Necrocapsule created for the dystopian book "Tau", by Tiago Andrade (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CB6W8SDC)
Biopunk is a derivative genre of Cyberpunk which focuses on the implications of biotechnology rather than cyberware and information technology. Biopunk narratives often revolve around hacking biology—altering DNA, creating synthetic life, or merging human and non-human traits.
Common themes in biopunk include:
- Genetic modification — engineered humans, designer organisms, or living technology.
- Corporate control — powerful biotech companies monopolizing genetic resources.
- Biohacking & DIY science — underground labs and rogue scientists modifying life outside the law.
- Body horror — disturbing mutations, failed experiments, or invasive bio-implants.
- Ethics & identity — questions about what it means to be human when biology can be rewritten.
Visuals[]
Visually, Biopunk shares many similarities with Cyberpunk, but may blend dystopian futurism with an organic, often unsettling biological architecture which create environments that feel both advanced and alive. From sprawling neon lit cityscapes where biotech clinics operate like tattoo parlors, to H. R. Giger's biomechanical art, there is often a contrast between cold laboratory sterilization and organic chaos. The color palette incorporates shadowy grays, sickly greens, yellows, and browns, with neon bio-luminescent blues, purples, and pinks piercing inky darkness.
Fashion[]
As the aesthetic itself stems from Cyberpunk, so is the fashion surrounding Biopunk. They share Darkwear and Techwear inspiration, with Biopunk putting an emphasis on practical, scientific outfits.
This can include:
- Black outfits with neon accent colors
- Lab or trench coats
- Futuristic glasses, eyewear, or masks
- Body modifications
- Cargo pants
- Belts, buckles and pockets
- Human/animal-machine fusions
Works[]
Biopunk works span media types, from literature, film (Super Mario Brothers movie, Pokémon: The First Movie, Repo Men, Gattaca, and even the Cyberpunk classic Blade Runner and its sequel), anime (Akira, Elfen Lied, Neon Genesis Evangelion; even the Haruhi Suzumiya series hints at this thanks to the character of Mikuru Asahina), television (Orphan Black and its Japanese remake in lesser extent), video games (Bioshock, Half-Life, Parasite Eve, Panzer Dragoon, Prototype, and Resident Evil), and haunted houses (Silo X).
Literature[]
- Blood Music (1985) by Greg Bear
- Schismatrix (1985) by Bruce Sterling
- Lilith's Brood (1987–1989) by Octavia E. Butler
- Ribofunk (1996) by Paul Di Filippo
- The Windup Girl (2009) by Paolo Bacigalupi
- Godhusk (2024) by Plastiboo
Manga[]
- Baoh (1984-1985) by Hirohiko Araki
- Bio-Booster Armor Guyver (1985-2016) by Yoshiki Takaya
- Blame! (1998) by Tsutomu Nihei
- Biomega (2004–2009) by Tsutomu Nihei
- Knights of Sidonia (2009–2015) by Tsutomu Nihei
Television[]
- Æon Flux (1991-1995)
- Genocyber (1994)
- Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995–1996)
- Dark Angel (2000–2002)
- Alien Nine (2001–2002)
- ReGenesis (2004–2008)
- Rick and Morty (2013–present)
- Orphan Black (2013–2017)
- Stranger Things (2016–present)
- Kamen Rider Amazons (2016–2017)
- Orphan Black – 7 Genes (2017–present)
- BNA (2020)
- Sweet Tooth (2021–2024)
- Kamen Rider Black Sun (2022)
- Alien: Earth (2025)
Film[]
- Akira (1988)
- Dragon Ball Z: Bio-Broly (1994)
- The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996)
- Gattaca (1997)
- The Island (2005)
- Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008)
- District 9 (2009)
- Antiviral (2012)
- The Seed of Juna (2020)
- Dune (2021)
- Shin Kamen RIDER (2023)
- Alien franchise
- Jurassic Park franchise
- Planet of the Apes franchise
Video Games[]
- Parasite Eve (1998)
- Sin (1998)
- Prototype (2009)
- Prototype 2 (2012)
- ARMS (2017)
- Control (2019)
- Biomutant (2021)
- Cruelty Squad (2021)
- Death Trash (2021 - early access)
- Scorn (2022)
- Bayonetta 3 (2022)
- High on Life (2022)
- Necrophosis (2025)
- Hibernaculum (Q4 2025 - unreleased)
- Nazralath: The Fallen World (unreleased)
- Bioshock series
- Half-Life series
- The House Of The Dead series
- Metal Slug series
- Metroid series
- Resident Evil series
Webfiction[]
- Parahumans
- Mystery Flesh Pit National Park
- All Tomorrows
Music[]
- Atomic Playboys (Steve Stevens)
- Attahk (Magma)
- Brain Salad Surgery (Emerson, Lake and Palmer)
- Danzig III: How the Gods Kill (Danzig)
- Heartwork (Carcass)
- KooKoo (Debbie Harry)
- Reccesses of the Depraved (Sacrosanct)
- Somewhere in Nowhere (Dr. Death)
- To Mega Therion (Celtic Frost)
Spotify[]
- Biopunk Mix (Spotify Niche Mix)
Subgenres[]
Grinders[]
Grinders are people who apply the hacker ethic to improve their own bodies with do it yourself cybernetic devices or introducing biochemicals into the body to enhance or change their bodies' functionality. Many grinders identify with the biopunk movement, open-source transhumanism, and techno-progressivism.
Gallery[]
