | Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress | Wit Studio (manga by Shirou Yoshida) | World with mobile fortresses and steam weapons to fight zombie-like creatures. |
| 14 | Emma | Kaoru Mori | Historical romance with a steampunk aesthetic. |
| 15 | Clockwork Planet | Yuu Kamiya and Tsubaki Himana | World completely rebuilt in clockwork mechanisms. |
| 16 | Shisha no Teikoku (The Empire of Corpses) | Project Itoh and Toh EnJoe | Alternate universe with corpses reanimated using steampunk technology. |
| 17 | Radiant | Tony Valente | French manga with steampunk elements in a fantasy world. |
| 18 | Skyward | Ken Liu | Graphic novel adapted into a manga with a steampunk aesthetic. |
| 19 | Dantalian no Shoka (The Mystic Archives of Dantalian) | Gakuto Mikumo | Set in an alternate version of early 20th century England with steampunk elements. |
| 20 | Karakuri Circus | Kazuhiro Fujita | Features puppets and automatons in a steampunk setting. |
| 21 | Fire Force (En'en no Shouboutai) | Atsushi Ōkubo | World with special firefighters and steampunk inspired equipment. |
| 22 | Ariadne in the Blue Sky | Norihiro Yagi | Fantasy world with flying machines and advanced technologies. |
| 23 | The Ghost in the Shell | Masamune Shirow | Cyberpunk with steampunk elements in some mechanisms and technologies. |
| 24 | Raphael | Kaiu Shirai and Posuka Demizu | One-shot with steampunk aesthetics and mechanical creature themes. |
| 25 | Kekkaishi | Yellow Tanabe | Fantastic with steampunk elements in some technology and equipment. |
| 26 | Appare-Ranman! | Masakazu Hashimoto | Race across 19th century America with customized vehicles and advanced technology. |
So, without further ado, here are our picks for the best steampunk anime ever made!
10. Samurai 7
Episodes: 26
Air Date: June 2004 - December 2004
This action packed shonen anime from 2004 features a story that is loosely based on one of the best samurai movies ever made, Seven Samurai (I think you got the idea). The plot of the anime is pretty simple, with a land ruled by fear under the rule of the Nobuseri, a race of brutal warriors who are part machine, the people are oppressed. To counter the threat, a young priestess travels and gathers samurai to protect the people.
Although the plot of the anime is quite simple, its execution, as well as the many steampunk elements present, make it a very endearing series. The action scenes, especially those involving the half-machine villains are a real treat to watch. Of course, with Gonzo's signature animation quality, steampunk fans can rest assured that this anime is definitely worth watching.
9. D. Gray-Man
Episodes: 103
Air Date: October 2006 to September 2008
D. Gray Man is one of those anime that you can't help but love. After all, with an extremely likeable cast and an extremely engaging universe, viewers were immediately drawn to the world of exorcists and Akuma. Created from the really in-depth manga, the plot of the anime is pretty solid too.
While the steampunk elements of D. Gray-Man are quite subtle, the genre's influences on several key aspects of the plot are undeniable. The Noah clan, for their part, use technology that seems highly anachronistic, including highly advanced machines whose design is obviously inspired by Victorian technology, such as Allen's cursed eye passage. In addition to technology, the presence of corruption, which is a common theme in steampunk titles, is also present in the Vatican itself.
8. Steam Detectives (Kaiketsu Shoki Tanteidan)
Episodes: 26
Air Date: October 1998 - March 1999
From the title of this anime alone, one could immediately tell that it is a steampunk title. The premise of this retro-futuristic gem is quite simple. With the use of steam as the main source of energy in Steam City, criminals and other undesirables have begun to use the white mist of the city's steam to carry out their nefarious activities. It is up to young detective Narutaki, his assistant nurse Ling Ling Ling, and their megamaton Goriki to solve the crimes and keep the peace.
The steampunk elements of this title are undeniable, from the Steam City setting to the Mega-Matons that are heavily featured in each episode. While the anime is marketed towards younger anime fans, the design aspects of the title, as well as its rather dark setting, still make it an enjoyable watch for anime fans of all ages.
7. Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water (Fushigi no Umi no Nadia)
Episodes: 39
Air Date: April 1990 - March 1991
With Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water, we have the right to dream that Jules Verne's famous novel, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, is adapted into an anime . Inspired by one of the founding fathers of the genre, the project comes from the creative minds behind Neon Genesis Evangelion. Set in an alternate universe in 1889, the anime stars Nadia, a mysterious girl whose pendant is the focal point of a hunt for jewel thieves. Eventually, she is rescued by none other than Captain Nemo, who helms the powerful submarine, the Nautilus.
While young lady and his inventor friend Jean travel with the crew of the Nautilus, they find themselves in the middle of a conflict where the freedom of the world is at stake. Throughout the anime, steampunk elements abound, from the technology used in the Nautilus itself to Jean's inventions. In fact, Jules Verne's novel is widely considered one of the best examples of steampunk literature. With the anime inspired by the timeless classic, how could it lack inspiration? In short, a masterpiece as we have become accustomed to from studi ghibli. So kawaii.
6. Metropolis
May 2001 film
A beautiful retro-futuristic animated film, a feast for the eyes. An effort in the animation is to be highlighted which shines in every frame with absolutely breathtaking 2d visuals and avant-garde CG from 2001 (no joke, the CG is impressive for the time). Keeping the original character designs by Osamu Tezuka (Astroboy) is such an ingenious decision, which fits perfectly into this world between dieselpunk and steampunk creates an incredible atmosphere.
By adding detective aspects and commentary on topics such as classism and segregation, Metropolis amazingly captures the mood and outlook of people in the 1920s and 1940s.
At its core, the film is about finding one's identity and (as corny as it may sound) the power that love has over another. It's a beautiful film, both in its story and its style.
5. Levius
Episodes: 12
Broadcast: Netflix
Levius, adapted from the manga by Haruhisa Nakata, is one of those series that stands out for its exciting Steampunk atmosphere. The concept combines a dystopian setting of the 19th century with an initiatory journey into the world of mechanical boxing. An unusual fusion of elements that works surprisingly well given the strong visual style and emotional depth of the series.
The series' namesake, Levius, is a war orphan taken in by his uncle, marginalized by society thanks to a cybernetic arm and forced into a career in "metal boxing"; cyborg fighting for which he has a talent, although his stubbornness gets him into a lot of trouble.
The visuals of Levius season 1 are very cool and contribute to the show's breathless atmosphere, the whirling and whirling steampunk prosthetics give the various fighters a striking appearance and exciting fights. The idea of handling spectacular equipment and techniques that only complements the atypical fusion of ideas and spectacular elements. The competitive sport setting is a very effective one to emotionally and dramatically invest the viewer.
With a well-established fan base, Levius should find its share of fans who will be impressed by the adaptation and hopefully Netflix's marketing that could draw people in for the second season which is expected to arrive soon.
4. Last Exile: Ginyoku no Fam
Episodes: 21
Air Date: October 2011 to March 2012
The Last Exile series is one of the best examples of an anime that fully embraces the steampunk genre. Fam, The Silver Wing, which is a sequel to the hit 2003 anime, takes place four years after the events of the original Last Exile. The sequel features young pilot Fam, who decides to help a princess by becoming her "wings."
The steampunk elements of Last Exile are grandiose, with the airships (zeppelins?) and other post-Edwardian technology still on display. Other popular steampunk themes, such as lack of resources and a focus on the underdog, as well as the characterization of the rulers as corrupt, are also present. Last Exile is certainly one of the most notable steampunk titles of recent years.
3. Steamboy
July 2004 film
Already present in our TOP 20 Best Steampunk Movies , Steamboy is, in many ways, Manga's love letter to the Steampunk genre. With a story set in an alternate Britain during the Industrial Revolution, the retro-futuristic universe is striking. After Ray, the film's protagonist, receives a machine from his grandfather, the young man finds himself in the middle of a deadly game of cat and mouse, pitted against powers far beyond his own.
Although some critics have stated that Steamboy presents a rather simplistic story in nature, all, audiences and press alike have been unanimous in their praise of the excellent production values of this animated film, with the consensus being that the film is a satisfying visual feast. Even now, Steamboy is one of the most expensive anime films to be made in Japan to date, using over 180,000 drawings and 440 CG scenes. The film also took an entire decade to make, making it a work that has entered Japanese culture. It is definitely worth seeing on the big screen, if possible . If you are a fan of the Steampunk genre, this film is definitely worth checking out.
2. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Episodes: 64
Air Date: April 2009 - July 2010
The story of Edward and Alphonse Elric is one of the most remarkable stories that anime has ever told in recent years. Indeed, with its rich story, deep philosophical underpinnings, and unforgettable characters throughout, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, is one of the best examples of not only the steampunk genre, but manga and anime as a whole. Ranked as one of the highest-rated anime of recent years, it is certainly one that deserves to be at the top of every manga fan's must-watch list.
FMA's steampunk elements are also quite overt, with the anime's setting being heavily influenced by industrial-age Europe. Edward's automaton arm is a very large steampunk element alone that can be seen in every episode of the anime. Overall, the series' setting, the main characters' weapons, and the ever-present tension between classes are very notable examples of common themes present in the genre.
1. Kaze no Tani no Nausicaä (Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind)
Episode 1
Release date: March 1984
Nausicaa is not just a classic of the steampunk genre. It is a classic of anime in general. Critically acclaimed, commercially successful, and created by Hayao Miyazaki, the greatest anime director of all time. Nausicaa has become a timeless classic featuring the young and courageous Nausicaa and her epic conquest. In addition to a timeless story, the film is also home to one of anime's most remarkable engines of destruction, which has influenced anime for decades.
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What makes Nausicaa so Steampunk? Well, it basically has everything anime fans love about the genre. Air pirates, retro-futuristic machines, military airships, characters with googles (steampunk goggles), and a Steampunk clothing style are just a few of the many elements commonly found in titles of the genre. Nausicaa is a masterpiece through and through, and that’s why the movie is our number one on this list.
This concludes our list of the best steampunk titles ever made into an anime. Of course, with such a creative genre, there are countless others that deserve to be mentioned like Trigun or Attack on Titan. If a work comes to mind, do not hesitate to mention it on our social networks for more conviviality.
Until then, we'll see you again for another article, see you soon vaporists!