What is Biopunk?

Biopunk: a short definition

Biopunk is a subgenre of Cyberpunk which shifts the focus toward biotechnological advancements instead of cyberware and IT. Biopunk stories typically focus on ‘hacking’ biology—altering DNA, creating synthetic life, or the human and non-human merger.

Recurring ideas in biopunk focus on:

Genetic modification: engineered humans, designer lifeforms, or biotechnological systems.
Corporate control: biotech firms wielding monopoly power over genetic materials.
Biohacking & DIY science: rogue labs and unauthorized bioengineers altering life outside legal boundaries.
Body horror: grievous genetic changes, failed medical procedures, or aggressive bio-implants.
Ethics & identity: redefined human boundaries, when rewritten biology shifts the framework of identity.

History of Biopunk

Biopunk originated as a unique movement in the early 2000s, mostly due to the significant changes in genetic engineering, biotechnology, and synthetic biology. R. U. Sirius first used the term 'Biopunk' in 2000 in an article for the website, The Monster Robot Gorilla. In the article, he referred to it as a ‘life hacker’ culture that aimed to democratize biotechnology, enabling access beyond the institutional and corporate gates. The Biopunk movement draws from a ‘do-it-yourself’ approach that advocates for the experimentation.

What is the Biopunk aesthetic?

Biopunk is closely related to Cyberpunk, but it may incorporate dystopian futurism with startlingly living and unsettlingly organic architecture that creates environments that feel both sophisticated and sentient. From expansive cityscapes illuminated with neon lights to clinics which operate like biotech parlors and H. R. Giger's biomechanical artworks, there is often a blend of cold organic chaos and sterile laboratories. The color palette integrates shadowy grays, sickly greens and yellows, and murky browns alongside piercing neon, bio-luminescent blues, purples, and pinks which cut through inky darkness.

What is Biopunk fashion?

Biopunk shares a lineage with Cyberpunk in its fashion as well as its aesthetic inspirations. It also derives from Darkwear and Techwear, although with an emphasis on biopunk’s more functional and scientifically themed clothing.

This includes:

Monochrome fashion with bright, contrasting detailing.
Laboratory or trench style coats.
Eyewear, goggles, and futuristic masks.
Cosmetic Surgery.
Military style cargo trousers.
Harnesses featuring excessive ancillary components.
Cyborgs.

Biopunk themes and motifs

Biopunk narratives often center around specific themes and motifs which include:

Ethical considerations of genetic modifications: Stories within the biopunk genre often address the ethics of genetic modifications and the morality of changing the human genome by highlighting the dangers of exacerbation genetic editing brings.
Self and being human: Many biopunk narratives feature characters who are on the border of ‘human’ and ‘not human’ which brings forth the question of the true definition of human beings and the meaning of their relationship with machines and technology.
Consideration of society and culture: These stories analyze the emerging biotechnologies within the context of human society and culture, and their implications on cultural norms, values, and collective human behavior.
Some emerging trends in biopunk aesthetics include the exploration of gene editing and CRISPR, synthetic biology, and biotechnology and social justice.