Steven Universe
General Info
| Genres | Animation, Comedy, Action & Adventure, Family, Sci-Fi & Fantasy |
|---|---|
| Music By | Avivi Tran |
| Tagline | Believe in Steven. |
| Starring | Zach Callison, Estelle, Michaela Dietz, Deedee Magno |
| Languages | en |
| Produced By | Chuck Austen, Rebecca Sugar, Jackie Buscarino |
| Release Date | 2013-11-04 |
| Running Time | 11 |
| Screenplay By | Aleth Romanillos |
| TV Series Name | Steven Universe |
| Content Rating | 8.464 |
| Distributed By | Cartoon Network |
| Original Title | Steven Universe |
| Country of Origin | US |
| Number of Seasons | 5 |
| Number of Episodes | 154 |
| World Premiere Date | 2013-11-04 |
| Production Company Name | Cartoon Network Studios |
| Production Company Website URL | http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/video/steven-universe/ |
Trailer
Episodes
Overview
Over the course of five seasons, viewers watch Steven evolve from an over-enthusiastic child to a mature leader. His main mission in life is to uphold the legacy of his mother Rose Quartz, the original leader of the Crystal Gems, who gave up her physical form to resurrect Steven.
The series has been widely praised for its portrayal of complex themes such as love, loss, identity and personal growth. Central to the story is gender inclusion, friendship and the power of love and forgiveness. Above all, it deftly attempts to normalize queer representation, making it a ground-breaking animated series.
Steven Universe's whimsical world-building combined with an ethereal soundtrack, gorgeous animation, and compelling story also add to its appeal. The show offers valuable life lessons and encourages younger viewers to be themselves and stand up for their beliefs, making it an engaging and deeply meaningful series for all ages.
Plot
Steven is not your typical guy. He is the son of Rose Quartz, a condescending gem who gave up her physical form to give birth to him and gave him a magical gem of her own. This gem he wears in his navel is a legacy from his mother, giving him cosmic powers and a destiny far beyond the confines of his small town. As Steven ages, the series explores his efforts to understand and harness his abilities with the gems he guides. But the more Steven learns about his mother and her heritage, the more complicated things become. Did the rose break the pink diamond? Why was Homeworld at war with her? And why is Steven plagued with more and more questions for every mystery he solves? While the show may seem light-hearted at first, it does a commendable job of presenting mature themes of war, guilt, identity crisis, and self-concept. The show does not shy away from exploring the consequences of the Gem War on Earth, with characters and viewers facing complex moral dilemmas. Steven and his friends often grapple with the well-known truth about Rose Quartz, the emotional consequences of her actions, and most importantly, what it means for Steven's future.
With each episode, Steven Universe peels back another layer of the ongoing story. Viewers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster that covers everything from interstellar politics to kindergarten crushes. Steven Universe is a series full of drama, humor and superhero fighting.
Production
Since 2013 Rebecca Sugar made Steven Universe a show like no other. The animation team worked tirelessly to create each episode in collaboration with South Korea-based animation studios, Sunmin Image Pictures and Rough Draft Studios. The series was one of Cartoon Network's first global franchises with a production budget larger than other Cartoon Network shows. In addition, Sugar composed the music herself, and the production team was actively involved in the process. Lyrical themes include love, self-discovery and relationships that reflect the show's narrative and enhance the emotional depth of the episodes.
The writing process usually started with story and character development, then progressed to storyboards and animation. It was the storyboard artists who wrote the dialogue, created the settings, and created the mood of the scenes. These penciled storyboards were then sent to the animation team, who created digital stills and added color and movement. Ultimately, Steven Universe's unique and iconic look is credited to art director Elle Michalka, who previously worked on Avatar: The Last Airbender. For the show, he chose a range of soft pastel colors that became a unique visual signature and set a warm, welcoming tone. Overall, creativity and hard work during the production phase were key to making Steven Universe a beloved and critically acclaimed series.
Release
Steven Universe has the distinction of being the first Cartoon Network show created entirely by a woman. The show has been praised for its groundbreaking discussions of love, gender and identity delivered through excellent animation, heartfelt storytelling and memorable characters.
Post original series, a standalone Steven Universe Future, intended as an epilogue to the original series, aired in 2019. December 7 and completed in 2020 March 27 The series as a whole has been praised for its art design, music, great voices, and the depth and complexity of the characters and stories.
The TV series was also adapted into a feature film that aired in 2019. on September 2nd, a musical version was also created, showcasing the love of Steven Universe not only on the small screen, but also in various entertainment landscapes. The depth of the Steven Universe universe continues to captivate audiences, making the thematic universe an intriguing story both graphically and emotionally.
Reception
The portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes and characters has also been particularly popular, with the series portraying groundbreaking queers and relationships. Steven has been praised for striking a delicate balance between this portrayal and a relaxed depiction of young life and everyday issues, making the show a pioneer in LGBTQ+ inclusion in children's programming.
Contemporary critics have noted that Steven Universe uses its unique science fiction universe to provide social commentary—that its focused portrayal is critical to audiences seeing their own experiences in the story. Kudos to the Steven Universe creators and team for creating a nuanced and bold story in an otherwise simplistic world of children's animation. The show can comfortably exist as both entertainment and social commentary while remaining accessible to all ages. It's a testament to the show's smart writing, deep character development, and sincere respect for viewers' ability to deal with real, complex issues.
Cultural impact
Its impact extends beyond entertainment opportunities to serious academic debate. Numerous scholarly articles have examined Steven Universe through gender theory, queer theory, and more, highlighting it as a progressive text. The series also presented a nuanced perspective on mental health, depicting characters struggling with and overcoming various mental health issues such as anxiety and PTSD. This has allowed many to participate in discussions about mental well-being, especially among younger audiences.
The influence of the show can also be seen in pedagogical discussions. The educational community recognized the show's potential as a powerful educational tool and incorporated it into curricula about diversity, love, and acceptance. Steven Universe: Art & Origins, meanwhile, featured Rebecca Sugar's struggles with formulaic storylines, which inspired new artists and storytellers. In addition, Steven Universe has not only left its mark on American culture, but also on many other cultures around the world. The series has been dubbed into more than ten languages and attracts a large international audience. Universal themes resonate across the globe, increasing cultural impact.
Steven Universe's legacy is not only its captivating storytelling and original art, but more importantly, its groundbreaking portrayal and the social conversations it sparks that reinforce its cultural significance.