I've Been Meaning to Do this For a While...

So For the Longest Time I've Been Meaning to Add to the Bottom of My Posts...

An invitation for an readers to share any thoughts or even a Sub-Culture they would like to see on here or to just talk about any Sub-Cultures.

So there.

Go ahead.

Share your thoughts or any Sub-Cultures you have heard of.

There Must Be a Zombie Apocalypse Because There Are Zombies Everywhere!

Really - Everywhere I Turn There's Something That Has To Do With Zombies

I honestly don't know what to call this Zombie-mania, but I definitely see some tell-tale signs of it as a sub-culture. I must mention though  that this is an interesting case because it similar to Steampunk's influence on mainstream culture, the same goes for Zombies. But not with fashion, but more of on media. 

Literally! Zombies Are Everywhere!

They have their own television shows!

They have countless number of movies!

This isn't even all of them...So many movies...

They have games based around them!

And not to mention books on how to survive them.

And there are many more things based around them (comics, cartoons, etc.)

But what is interesting about Zombies though its that people have changed works already published to be based around Zombies and ultimately republishing them. 

What'choo Talkin' About?

I'm talking about that people have taken already published works (books, games, etc.) and essentially added Zombies to make the stories work for them. For example,

and

What's more justifiable to kill than Nazi Zombies?

Speaking of zombies added to games...

Red Dead Undead - The Zombie add on to Read Dead Redemption

People's Love of Zombies Have Even Brought Zombies Into the Real World

Okay, maybe not really brain eating Zombies. More of people dressing up like them or holding zombie survival games.

Really, people meet up and dress like Zombies - like the Zombie Walks that have sprouted up across the globe. Think of it as a marathon for the undead.

Here's a Zombie Walk in New Jersey. Look at those Zombies!

In my previous post on Cosplaying, there are people dressed as Zombie-fied Disney Characters!

If you're near a college campus, or live on one, you might be familiar with the Humans vs. Zombies game, in which the goal is to survive a Zombie Apocalypse. It's basically a giant game of tag except once you're tagged by a Zombie you're dead and now work with the Zombies.

This has been so popular with college students that there's been somewhat of a resurgence in NERF toy guns - walk down a toy aisle and you will notice how much more sophisticated they are now - I mean they have a bandolier belt for them! I don't ever remember that existing in the '90s.

Alright, so I'm going to cut myself off here. Just as with every other Sub-Culture so far, you can literally go on and on about Zombies and their following. 

But Now I'm Pumped to Go Attack Zombies or Learn How to Survive Them! 

Well, here 's a small list to get you started:

- For the Human vs. Zombies game here's the official website: http://humansvszombies.org

- And here's a documentary on the game: https://vimeo.com/1956330

-Want to dress up and take a stroll as Zombie? http://www.zombiewalk.com

- Or you just want to dress up like a Zombie: http://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Zombie-Costume

- Here's a handy blog post from the CDC about Zombie awareness too: http://blogs.cdc.gov/publichealthmatters/2011/05/preparedness-101-zombie-apocalypse/

Usually I also list movies, but really if you throw a rock in a video store (which I don't suggest), you will always find something with Zombies. Like I said - they're everywhere! ...Maybe the Zombie Apocalypse has already started? It's just in the form of Zombie media? 

LARPing - Where Cosplay and Gaming Come to Meet

I Have a Confession...

I am a terrible blogger. 

With That Said - Let's Talk About LARPing (Live Action Role Playing)

Okay, so LARPers don't dress like that. They're a lot more graceful (if I can use that word?) in terms of story and character. 

The best way (as an outsider) of LARPing is that it is a mix between cosplay and gaming (think Dungeons and Dragons gaming - even online gaming to an extent). I'm sure some would argue that it is nothing like cosplay (which is why I said as an outsider - but I can understand why they want there to be distinct differences), but it is definitely the next step-up from playing a game inside with a few people to going outside and building structures, "fighting" with small armies and perhaps coming to the closest experience of living in another world, or era.

So What Else Do They Do?

Well, like every other Sub-Culture that has been mentioned on here so far - they like to get together, party, and compete (or in this case battle against each other). There's most likely a LARPing group nearby you right now deciding on the next get-together or working on their costumes/characters/stories at this very moment. 

So Why Do LARPing?

Well, if you're a fan of games like D&D (Dungeons and Dragons) or you just really want to beat the crap out of someone with a foam sword while living out your Game of Thrones fantasy, then you will probably enjoy LARPing. 

I believe some of the biggest draws to it are 1. you bring the fantasy into reality (by becoming characters you create, costumes, etc.) 2. you're outdoors and 3. you get to meet with like-minded people. 

Even more of a draw is that most people are there for fun in a safe environment! 

What I find fascinating about LARPing is that depending on the group you're with, and what you like, you can essentially LARP any era or fantasy world. So if you feel like dressing up like an Orc and wield a giant hammer, go ahead! Or if you want to dress like a cowboy with steampunk elements (crossing sub-cultures and genres does happen!), go right ahead! Basically your imagination is the limit and be courteous to fellow LARPers.

Alright, You Got Me. How Did You Know That I Have An Urge to Fight People With a Foam Weapon While Dressed Like I'm From the Film "300"? Now Where Can I Go To Make This Happen?

Like I said, most likely there is (or are) a local group(s) of LARPers nearby you. Sometimes these groups get together to battle each other, too.

Anyway, without further ado, here is a list of sites you can check out for yourself!

-www.larping.org - A website with videos on LARPing, clothing, forums, etc. This site basically shows how popular LARPing has become

-http://larptrek.com - With the caption "Boldly LARPing where no crew has LARPed before." Thought I would share this to show how you can LARP just about anything. It doesn't have to all be medieval themed.

- http://www.larp.com - Another LARPing website with some LARPing groups.

-http://www.darkknightarmoury.com/c-6-larp-weapons.aspx - For all your foam weapon needs and more.

-http://www.museumreplicas.com/c-93-latex-weapons.aspx - If you're looking for that one foam weapon or medieval monk's robe that you just can't seem to find anywhere else. Or if you're looking for clothing from a different era.

I Don't Believe People Do This. I Need To See This In Order To Believe It

Well, you're in luck! Here are some videos, documentaries and movies that have touched on or are about LARPing!

- Role Models (Film, 2008) - Paul Rudd's character becomes unhappily becomes the mentor of Christopher Mintz-Plasse's character in film. Why is this important? Christopher's character does LARPing in the film. It's a comedy if you haven't seen it.

-LARPs: The Series - A web series on a group of LARPers and their lives outside of LARPing.  You should check it out! Most of the episodes are 5 - 6 minutes in length. The last few are about 6 - 7 minutes long.

Cosplaying - Costume Play

After last week's post being focused on Steampunk with a heavy influence on fashion (in both costume and everyday wear), I thought it would be good time to talk about the activity of Cosplay.

Cosplay is...

                        short for "costume play." It is the act of creating elaborate costumes based on characters and dressing up in them to become the character or to emanate the aura of the character the cosplayer is dressing up as. You don't necessarily have to create the costume nor do you have to wear the costume in order to be a part of all of this. 

So How is This a Sub-Culture? People of All Fandoms Do This

True, the act of cosplay stretches across all fandoms (and sub-cultures centered around fandoms - like the Bronies for example). But there are people who solely do cosplay as an art. Yes, they may be a fan of a movie or a manga, but they don't limit themselves to just that one work. Just as with all the subcultures, they have their own competitions and even hold their own meet-ups (outside of conventions). Sounds like a sub-culture to me.

But they are most well known for their presence at conventions where they can show their work to a larger audience. Even beyond conventions, many gain their fame from online communities where they can regularly post their work and update one another on the progress of their projects.

Examples of Cosplay

So some people take the act and hobby of Cosplay as very serious like these guys who made this Warhammer cosplay costume:

Want to see more pictures of this outfit? Check it out here: http://kotaku.com/now-this-is-some-serious-warhammer-40k-cosplay-478399030

Disney is also a favorite inspiration for cosplayers:

A lot of them also like to add their own little flair to the disney look might I add.

Because it is all about fun, right?

Then there is the inspiration from Japanese manga and anime, which there are so many it's an endless source of material:

Vocaloids are a popular choice of characters for cosplayers. 

Then there are those who not only cosplay for fun, but do so tongue-in-cheek:

If you can't remember, refresh your memory here: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/24/world/europe/botched-restoration-of-ecce-homo-fresco-shocks-spain.html?_r=0

And then go here:http://img3.joyreactor.com/pics/post/funny-pictures-auto-jesus-restoration-lady-371093.jpeg

Feel the need to join in with cosplayers? Check out these sites below:

Hello Cosplay: http://www.hellocosplay.com

Cosplay Magic: http://www.cosplaymagic.com

Cosplay House: http://www.cosplayhouse.com

Or if you prefer, you can peruse to your own liking by simply typing in cosplay into Google or even looking on deviantArt for inspiration. (WARNING - I have not touched on it at all in this post, but a lot of the cosplay shown online can be considered distasteful/scandalous to some - I chose not to show or mention that because that is a whole other issue that would be good for a gender and media kind of class and I feel that it goes beyond the boundaries of this blog's purpose).

So About the Past Couple Weeks...

I'm Sure Some of You Are Wondering Why...

...there hasn't been a post for the past couple weeks. With class in full swing, there are projects to be done. I am a student after all. 

Anyway, now that some of the things are complete, our regular programming will be resuming. So stick around and watch for the next "Sub-Culture of the Week."

Steampunk - The Greatest Era There Never Was

Steampunk...Huh?

Slowly but surely, this sub-cultural/sub-genre of sorts has made its way into popular culture with film, books, comics, but especially in fashion and costumery. So what is it? The best way I can show it in few words is the picture below.

Yeah, it is really like that.

In written words, Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction in which steam power is still the main form of power (I know that sounds a bit redundant). So think Civil War/Victorian era with steam ships and steam engines. A film example that I believe many people have seen that adequately shows this is Wild Wild West.

Wait, You Just Described It As A Sub-Genre Yet This Blog Is About Sub-Cultures. What Gives?

While this is a sub-genre of science fiction, Steampunk has expanded beyond the realms of a written genre or film genre and into popular culture with devoted followers of everything Steampunk. Maybe like a Renaissance Faire that exists way past the faire grounds.

What Do You Mean It Expands Beyond Just Being a Genre?

It's not just a genre of a book or film. It's a lifestyle now.

People dress for conventions or parties in Steampunk attire (which is basically anything that looks like it's from the Victorian Era and adding a couple gears or wearing goggles). People create their own props for their costumes. People make Steampunk music, jewelry, and even modify modern objects to instill a Steampunk aura in them. Take a look below to see!

Did I mention people get really into it? Like REALLY into it?

While some of the fashion in Steampunk is outrageous, toned down versions have found their way into mainstream fashion. Don't believe me? 

A jacket by the brand Free People. I think Free People is one of the brands where this Steampunk influence is seen.

Another jacket by Free People. This one is called a "military ruffle jacket." You may not think ruffles are big in Steampunk, but they are for the women's fashion in Steampunk. 

The online retailer for women, Modcloth, also sells Steampunk inspired accessories and fashion, like the necklace above (though interestingly many of their clothing items are retro-vintage inspired. Think 1950s house-wife or 1940s glamor).

Let's not forget one of the most important accessories any Steampunker should have. The pocket watch, or in this case a pocket watch necklace, also from Modcloth. 

Still don't see how Steampunk is affecting the mainstream fashion? Well, you will later this year according to IBM. Read the article from IBM here: http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/40120.wss

Did I Mention They Have Steampunk Inspired Balls and Galas? 

Yes they do. Actually a lot of them. 

I would include more, but there's too many. But if you find yourself interested, more often than not there is one going on in your region. Especially the West Coast. They're really big there.

Oh Yeah, They Also Have Crazy Competitions Too..

...like the Hand-Car Regatta held every September in Santa Rosa, California.

Want To See More into the Imagined World of Steampunk?

This cool piece called "Steampunk" is by PReilly. Check it out on his deviantArt account: http://www.deviantart.com/art/Steampunk-64546343

And this lovely work is by raybender from deviantART as well called "SteamPunk Octopus." Check it out here too: http://www.deviantart.com/art/SteamPunk-Octopus-109981053

Basically, just type Steampunk into Google and you will find basic to intricate artwork, whether it's digital, fashion/costume, props, or 3D artwork. For digital work like that above, I suggest to browse deviantART.com. 

One More Thing...

A lot of people who like Steampunk also like to cross other worlds or universes with that of Steampunk. For example, some of the most popular worlds that people like to clash with Steampunk are Star Wars and the Marvel universe. 

Here are custom figures by SILLOF's WORKSHOP. 

Visit them here to see what else they have made: http://sillof.com/C-Steampunk-SW2.htm

Alright, Time For Some Books and Movies to Immerse Myself in the Steampunk World

- Wild Wild West (Film, 1999) - With Kevin Klein and Will Smith, while this film didn't get good reviews, it really is one of the best examples of Steampunk.

- Sherlock Holmes (Film, 2009 and 2011) - Robert Downey Jr., and Jude Law. While not overt in this series, the films give off an aura of Steampunk. Especially with the music though, it reminiscent of a clock ticking. Clocks? Gears? Pocket watches? Steampunk.

- Steamboy (Film, Animation, 2004) - A Japanese film by Katsuhiro Otomo. I had to search to be able to watch this film, so just be forewarned if you fancy watching this film. If you do find it and are able to view it, I think it's quite enjoyable.

- The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (Comic Book - 1999- Present, Film - 2003) - Originally a comic book series written by Alan Moore that was later turned into the film starring Sean Connery. 

- Leviathan (Book Series, 2009) - By Scott Westerfeld. Never read this series, but I love the map that decorates the inside of the cover of some copies of the book. It has gotten great reviews too.

- Twenty-Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (Book, 1870) - By Jules Verne, this is one of the books that laid the foundation for Steampunk. Science Fiction written during the steam powered era. This is a definite read for anyone interested in Steampunk.

- The Time Machine (Book, 1895) - By H.G. Wells, another classic Science Fiction novel that helped to lay the foundation for Steampunk. 

- War of the Worlds (Book, 1898) - Again by H.G. Wells, the original "War of the Worlds" was a book written at the turn of the century. So side note: If you ever come across a person who vehemently argues that "War of the Worlds" was only a radio broadcast, please slap them with a copy of this book.

- Bio-Shock Infinite (Video game, 2013) - A first-person player game by Irrational Games and 2K Games for the Bio-Shock series, this game has Steampunk all over it. Never played it, but the artwork and images from it brings the players into a world of a Steampunk city in the air.

Want a New Top Hat or Need Some New Spatterdashes? Check Out These Places to Outfit Yourself for Your Next Adventure!

Clockwork Couture - So far I think these lovely people have the best selection in regards to Steampunk clothing: http://www.clockworkcouture.com

Steampunk Emporium - The selections they have here are definitely more in the realm of accurate period style clothing: http://www.steampunkemporium.com/steam.php

Steampunk Threads - This is a newer site to me but still check it out!:                                                                 http://www.steampunkthreads.com

Steampunk Couture Clothing - For an edgier Steampunk vibe, this is the site for clothing inspiration, all the work of Kato: http://www.steampunkcouture.com

Alright, so I'm going to end this post here. As you can tell, you can talk about Steampunk till the cows come home. I encourage you to do a little exploring yourself on the group, it's definitely not going away anytime soon. And according to IBM, Steampunk will be going mainstream this year. Let's see if it does!

Move Over Batman, Real Life Superheroes are Here to Save the Day - Or at Least Brighten It

Real Life Superheroes - What?

The explosion in popularity of comics and superheroes is pretty evident today. So much though, that a group of people have answered the call to bring superheroes into reality. And with the help of the media, this niche of people have become more visible in the public. Called Real Life Superheroes, or RLSH (or "relish" as I like to say for more convenient ease), this group of people are spread across the globe for the purpose of helping people.

So How Do They Help People? Because They Sound Like Vigilantes

I should quickly state that I neither condemn nor condone the activities of this group of people. 

The way that they help people ranges from passing out food to the homeless to organizing and holding neighborhood watches. Very few take part in vigilante activity and the main RLSH community keeps their distance from those who do. As stated, the majority spend their energies toward with helping people in non-violent ways. Some have their own special brand of helping people out in an off-beat way such as Polar Man located in Canada who spends his time shoveling the driveways and walkways of the elderly during the winter.

Polar Man on a Mission to Make the World Better Place One Driveway at a Time.

Where are the the Real Life Super Heroes Located?

Pretty much everywhere. From big cities to small towns, it just depends on if someone in the community decides to take up the cape and a persona. 

Curious to see if there's a RLSH in your community? Check out here:  http://rlsh.wikia.com/wiki/Location

Or a quick web search with your community's name and Real Life Superheroes should turn up answers.

Some are more active in certain cities than others - I was surprised recently when the Chicago Tribune ran an article on a group in the Great Lakes region. I never knew of any activity in Chicago (I'm originally from the Chicagoland area). http://my.chicagotribune.com/#section/409/article/p2p-78942465/

That's So Awesome! I Should Totally Do That! I Always Wanted to Be a Superhero!

Umm, no. You shouldn't. Even though I ultimately cannot tell you what to do, I am going to tell you that you should not (there so no one can blame me if you make a bad decision). 

But really, it's not about crime fighting. Yes, some do hold community watches, but it's not about fighting crime, but rather to prevent it. In a short documentary that I have included below real life superheroes even state that they are activists, not crime fighters. They even talk about other acts they do to help their community out such as cleaning up graffiti and putting up flyers of missing or wanted people.

 And even as I have written above, the community tries to distance itself from those who decide to fight rather than prevent - sometimes getting a bit zealous about it. Here's a well-known incident that brought the RLSH community further into the spotlight: http://abcnews.go.com/US/citizen-superhero-phoenix-jones-arrested-seattle/story?id=14704985

So Now That You're a Bit Sucked into the World of Real Life Superheroes But You Want to Enjoy it From the Safety of Your Couch, Here's Some Recommendations:

-    Kick-Ass  - There's the movies and the comics

-    Super        - This is a very dark comedy FYI

-    Real Life Superheroes = Next Level Role-Playing    - A short documentary on Real Life Superheroes. I should note that an interesting aspect of those interviewed all state that they are activists. Not vigilantes, not crime fighters, but activists. Watch it below here:

-    Watchmen  - Yes, this is a movie but I highly recommend the actual comic over the movie. And    yes, their is a guy with powers and another has unlimited money for space research, but everyone else are normal people.

-   Superheroes -  A documentary that filmmaker Mike Barnett made and met with a number of members from the RLSH community :http://www.reallifesuperheroes.com/tag/superheroes-movie-documentary/

-    Heroes in the Night - A blog by a writer who is currently working on a book about this community. Check it out here: http://heroesinthenight.blogspot.com

-   Real Life Superheroes Archives  -  After a virus took down the site, a group of dedicated RLSH's and supporters created this site that contains the stories, photographs and more from the original site. Here's a link: http://rlshorg.wordpress.com