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Gatehouse Gazette ISSUE 5 MAR ‘09

EXTRAORDINARY VOYAGES ISSUE 5 Gatehouse Gazette MAR ‘09

Contents

Editorial Nick Ottens

hank you, dear reader, for having downloaded Speaking of , we welcome Miss Ella our fifth issue. Last month we commemorated Kremper to the group of contributors this issue as she T the birthday of and this month we presents her first review, of Hammer Film’s 1958 happily continue our celebration by embracing the . And she is not the onl y new writer: from Mr very genesis of : the Marcius Rauchfuß we learn that in the city of Munich, which have inspired so many authors and artists out there is lots for the steampunk enthusiast to enjoy. there who c ontinue the steampunk tradition. We feature two more excellent reviews by Mr This edition is not quite as packed as our previous Trubetskoy, as well as the third and final part in Mr holiday issue, but we feature plenty of interest still. Piecraft’s “History of ”. Read how Read a n interview with the extraordinary dieselpunk and relate in this concluding designer Miss Vecona and learn more about the installment. And finally, Mr Craig Daniel writes his adventure look from Miss Hilde Heyvaert’s “The column again, this time on liquors befitting pulp -style Steampunk Wardrobe” column. She also tells you just romance and adventure. how to be a good villain, that is, in a review of the book We are always curious to learn what our readers that does. So i f you are scheming any evildoing some have to say. Know that there is a forum out there time soon, be sure not to miss out on it! (www.ottens.co.uk/lounge ) where you can leave your In London, there will be plenty of opportunity for opinions about our periodical. Plus, we invite you to both evil and steampunk the next two months, for send in your thoughts for publication. So this issue, you March sees the latest edition of the Vampyre Villains vs. find for example Mr William Landis’ view about the Steampunk Slayers event while in April, Abney Park steampunk . Beg to differ? Let us know! comes over to Albion for two ! Happy reading! ■

13 No gears please 18 Diesel’s punk 14 Empire dreams 13 Interview with Vecona 18 History of Dieselpunk, Part 3 14 The of Steampunk 13 By HILDE HEYVAERT 18 By ‘P IECRAFT ’ 14 By WILLIAM LANDIS

14 Steam & slayers 19 Open the coffin 15 Exotic e lixirs 14 Local Steampunk 19 Dracula 15 The Liquor Cabinet 14 By NICK OTTENS 19 By ELLA KREMPER 15 By CRAIG B. D ANIEL

16 Through Hell 11 Munich 16 Bygone legacy 16 Iron Storm 11 Local Steampunk 16 Astronef 16 By ‘T RUBETSKOY ’ 11 By MARCIUS RAUCHFUß 16 By ‘T RUBETSKOY ’

17 The Adventurer 12 The Smoking Lounge comic 17 Learn to be evil 17 The Steampunk Wardrobe 12 By ‘C OL. ADRIANNA HAZARD ’ 17 How to be a Villain 17 By HILDE HEYVAERT 17 By HILDE HEYVAERT 13 Genre in haze 13 What’s ? 18 Featured Photo 13 By NICK OTTENS 18 Colophon

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ISSUE 5 Gatehouse Gazette MAR ‘09

No gears please

Interview | Vecona Hilde Heyvaert

any will created the octopus set and then I You mentioned J ules Verne; is the know of the German went on to the ‘30s and ‘40s sailor adventurism the part of steampunk M fashion designer Vecona, girl dress, which I needed for a that appeals to you most? whose innovative designs have swing party. After that came a To be honest, a year ago I didn’t amazed and delighted those that Titanic party so I made a 1900s even know there was something have seen them on her website or dress and everything remained like steampunk. at her catwalk shows—which are within that sea theme. Once you I read th e Jules Verne books fabulous events on their own! She get started, it’s so easy to go on when I was nine years old. I had gracefully agreed to let us with something different in the these rough brown -greyish East- interview her after her sublime same theme. I started out having German paperback books and I fashion show at Gala Nocturna one piece, and before I knew it the was so totally into them because, 2009 in Belgium. whole collection was already there. especially when you’re younger, it’s so easy to understand and Your creations are a truly original imagine how this world could look blend of history, Gothic and like. And now that I’m older I steampunk. What inspires you to suddenly came to realise that come to such wonderful clothing there’s a whole scene around and accessories? them! That’s awesome! But I don’t My interest started with the Goth want to be restricted to this scene, scene, but since it’s only and I take elements out of different gowns you have to find new drawers and eras and mix selective horizons and challenges when you parts together while I try to meld it grow older. As you have to invent together into something new. something new all the time, you Ma ybe someday we’ll have another have to get inspiration everywhere scene that has a different name but you can. It’s cool to bring the same elements as this one. something totally new into a scene Who knows? that used to wear black or maybe pink or bright colours for the girls. You worked with artists like Em ily Now we have earth tones to mix Autumn and Sopor Aeternus. I f you with all of that. I do try to avoid could choose one artist, dead or the clichés. For example I totally alive, to work with, who would it be? hate and I think there’s too It wo uld definitely be . much going on with these gears. I would love to make the costumes There’s so much more elements to for a Tim Burton movie. I’m steampunk that you could use and convinced he doesn’t need my stuff combine with different styles. because the movies and garments Also there’s the stories behind are already perfect, even when it’s steampunk, like the Jules Verne 3D . But it would be a stories in the deep sea. I totally great challenge for me. Th at’s the adore the deep sea, and so I level I want to reach.

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ISSUE 5 Gatehouse Gazette MAR ‘09

If you could choose one project, and thing as that would be boring in you could dress Tim Burton’s entire time. You’ll look at a different era cast, what would you like to do? and find some thing that inspires I know Alice in Wonderland is you there. already his next film, but that This will continue happening, I would be great! Imagine that! I cannot deny I’m in the flow, but it’s already saw the picture of Johnny not relevant to me because I do Depp of the Mad Hatter and oh wha t I do and I would do it wow, imagine it would be me who anyway, regardless of the scene or made that outfit! its popularity.

Do you feel that the current media Inqui ring gentlemen want to know: attention that steampunk is can they expect more steampunk receiving is directly relevant to you, pieces from you in the near ? or to the scene in Germany? There wi ll definitely be a I must convince that scenes and collection. It’s all still very hush common trends aren’t relevant for hush at the moment. But this year me, but I’m always surprised that there will be something for men somehow everybody is in the and women and it has to do with stream. I’m there too. So when I the ocean. look into a fashion magazine, let’s say Vogue , I see trends like the ‘20s Is there any other coolness that you and I’m thinking “oh my God, I’m can give us a sneak peek at? into the twenties, wow, how did Hah who knows! I don’t even they know that?” And with know what I do next week! ■ steampunk it’s exactly the same, as I think it will be the next trend. I think that maybe we have this For more, visit the designer’s website at certain feeling of what will be next, vecona.de. Photographs courtesy of the because you cannot be stuck in one author and Viona- , viona-art.com.

Steam & slayers

Article | Local Steampunk Nick Ottens

his spring in London, one peculiar outing called Vampyre party where the event is a “deadly nightstalkers, Villains vs. Steampunk Slayers . We ‘competitive costume showdown’ T elegant children of the night ask the main organizer of this between the enthusiasts and Lords and Ladies of the event, Mr Darren Jack Powell, just and the steampunks both of whom undead step out with sartorial what all the fuss is about and tell have a love of elegant and scholars, scientists and inventors, you what more to expect in The Big interesting clothing and a penchant cosmopolitan ladies of action and Smoke. for dressing well for parties and intrigue, gentleman adventurers, “It occurred to me,” says Mr events .” While we would not gunslingers and pilots,” for Powel l, “to run an atypical vampire presume to speak for aficionados

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ISSUE 5 Gatehouse Gazette MAR ‘09 of blood and horror, we can second Year’s Eve this year and saw festival.” He foresees more events the latter part of the statement, bullfighters, flamenco dancers, and more enthusiasts in the future: that is to say, steampunk Mexican luchadors, Cuban heels “more fun for everybody that enthusiasts very much enjoy a and Tropicana girls. (This may be wants to get involved. It may night out in a glamorous outfit. wistful thinking on our part, but possibly be ‘the next big thing’!” Besides, what good is that ray gun such a Las Vegas -esque So if you are thinking about when there are no undead performance seems much more visiting the Capital of the Empire creatures around to neutralize? befitting di eselpunk, wouldn’t you any time soon —and perhaps we The next gathering will take say?) ought to work to make it the place this March “and will also Last year also saw the Capital of Steampunk too ?—either have some little decadent and its meet -ups, a this month or the last weekend of distraction.” For the last there was dinosaur -hunting pick nick April is the time to go and , in the a catwalk show of lingerie and organized through Brass Goggles latter case, Whitby the place to be. outfits and Mr Powell is and according to Mr Powell, Onto a great steampunk city trip, hoping to “track down a “steampunks can now be seen at we say! ■ steampunk burlesque performance the and I or floor show,” for the upcoming daresay they will be seen at the gala. annuel London Cemetry Open Vampyre Villains is not the Days.” And on top of that, “Steampunk only thing happening in London steampunk band Abney Park will these days. You might already be play in London on the 24 th and 25 th may possibly with White Mischief of next Apri l! “This will be good for (“friendly evenings of suitable the momentum of the scene,” says be the next big entertainments,” says Mr Powell) Mr Powell, “as I hope the London thing.” whose last show was on New date will become something of a

Through Hell

Review | Iron Storm Trubetskoy

ith the gaming experience that should surely Fyodor Romanovich von Ungern - marketplace dominated appeal to particularly the Sternberg. After crushing the W by a glut of World dieselpunk enthusiast . Bolshevik Revolution, Ugenberg II-themed shooters, it is always Rather appropriately, Iron ushers in the formation of a refreshing to see titles experiment Storm is set in an odd little history Buddhist “Russo -Mongolian with depictions of obscure or that would warm the heart of a Empire,” whose first act is a war of allohistorical conflicts. While Iron 1920s pulp novelist. In the closing conquest against Europe. By 1964, Storm , created by defunct French months of 1918, the war is fifty years after the start of the war, developer 4x Studio and released unexpectedly reinvigorated by a both the Russo -Mongolians and the in 2002, takes the First mad Russian general named Baron armies of the United States of as its starting point, it borrows and Nikolai Aleksandrovich Ugenberg, Europe (USWE) are combines elements from the long a figure loosely based on the deadlocked in a vast trench history of twentieth century history figure of White Russian network carved through the warfare to create a darkly surreal general and Mongolian Khan Baron middle of Germany, with both sides

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ISSUE 5 Gatehouse Gazette MAR ‘09 quoting their armies and industries small -squad tactics, the presence of The weapons are great, heavy on the stock market to fund the beetle -like helicopter gunships engines of death that make loud, war effort. forever buzzing just out of reach metallic thuds when fired. Along The player is thrust into this and, rather surprisingly, the mass with the dec aying world, the war maelstrom as Lieutenant James media. In the game, the player between the two great empires has Anderson, a USWE veteran tasked gathers most of his information by become a cynical, brutal thing. with infiltrating the Russo- accessing “DRTs,” battl efield Neither side no longer has any Mongolian lines and destroying a and radar sets that qualms with using infantry - key weapons research center close parrot out a barrage of splattering rocket launchers in to the front lines. Overall, the advertisements for advanced regular combat. Neither side has gameplay is fairly standard for a weapons systems thinly disguised any issues with disposing of POWs shooter. The player is given the as “war journalism.” with battl efield executions or basic FPS arsenal to play with, and mutilating torture. However, this most of the levels are rather linear. violence is not of the typical Still, the Western Front is no gratuitous “blood and guts” cakewalk. The trenches and towns videogame violence done solely for of Germany are swarming with the purpose of voyeurism. Rather, snipers and rocket launchers, so by showing the viler aspects of war stealth and careful aiming are a without resorting to dramatics or must. Brainpower is also a irony, it gives the player a sense of necessity, for most levels have just how horrible the endless war areas that can only be passed actually is. through careful exploration and Of course, no game is without clever use of the environment. its flaws, and Iron Storm is no Perhaps the most enthralling exception. While the game runs aspect of Iron Storm is the setting. solidly on current computers when Despite the dated graphics, the properly patched, most of the world of 1964 comes to life as a graphics, part icularly the character grim mélange of industrial warfare models, unfortunately show their through the decades. From the age. Despite input from battlefield First World War, the trench, the intelligence and your commanding concrete bunker, the poison gas officer, mission directives are often grenade, and the cumbersome, unclear, leaving the player to infantry-slaughtering tank all make stumble around through trial and an appearance. In what must be a With the memories of all these error. While the game has a stealth first for a , allusions are past conflicts in its matrix, Iron system, its effectiveness is often made to the Russian Civil War, Storm is a rather grim game. The hit-or-miss, with enemies being particularly with the names and world o f 1964 is a dying one, filled either acutely sensitive to or uniforms of the Russo-Mongolian with tarnished steel, crumbling blithely ignorant of your presence. army and the great armored trains concrete, rotten wood, mud, and Finally, the game has a rushed, of that conflict. World War II the dead. Everything built before vague resolution, that does not provides the styling for the the war has either been destroyed really provide anything in the way machinery of the war, as well as or abandoned, and everything new of closure. such forgotten ideas as the bomb- is big, heavy, and functional. Still, despite these flaws, Iron armed “mine dog” unsuccessfully (Perhaps the best of example of Storm is a game worth checking used by the Soviets against German this can be found in the final level out, if only as a reminder that, tanks. Finally, Iron Storm has an of the game, set in a Reichstag that while this is not the best of all odd postcolonial glaze, with the has been converted into an armory, possible worlds, it could have been common use of commandos and a barracks, and Buddhist shrine.) much, much worse. ■

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ISSUE 5 Gatehouse Gazette MAR ‘09

The Adventurer

Column | The Steampunk Wardrobe Hilde Heyvaert

he adventurer is crucial to authentic spats, eBay and Etsy are you want you can even look like a steampunk, for he explores good places to look. Other spats steamed-up , if that’s T the boundaries of empires are easy to make or have made what rocks your boat! and brings back new and exiting with the many tutorials and Footwear also ranges from things from his journeys into the patterns circulating the web and different kinds of styles but previously unknown. Adventurers sewing supply stores. consists of comfortable yet s turdy are brave, daring and most As far as headwear is and matching boots, often importantly, looking the part, no concerned the pith helmet is not combined with spats. A handy bag, matter where they go—be they the only popular with the imperialist, notebook with pen, and often belts brave explorers of lost civilizations it is in fact a bit of a symbol for to hang things from provide the in deep jungles or underneath the many adventurers of all ilk. T hus finishing touches of this outf it. mighty oceans, the gallant aviators the explori ng will After all, reaching into your belt that soar the skies, or anything in happily exchange his or her normal bag for your compass or being able between. headwear for a pith helmet of to draw your gun from that hip There is the servant of the choice and the more practically holster makes life so much easier Empire, in his neat uniform coat dressed adventurer will wear it (not to mention the rising survival and pith helmet, wearing his because well, it looks good and chances you get through easy insignias with pride. Some wear protects your head against the ac cess of essentials). Equipment - goggles to protect their eyes, insidious heat at the same time . wise many more mo dern others prefer a monocle as a sign of For those who have no desire adventurers add a camera of some elevated rank. If you wish to get to wear uniforms there are the sort to their tools of the trade. beige and khakis of exploration The adventurer look is one of garb. You can often find wonderful the easiest types of steampunk to pieces for an outfit like that in shop for. As mentioned above, stores specialising in outd oors traveling garb in the appropriate activities or traveling. And even colours is easily purchased from army supply stores tend to carry speciality shops. Other parts and this sort of garment. accessories can be gotten at a The actual wardrobe varies variety of shops, or made via from very casual to v ery chique. various DIY techniques like the Some favour the so -called safari customising for toy guns for the garb, others go for comfo rtable advent urer’ s weaponry. Also many skirts or cargo trousers or shorts. stores that sell LARP supplies, as Yet others prefer to look as well as high street shops and thrift adventurously dressed aristocrats, stores are a veritable tre asure wealthy ladies and gentlemen throve for the adventurer’ s leading the expedition they have accessories. ■ funded. Outfits range from historically accurate to contemporary with elements that Photograph courtesy of ‘Captain Robert could be real or made up . Heck if Brown’ of Abney Park, abneypark.com.

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ISSUE 5 Gatehouse Gazette MAR ‘09

Diesel ’s punk

Article | The History of Dieselpunk, Part 3 Piecraft

unk is not a synonym for era; feminine pulp heroes) and daring the Depression and World War II , rather the era is defined by qualities that p eople dreamt of in but throughout the period Pthe prevalent technology their nation’s heroes. dieselpunk is inspired by, being the ever-present in the context of a Therefore we observe that 1930s and onwards. world. In actuality dieselpunk is a constituent of both Altogether dieselpunk should there is confusion in regards to the steampunk and the pulp style of no longer be understood as simply differentiation largely of a literary and can be considered a spin-off from either of these (prevalent in cinema, games and anothe r counter-part of the literary earlier literary . I nstead it literature) understanding of pulp “-punk” derivative from cyber- could be argued that each of these fiction, alternative history as well punk. genres reside under an umbrella as modern steampunk with the Dieselpunk combines the anti- that incorporates or influe nces all genre of dieselpunk. It must be entity that is modified within styles from each, some times from understood that dieselpunk has steampunk's “Great White Colonial one, which is where the confusion borrowed and is influenced by Explorer” (i.e. Allan Quatermain) spurns from. elements from all three—which Perhaps it is best to accept creates the entity that is that the “ -punk” suffix added to dieselpunk as understood today. these literary genres developed not From steampunk it becomes “Dieselpunk is a out of the same sense as the punk inspired by the derivative mind-set musical scene, but out of the actual originally outlined by the amoeba constituent of definition of the term. Punk that is of an anti-hero referred to a label given to characterization within a troubled both steampunk an tagonize anyone who was seen world that is most often reflected and pulp.” as rebellious or anti-establishment; through the dystopian or at times mostly designated to the younger abstract utopian values of an generation, basically one who advanced technocratic world. This would go against the grain of idea although a brief glimpse of all archetype or “Daring Adventurer” society. This “punk” attitude was the facets to which cyberpunk as (i.e Doc Savage) —which were further enhanced with cyberpunk well as its many counterparts originally derived from cyberpunk in an all too bleak view of the divulge on, make up the integrity of heroes —back to the “Misaligned 1980s drowned in the Digital Age its science fiction. Urban Detective” ( Sam Spade), and mass consumerism , but it was Pulp literature seemingly “Military Hero” (Biggles), later carried into the extraordinary comparable, focuses on the early “Adventurer” ( Indiana Jones) or adventures and inventions found 1930s tradition of promoting the “Outcast” ( Mad Max), who posses a in a curious age before the turn -of- iconic times with adventures stronger hold on moral values and the-century . An age that reveled in experienced through the eyes of work s towards the ultimate good the world of st eampunk, with high pulp heroes: characters who of his people, even though he is hopes about industry and progress, represented the prominent ideals plagued by the darke ned bringing about exciting technology of courage, a “macho” or strong- atmosphere of his time. There is but also social change. Thus the willed and fearless masculine al so a dash of ; not daring adventurers and anti -social personality (even inherent among only in regards to the outcomes of inventors of this time could be

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ISSUE 5 Gatehouse Gazette MAR ‘09 seen as the "punks" of their period, taking place during World War II— comprises the “punk” attitude or rejecting the status quo of the time caught up in sometimes despairing element of the strange, the to challenge and seek their true circumstances. “otherness” in juxtaposition to the destinies. We observe that this was Therefore the understanding type of society or world in which further enhanced by the inclusion of the term d ieselpunk refers to a the adventure and stories take of the urban, gritty and raw form of literary science fiction that place. characters found in the 1930s, takes place during a time -span in Dieselpunk technology exudes demonstrated through which petroleum fuels machines an aim to express the energetic, and pulp literature. while the atomic and combustibles dynamic, and violent quality of The hero, whether one bearing are at its high-point; just as steam contemporary life, especially as an optimistic or pessimistic locomotives and steam- and gas- embodied in the motion and force perspective, will always encounter engine ered machines are of modern m achinery. And the side effects of the society they quintessential to s teampunk. It is therefore one can see a darker side live in—we most commonly find an ambiguous and yet general to this that has this to be true with works of fiction aspect of th e neologism that dropped since the previous era. ■

Open the coffin

Review | Dracula Ella Kremper

he as a genre has front door of the House of famously, . changed over the decades. Hammer. Hammer also delved into T Not evolved, as that would For historical reference, science fiction, taking on board the suggest improvements in the is a adventures of Quatermass, as well genre, putting technology aside for British film company founded in as mystery with The Hound of the a moment. On the other hand, I am 1934. It is from thi s company Baskervilles making an appearance. not going to stand on my blood- where the descriptor “Hammer However, it was their horror films stained altar and wave a similarly- horror” can be sourced, for their that are most remembered, for adorned implement of pointy fame comes from the low -budget being notable in their franchises, proportions and chant devilish on but lavish productions of Gothic and possibly for the F reudian slip how horror was better in the old horro r tales between the 1950s into “hammy horror” . days. This is not entirely true. and ‘ 70s. Taking on board the Moving from the haunted For a start, you had Hammer classic stories of Dracula, House of Hammer, we can enter Film Productions. , the Mummy and the crypt, push open the coffin and Now, Hammer films were not more, Hammer became well - come face to face with one of bad by any stretch of the word. known for their thrilling plots Ha mmer’s most famous characters: Before I get to the review, I must (often cut down versions of the , in his first say first and foremost that I love original material), period sets and eponymous Ham mer film out of Hammer films, however, if there the rather generous helpings of nine (renamed Horror of Dracula in was a progenitor of the bad horror blood and gore doll oped about the the United States due to confusion film sequel (and eventual place. Many celebrated actors of with the Dracula that franchise), the bony finger of the the period were regulars on a was still showing). The film was Grim Reaper is pointing right now Hammer film set, from Peter released in Britain in 1958 and at the ghoulish poison ivy-accosted Cushing to Oliver Reed and most originally given an X -rating by the

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ISSUE 5 Gatehouse Gazette MAR ‘09

BBFC, due to its rather nasty due to her missing her fiancé. lo cales that can be easily reached content, for the time, that is. Arthur (), Lucy’s by horse carriage. However, the Directed by Terence Fisher, who brother, does not take too kindly to sets and costumes are wonderfully had scored a big hit with the the news th at Harker has died, but descriptive of the period, with previous Hammer film The Curse of his wife, Mina (Melissa Stribling), clearly having fun Frankenstein , it also starred decides to get a second o pinion working a recording phonograph Hammer stalwarts Peter Cushing from Van Helsing on Lucy’ s (making a small jok e at the and Christopher Lee as Dr Van condition, who advises garlic expense of Van Helsing’ s butler Helsing and Count Dracula flowers and to close the windows. with it), as well as an old -fashioned respectively. However, Lucy objects to this and blood transfusion machine. The period is Victorian, and begs the maid to remove the In my opinion , for those begins as Jonathan Harker (John flowers and open a window, for interested in classic horror, Van Eyssen) arrives at she feels choked —allowing a Dracula is a film that must be on Dracula in the evening with the strange, tall dark stranger to arrive the list t o see, being one of purpose of taking up the post of in the night and make his move… Hammer’ s seminal releases, full o f castle librarian. Initially greeted The plot is a loose adventure, a plot that does not by a beautiful but strange lady interpretation of the Bram Stoker drag a nd also for bringing to life a (Valerie Gaunt) who pleads with , with many characters portrayal of a malevolent character him to help her, he finally meets omitted and others condensed into that Christopher Lee will always be the mysterious host himself, Count each other (Jonathan H arker is associated with. Dracula (Christopher Lee), who engaged to Lucy Ho lmwood; So, lock up your doors and warns Harker of his absence past Arthur Holmwood is Lucy’ s windows, spray the windowpanes sunset, to the point of locking the bro ther and is married to... Mina. with garlic and w ield those hapless librarian into his provided Dracula aficionados, do not wince). crucifixes and stakes, there i s chambers. In fact, Harker is a Locations are also removed, with heaving bosoms, blood and vampire hunter who intends to kill none of the plot apparently strangely-behaving townsfolk Dracula as soon as the moment is occurring in England and travel galore in Castle Dracula tonight, if right, but falls victim to the charms generally occurs between two you care to join them —forever. ■ of the beautiful woman he met previously—as well as her teeth. This leads to the involvement of Dr Van Helsing (Peter Cushing), an acquaintance of Harker’s who travels to Castle Dracula in search of his lost friend, only to find the castle empty, Harker’s room a mess, and a photograph of Harker’s fiancée, Lucy Holmwood, torn out of its frame. Down in the crypt, Van Helsing discovers that Harker has been turned into a vampire, and is forced to hammer a stake into his friend. In the other location that is not Castle Dracula, the Holmwood household appears to be worried about an anaemic illness that Lucy Holmwood (Carol Marsh) has picked up, initially assumed to be The original British quad poster from 1958.

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Munich

Article | Local Steampunk Marcius Rauchfuß

lthough the steampunk density in Munich is rather Alow, the capital city of Bavaria, Germany offers a remarkable number of places a steampunk enthusiast can enjoy. The Deutsches Museum along the banks of the Isar river, the world’s largest museum of technology and science, should be first on the visitor’s list. The museum was originally conceived in 1903 and construction began in 1906. The building as it stands today is a typical example of turn- of-the-century German classicist . Exhibits cover everything from mining to aviation, from meteorology to nuclear physics. Of special interest to few hours the visitor might care for Englischer G arten is remarkably steampunk enthusiasts is the a refreshment. We recommend the quiet and ther e is ample space for steam power section with several Victorian House. even a crowd ed pick nick. The working models of steam engines A fifteen- to twenty-minute Monopteros, a gazebo found and steam turbines on display. walk from the museum, the just a few hundred meters from the Dieselpunks and steampunks Victorian House offers a wide University entrance on top of a alike will find rejoice in the range of English tea in small hill, has a large area of grass aviation exhibit. The exposition authenti c atmosphere. The at its foot and serves as a covers everything from early establishment also maintains an particularly picturesque setting for gliders and motor-powered planes online home worth checking out: an outdoor lunch . to Great War Doppeldeckers and those not planning on traveling to While in the general university models of . Also on Munich any time soon must turn to area, you may want to check out display is the much beloved victorianhouse.de for a glimpse of the antique and vintage fashion Junkers Ju 25 “Tante Ju” as well as this charming canteen; those who stores which are found nearby in early fighter craft of the Nazi era. will find themselves in town are the grid between Schellingstrasse Some of the planes are supposedly recommended the clotted cream! and Hohenzo llernstrasse and (east still in operational conditions. For a pick nick there is the to west) Ludwigstrasse to All in all one could spend a Englischer Garten, which can be August enstraße. Of special notice whole weekend strolling through accessed via various subway is Zsa Zsa (Schellingstrasse 68), a the museum, admiring the various stations (among them U3 and U6 small but well stocked vintage collections and participating in exit Universität ) and bus and tram fashion store which is a hous ehold several guided tours—but after a lines. Exce pt for weekends the name in south Germany’ s old-timer

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ISSUE 5 Gatehouse Gazette MAR ‘09 community. There are, of course, many others, including Memory’s in the Adalbertstrasse and quite a number of high-end antique stores, some of which specialize in English furniture and china. So, if you have the money to spend, here you can spend it in style! Just a short stroll from the university along the Barerstrasse in the direction of the city center are the Pinakotheken, which are host to some of the finest collections of art in the world. Beware the “guards” however. In every room there is at least one person in official garb keeping watch lest anyone dare touch the artworks. Some of these are ill- The Odeonsplatz. Photograph courtesy of ‘absche’ of lightBOx -photography.de. tempered ne'er-do-wells lurking Check out the Odeonsplatz, the If after an extended visit, you for hapless tourist and if you do Königsplatz, Schloss Nymphen - find yourself tired of Munich, know not speak German, they will only burg, Karolinenplatz, the Victory that there are regular trains talk louder. The art is very much Arch about fifty paces from the running from Munich Central worth your time, however. Ludwig -Maximilians-Universität as Station to cities as Prague and From the “Golden Age of well as the university main Vienna, as well Rome, Milan and Bavaria” if you want to call it thus, building. Most of these are Veni ce. Take the night train and there are a surprising number of classicist, some are baroque or wake up in a different country by historical buildings worth a visit. even older than that. morning! ■

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Genre in haze

Article | What’s Biopunk ? Nick Ottens

t seems uncertain who first applicat ion of technology in ways is m ore reminiscent of detective coined the phrase “biopunk,” never anticipated by its creators. pulp than cyberpunk. Movies like I but presumably the term was Cyberpunk literature is (or the 1997 science fiction drama invented after steampunk had was, considering the less dystopian Gattaca , which depicts selective been established as a genre; at perceptions of postcyberpunk) breeding through preimplantation least, it was not until steampunk significant, because it represented genetic diagnosis, as well as the had entered mainstream that contemporary concerns about the 2006 film adaption of V for biopunk emerged. Like steampunk, shortcomings of urban society, Vendetta , which features a this proposed literary genre finds wa rning against government protagon ist with superhuman its origins in cyberpunk fiction. It corruption and corporate greed, traits fighting an oppressive fascist replaces the information the dangers of pervasive regime, are considered biopunk, in technology of cybernetics with the surveillance technology, and spite of their departure from other synthetic biology of genetic alienation and indifference. Where classic cyberpunk (and, in the case engineering, but maintains most of cyberpunk is skeptical about of V for Vendetta , ’s the other elements which define progress, postcyberpunk tends to original, political) themes. the genre. Which begs the focus on its upsides rather . Perhaps the most successful question: should biopunk be Biopunk, however, c hanges little to bi opunk installment to date is the regarded a genre separate from the basic premise of cyberpunk, 2007 video game BioShock , set cyberpunk? maintaining its dystopian amidst the chaos of what was According to Lawrence overtones while merely replacing supposed to be an underwater Person, leading cyberpunk cybernetics with biotechnology. , now infested with the theorist, the genre depicts a future Rather than depicting the products of biotechnological abuse. “where daily life [is] impacted by marginalized drifters of a society BioShock , however, takes place in rapid technological change, an grown indifferent by a rapid 1960, and while obviously warning ubiquitous datasphere of evolution of information against the dangers of genetic computerized information, and technology, biopunk stories engineering, its setting and invasive modification of the portray the underground side of a technology are more diesel - than body.” Cyberpunk fiction typically biotechnological revolution. Its biopunk. Indeed, it seems that features marginalized, alienated rebels may be the products of most, if not all, works of biopunk loners who live on the edge of that human experimentation, their fiction struggle with the genre to society, hence the reference to struggles set against the backdrop which they ought to adhere: either punk , echoing the of totalitarian governments or they can be considered cyber punk, atmosphere of film noir and which abuse differing only in terms of inspired by hard-boiled detective biotechn olgoy as a means of social technology, or they could be . The genre’s vision of a control or profiteering. labeled dieselpunk instead, troubled future represents the An author typically hailed as focusing on the ill effects o f genetic antithesis of utopian science having defined the biopunk genre engineering in the vai n of Nazi fiction, evident from its post- is , whose collection human experimentation as industrial dystopian setting of short stories published as depicted in a game as Return to characterized by extraordinary Ribofunk (“ribo” referring to the Castle (2001). cultural ferment and the full name of RNA; ribonucleic acid) If the bulk of biopunk fiction

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ISSUE 5 Gatehouse Gazette MAR ‘09 differs little from cyberpunk, it common with c yberpunk and teenth century , might better be considered a greater distinctive characteristics but it implies no critique of continuation of that latter genre, of their own. Steampunk in modern-day sensibilities and inspired by postcyberpunk, rather particular shares little with devel opments. than a new genre in its own right. cyberpunk at all, changing the Biopunk changes little to the Those few biopunk installments setting from the future to the past, basic premise of cyberpunk, not particularly influenced by the technology from modern to old, depicting rapid technological cyberpunk, as Paul Di Filippo’s and the protagonists from outcasts change and invasive modification Ribofunk as well as BioShock , to elite. St eampunk is generally of the human body, albeit not by incorporate -noir elements and more optimistic, romanticizing the cybernetics but biotechnology. share themes with Adventure Pulp past and averse not to modern Influenced by the less dystopian instead; they may better be labeled technology itself, but to the lack of outlook of postcyberpunk fiction, dieselpunk therefore. appreciation for it. Dieselpunk may biopunk represents contemporary However, if we should not thematically be more similar to concerns about the shortcomings regard biopunk a separate genre cyberpunk and differs not in its of modern society, warning against because it differs from cyberpunk perception of contemporary government and corporate only in terms of technology, we soci ety but its lack thereof rather. corruption and the lack of control must consider whether steam- and Dieselpunk is strictly a literary over skepticism about the dieselpunk are separate genres genre, more dystopian than incre asing pervasiveness of genetic still. Unlike biopunk, however, steampunk and influenced by mid - engineering and the resurgence of these two genres have less in cent ury pulp rather than nine- eugenics. ■

Empire dreams

Opinion | The Spirit of Steampunk William Landis

uring my short time within the steampunk engine, which made exploration and c olonization community I have come to recognize the values possible. There were many scientific discoveries that D that this subculture espouses. I have come to changed the world as we know it. Yes there was a spirit understand that it is not simply awesome attire , great in the Empire that influenced the world as we know it gadgets and strange people that make up the genre. today. But sadly in today’ s world men and women There is a spirit in it that encourages ingenuity and appear to be content with life in its present form. They curiosity that is not found in our modern times. In a accept everything around them not daring to question world where the ability to wonder is seen as a mental society or challenge its dogmas. illness and media seem to brainwash the masses into a But behold come the people of steampunk. While state of conformity steampunk stands out. steampunk may appear to be just fun and games it is While it may appear to be only fun and games it is much more than that. It is the spirit of the British much more than that. It is a renaissance, a salute to the Empire manifesting itself in the next generation. glory of the British Empire. The Empire had a spirit of People in this subculture are not just actors. We shall exploration, fearlessness, a nd wonder about it. There be the next David Livingstone, Charles Darwin, was a y earning for knowledge of strange people and Ol audah Equiano, or James Watts. Steampunk is not places; a ye arning to understand the world. just playing dress-up ; it is a rena issance of adventure, Many technological advancements allowed for the ingenuity, curiosity, and everything else that makes the expansion of the British Empire such as the steam world great. ■

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ISSUE 5 Gatehouse Gazette MAR ‘09

Exotic elixirs

Column | The Liquor Cabinet Craig B. Daniel

ne of the establishments brandy first introduced to that dates back to the eighteenth that found itself forced out California in 1830. Today, it can be century. Tonic water contains O of business when the United a bit hard to find and because it quinine, used to treat malaria, but States banned the sale of does not look nor taste like other most people find its flavor intoxicating liquors was a bar in brandies, there is no substitute unpalatable on its own —hence the San Francisco named the “Bank available. The recipe, taken f rom a gin. Mix one jigger of gin with three Exchange,” which was apparently a hand -written note by the manager of tonic water and serve it over ice favorite among aviators during the of the Bank Exchange, is found in with a lemon wedge. First World War. Locally, they were the center block. A period drink from a tropical known for their pisco punch island, the classic mixture of rum recipe, first mixed in 1893 by using and Coke originated shortly after an exotic foreign liquor. When the Pisco Punch the Spanish -American War of bar died, so did the drink—but the 1898. Mixed with Cuban rum and 1. Take a fresh pine -apple. Cut it in recipe is still out there, and if you squares about 1 by 1.5 inches. Put these American cola, with a slice of lime are willing to acquire a couple squares of fresh pineapple in a bowl of for garnish, it is properly known as special ingredients for it you could gum syrup to soak overnight. That serves a Cuba libre in celebration of Cuban still make some for your next the double purpose of flavoring the gum independence. And while we are gathering of dieselpunk syrup with the pineapple and soaking the on the subject of rum and Cuba, the adventurers. pi neapple, both of which are used after- town of Daiquirí lends its name to wards in the punch. The first thing you will need is a cocktail traditionally made by gum syrup. In modern mixology 2. In the morning mix in a big bowl the shaking three ounces of rum, one this is just a name for a very strong following: l/2 pint (8 oz) of the gum and a half ounces of lime juice, and sugar solution, but originally it also syrup , pineapple flavored as above, 1 pint half an ounce of simple syrup contained gum arabic. To make it, (16 oz) distilled water, 3h pint (10 oz) vigorously with ice. dissolve one pound of powdered lemon juice, 1 bottle (24 oz ) Peruvian If you have any pisco left over pisco brandy. food-grade gum arabic in a pint of from the punch, you can always water. (This will take a day.) Then, Serve very cold but be careful not to keep make pisco sours. Shake together combine a quart of water and four the ice in too long bec ause of dilution. three ounces of pisco, two of lime pounds of cane sugar in a pot and Use 3 or 4 oz punch glasses. Put one of or lemon juice, and one of simple boil until the temperature of the the above squares of pineapple in each syrup, along with a little bit of egg glass. Lemon juice or gum syrup may be solution reaches 220 degrees added to taste. white. Strain into a tumbler and Fahrenheit (105 degrees Celsius). top with a dash or two of Add the gum arabic solution and From : the California Historical Society Angostura bitters. let the mixture cool to room Of course, for those that would temperature before bottling it for rather not drink, you cannot beat later use. This syrup produces a Other drinks with exotic the pulp authenticity of Doc smoother mouthfeel on cocktails connotations are not quite so Savage’s favorite beverage —which, that it is used in than the modern labor -intensive and will be at least if the 1974 film is to be variety of gum syrup. available at your friendly believed, happens to be Coca -cola. I The other unusual ingredient neighborhood bar. The most like to add a splash of grenadine required is pisco , a South American obvious is the gin and tonic, a drink and a little bit of bitters to mine. ■

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ISSUE 5 Gatehouse Gazette MAR ‘09

Bygone legacy

Review | ’s Astronef series Trubetskoy

eorge Chetwynd Griffith- Jovian moon Ganymede, which are Jones is one of the forgotten all inhabited by technologically G luminaries of the classic utopian civilizations struggling to British scientific romance. A best- maintain themselves amid selling author and sometime rival diminishing resources and ionizing of H.G. Wells’ at the beginning of atmospheres. For the rest of the the twentieth century, his work has solar system, life exists in either a been mostly forgotten by later vicious Hobbesian state -of-nature generations. While much of them or, as in the case of Venus, an are steeped in the opinions and Edenic pleasure g arden untouched prejudices of his day, Griffith’s by war or sin. (For a modern tales contain many elements that reworking of this concept, the would lay the basis for the first reviewer w ould recommend the great boom of science fiction. novels of S. M. Stirling’s alternate- The Astronef series is a good historical Lords of Creation series.) case in point. Originally serialized Overall, this conception i s very in Pearson’s Magazine over the much in keeping with the course of 1899-1900, the stories Verne —himself a dabbler in the perception of Darwinian evolution were later novelized with some Edisonade from time to time —the prevalent at the time as a struggle additional material in 1901’s A Astronef stories are pure towards perfection . Unfortunately, Honeymoon in Space . They follow adventure, with less of an this attitude ten ds to seep into the the adventures of Rollo Lenox emphasis on the technical aspects narrative. I n Honeymoon , there are Smeaton Aubrey, Earl of Redgrave, of space travel (or on character multiple assertions to the “higher” and his new bride, the American development, for that matter) and nature of the Anglo -Saxon race and Lillia Zaidie, as they travel through more on the exploration of the many of the battle scenes do fall the solar system in the Astronef , a solar system. With their focus on into the “ kill without mercy for vehicle propelled by the gravity- al ien , ancient necropoli they do not deserve it” mindset. repelling “R. force” developed by and aerial skirmishes , the Astronef While this attitude never Zaidie’s late father. In each of the stories lay a considerable amount overwhelms the stories, it does stories, the couple visits a new of groundwor k for later pulp give them an uncomfortable planet to explore and occasionally sci ence fiction of the interwar era. subtext that a modern audience to battle its natives, unruly fauna Similarly, Griffith’s notion of must frown upon. and environmental hazards. space shares many assumptions The voyages of the Astronef Overall, this type of narrative with later works. The solar system may not be great literature yet they bears a close resemblance to the discovered by the Astronef is provide a fascinating look at a American “Edisonades” popular in organic, with different planets long-forgotten chapter in the this period, with heroic genius- representi ng different stages of history of science fiction. ■ inventor characters traveling to Earth’s “ life-cycle.” Naturally, most exotic locales in vehicles of their of the stories focus on the worlds own creation. Though similar in that represent the future of Earth, All Astronef stories are available for reading some aspects to the works of Jules namely the Moon, Mars, and the at Mr Rowland’s forgottenfutures.com.

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ISSUE 5 Gatehouse Gazette MAR ‘09

Learn to be evil

Review | How to be a Villain Hilde Heyvaert

“This book is dedicated to When the goo d guys have everyone who ever thought evil been eradicated time has come to was just a dream. Rejoice , would- check out the tools of the trade: be miscreants, your time has evil lairs, henchmen, fashion ( look come!” terrifying!) and evil fund raising With these words begins one because , well , every villain needs of the most amusing how-to-books these things. in literary history. And in the fifth and last Author Neil Zawacki and chapter the “evil plan” is covered, illustrator James Dignan take complete with an evil plan inquiring minds on an extremely ge nerator for the uninspired hilarious and comprehensive five- evil doers amongst us. step program on becoming the How to be a V illain is perfect villain. guaranteed to make you laugh out With a lot of humour involved loud and amuse you for hours on they explain you how to get started end, as it teaches all the basics of with the forces of evil covering all true nasty and villainous the basics from what kind of villain behaviour. For those aspir ing men to chose from, evil overlord type executive are all thoroughly and women of the forces of Ev il, it names, appearances and let’s not covered. is most certainly a must -have (and forget a very important aspect: the Of course, when you have also for people who just like a good evil laugh! figured out how to go about in your laugh and fun illustrations). Once the subject reader has evil ways, you must also learn how Let us conclude with the wise familiarised himself with the to deal with those pesky heroes words of master villain Darth basics, it is time to move on to the and do -gooders in appropriate and Vader (who is also quoted at the villainous careers. Corporate most importantly, effective ways. beginning of chap ter one): “If you bastard, mad scientist, black Chapter three thus not only covers only k new the power of the Dark knight, horror-movie villain, avatar the mindset of the forces of good, Side!” for a god or or supernatural but also on how to get rid of them, I sa y it’s high time you creature beyond all in an as permanent manner as discover for yourself in this comprehension and marketing evilly possible. absolutely delightful volume! ■

This magazine is published under Creative Commons License “Attribution – * For any reuse or distribution, you must make clear to others the license Noncommercial - No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported.” terms of this work. The best way to do this is with a link to http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc -nd/3.0/. You are free: to Share—to copy, distribute and transmit the work. * Any of the above conditions can be waived if you get permission from the Under the following conditions: copyright holder. * Attribution . You must attribute the work in the manner specified by the * Nothing in this license impairs or restricts the author’s moral rights. author or licensor (but not in any way that suggests that they endorse you or your use of the work.) This is a summary of the Legal Code (the full license) that is available at: * Noncommercial. You may not use this work for com mercial purposes. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc -nd/3.0/legalcode * No Derivative Works . You may not alter, transform, or build upon this Inquiries regarding this publication should be forwarded to the editor, Nick work. Ottens, via [email protected] .

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ISSUE 5 Gatehouse Gazette MAR ‘09

Featured Photo Colophon Every issue the Gatehouse Gazette selects one photograph submitted for The Gatehouse Gazette is an online feature. This edition ’s winner is a picture by Yann Pendaries featuring a magazine in publication since July most elegant outfit of French designer Malam. The photo was taken in the 2008, dedicated to the speculative woods just ou tside of and might serve as perfect inspiration to those fiction genres of steampunk and working on assembling their winter outfit quickly now, before spring is dieselpunk. upon us once again! The articles published in this

magazine are written by a group o f earnest volunteers. Listed below are the people involved in the production of this issue.

Editor Nick Ottens Columnists Craig B. Daniel Hilde Heyvaert Authors Ella Kremper William Landis ‘Piecraft’ Marcius Rauchfu ß ‘Trubetskoy’ Cartoonist ‘Colonel Adrianna Hazard’ Photographers ‘absche’ ‘Viona’ Cartoon courtesy of Bitstrips.com With special thanks to Vecona Darren Jack Powell

For more information or to learn

how to get involved, visit: To nominate a photograph of your own, send it to the editor via [email protected]. The winner will see their picture featured here! www.ottens.co.uk/gatehouse/ gazette

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