Allow me to say that we, at Steampunk Store, firmly believe that the retrofuturist genre contains some of the most beautiful jewels of Japanese animation ever created. Step off the beaten path to discover true gems of animation where steam and gears dance in an exceptional mechanical choreography!
After all, with their characteristic technology and their generally deep narrative elements, steampunk anime have this remarkable particularity of being both visually and intellectually stimulating — like a perfectly orchestrated narrative clockwork mechanism.
Definition of Steampunk Manga
Steampunk manga constitutes this fascinating synthesis between Japanese narrative art and the retrofuturist aesthetic of our movement. These works are generally set in alternative universes populated by sophisticated versions of Victorian era technology. Thus, steam engines, majestic airships, and other mechanical marvels of the industrial revolution are magnificently represented in these exceptional visual creations.
A Complete Map of Steampunk Manga
Dear readers, allow me to present this meticulous cartography of the steampunk manga universe — a true catalogue of narrative clockwork where each work constitutes an essential cog in our Japanese cultural heritage.
| Rank | Title | Author/Studio | Steampunk Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fullmetal Alchemist | Hiromu Arakawa | Technological alchemy, mechanical prosthetics, industrial aesthetic |
| 2 | Steamboy | Katsuhiro Otomo | Alternative Victorian England, vaporous inventions |
| 3 | Last Exile | Studio Gonzo | Airships, aerial steam engines |
| 4 | Levius | Haruhisa Nakata | Mechanical boxing, steampunk prosthetics, post-apocalyptic world |
| 5 | Metropolis | Osamu Tezuka | Futuristic city, automata, industrial architecture |
| 6 | Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water | Yoshiyuki Sadamoto | Submarine Nautilus, retrofuturist inventions |
| 7 | Steam Detectives | Keiichi Sigsawa | Steam City, megatons, mechanical investigations |
| 8 | D.Gray-man | Katsura Hoshino | Gothic-steampunk Europe, anachronistic technologies |
| 9 | Samurai 7 | Studio Gonzo | Half-man half-machine warriors, mechanical aesthetic |
| 10 | Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind | Hayao Miyazaki | Flying machines, post-apocalyptic technology |
Our Selection of 10 Mechanical Masterworks
Dear fellow steamers, without further ado, here is our meticulous selection of the finest specimens of steampunk animation — each one a jewel in the crown of our retrofuturist heritage!
This 2004 shōnen anime presents a storyline inspired by the cinematographic masterpiece Seven Samurai, reinterpreted through the steampunk mechanical lens. In a land governed by terror under the yoke of the Nobuseri — that race of brutish half-man half-machine warriors — a young priestess undertakes to gather samurai to protect the oppressed population.
Although the storyline remains accessible, its technical execution and the many steampunk elements present make it a particularly compelling series. The action scenes, especially those featuring these cyborg villains, constitute a true mechanical ballet for the eyes. With the characteristic animation quality of Studio Gonzo, this work deserves its place in our steampunk pantheon.
D.Gray-Man is one of those works one cannot help but appreciate — like a perfectly oiled emotional attachment mechanism. With an extremely likeable cast and a particularly engaging universe, viewers were immediately won over by this world of exorcists and Akuma.
While the steampunk elements of D.Gray-Man remain subtle, the genre's influence on several key aspects of the plot is undeniable. The Noah clan uses striking anachronistic technology, including highly advanced machines whose design is clearly inspired by Victorian technology. This series also explores institutional corruption — a recurring theme in our movement.
From the title alone, one could immediately identify this anime's authentic steampunk nature! The premise of this little retrofuturist gem is one of remarkable mechanical simplicity. In Steam City, where steam is the primary source of energy, criminals cleverly use the white vaporous mist to conduct their nefarious activities.
It falls to the young detective Narutaki, accompanied by his assistant Ling Ling and their megaton Goriki, to solve these crimes and maintain peace in this mechanical city. The steampunk genre elements are unmistakable, from the steamy urban setting to the ubiquitous megatons, creating an atmosphere worthy of the finest steampunk goggles.
With Nadia, we have the privilege of watching the animated adaptation of the celebrated novel by Jules Verne, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. Inspired by one of the founding fathers of the genre, this project emerges from the creative minds behind Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Set in an alternative universe in 1889, the anime follows Nadia, a mysterious young girl whose pendant becomes the object of a frantic chase. Eventually rescued by Captain Nemo and his powerful submarine Nautilus, she discovers a world of underwater mechanical wonders. The retrofuturist inventions and the technology of the Nautilus constitute true masterpieces of steampunk design.
Metropolis is a magnificent retrofuturist animated film — a true visual feast for lovers of mechanical aesthetics! This remarkable achievement in animation shines in every sequence with absolutely breathtaking 2D visuals and groundbreaking 3D integration for the era.
Retaining Osamu Tezuka's original character designs proves to be an inspired decision, fitting perfectly into this world oscillating between dieselpunk and steampunk. By addressing crime drama elements and commentary on classism, Metropolis magnificently captures the social atmosphere and vision of the industrial roaring twenties.
Levius, adapted from the manga by Haruhisa Nakata, stands out for its particularly striking steampunk atmosphere. This concept cleverly marries a dystopian 19th-century setting with an initiation journey into the world of mechanical boxing — an unusual fusion that works remarkably well.
The series' eponymous character, Levius, is a war orphan equipped with a cybernetic arm and forced into a career of "metal boxing". The visuals of this series are particularly impressive — the hissing and spinning steampunk prosthetics give the various fighters a striking appearance during spectacular bouts.
The Last Exile series constitutes one of the finest examples of anime fully embracing the steampunk genre. This sequel to the successful 2003 anime takes place four years after the events of the original title, featuring the young pilot Fam who decides to help a princess by becoming her "wings".
The steampunk elements of Last Exile are grandiose — from the majestic airships to the post-Edwardian technologies constantly present on screen. This work also explores popular steampunk themes such as resource scarcity and social oppression, characterising the rulers as corrupt in keeping with our narrative tradition.
Already featured in our TOP 20 best steampunk films, Steamboy constitutes, in many respects, manga's love letter to the steampunk genre. With a plot set in an alternative Great Britain at the time of the industrial revolution, this retrofuturist universe is truly breathtaking.
After Ray, the protagonist, receives a mysterious machine from his grandfather, this young inventor finds himself at the centre of a deadly game in which he faces forces far superior to his own. Steamboy remains one of Japan's most expensive anime films, using more than 180,000 drawings and 440 CGI scenes — a true technical achievement worthy of our finest steampunk watches.
The story of Edward and Alphonse Elric constitutes one of the most remarkable narratives anime has ever produced. With its rich storyline, its deep philosophical foundations, and its unforgettable characters, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood represents one of the finest examples not only of the steampunk genre, but of Japanese animation as a whole.
The steampunk elements of FMA are particularly manifest — the setting draws heavily from industrial Europe. Edward's automail arm is in itself a major steampunk element visible in every episode. The entire setting, the characters' weapons, and the omnipresent tension between social classes perfectly illustrate the characteristic themes of our genre.
Nausicaä is not merely a classic of the steampunk genre — it is a classic of animation in general! Critically acclaimed, recognised for its commercial success, and created by Hayao Miyazaki, the greatest animated film director of all time, this masterpiece follows the courageous Nausicaä on her epic quest.
What makes Nausicaä so profoundly steampunk? Fundamentally, everything that animation lovers appreciate in the genre! The air pirates, the retrofuturist machines, the military airships, characters wearing steampunk goggles, and a characteristic dress style constitute just a few of the many elements present. Nausicaä remains an integral masterpiece — which is precisely why this film stands at the summit of our mechanical ranking!
The Steampunk Universe in Japanese Culture
Dear readers, the influence of steampunk style on Japanese manga culture transcends mere aesthetics to become a true narrative philosophy. These works draw on the heritage of the European industrial revolution while enriching it with Japanese artistic sensibility, creating a unique synthesis within the world of animation.
The integration of elements such as automata, sophisticated steam engines, and Victorian aesthetics into these Japanese narratives demonstrates the universal reach of our movement. These creators have transformed the Western retrofuturist imagination into an accessible visual language, thus touching a far wider audience than our traditional boundaries.
Completing Your Steampunk Collection
To accompany this anime exploration of our universe, do not hesitate to discover our collection of authentic steampunk accessories. Our pocket watches and mechanical jewellery will allow you to fully live this aesthetic in your daily life.
Also explore our articles on the best steampunk books and discover the world of steampunk video games for complete immersion in our retrofuturist movement.
The Mechanics of Wonder
And so ends our exploration of these animated mechanical marvels, dear fellow steamers! This selection magnificently demonstrates how Japanese art has managed to appropriate and enrich our steampunk aesthetic, creating works of remarkable beauty and depth.
Each of these anime constitutes an essential cog in the great cultural machine of modern steampunk, proving that our movement transcends geographical boundaries to touch hearts and minds around the world. From the mechanical alchemy of Fullmetal Alchemist to the vaporous skies of Nausicaä, these creations continue to inspire new generations of retrofuturism enthusiasts.
If a particular work comes to mind, do not hesitate to share it with us! Until then, may your dreams be peopled with majestic airships and benevolent automata!
Sources and References
- MyAnimeList database for technical information
- Archives of Japanese animation studios (Gonzo, Studio Ghibli, Bones)
- Documentation on the influence of Jules Verne in manga culture
- Studies on the evolution of steampunk in Japanese animation
- Critical analyses of the works of Hayao Miyazaki and Katsuhiro Otomo
Eugénie Vaporette
Curator and consultant in steampunk aesthetics
Graduate in the history of Victorian technologies