5 Reasons Why You Should Be Watching STEVEN UNIVERSE
If you have kids, or just a thing for Cartoon Network shows, you've undoubtedly seen at least a preview for its show Steven Universe. Initially, I dismissed it as a kiddy show, and make no mistake, it is for kids, but it also caters to a much broader audience. Its sci-fi elements and unique animation have slowly drawn me into watching it regularly, and I'm going on record to say I'm a fan. Because I don't want to be that guy who claims he likes a cartoon designated for children without feeling justified, I have five reasons why you should give it a shot as well.
It's Lighthearted Sci-Fi
The basic plot of the show follows Steven, a young boy living in Beach City. Steven is half human and half "Gem." Steven's mother Rose (presumed dead) came to Earth with the Gems several thousand years ago initially to conquer it, but with the help of her closest friends rebelled against the home world to save humanity and ultimately become its protectors. With their alien super powers, her friends Amethyst, Pearl, and Garnet protect both Steven and humanity from danger, as well as the rest of the Gems who rediscovered the planet after all this time.
None of this is immediately made obvious throughout the show, mind you, as it's told through Steven's point of view. Steven, who has inherited his mother's ability, is technically able to use super abilities like his guardians, but is still too young to use them at will. An episode can range from all-out crisis action to just a casual day with friends where Steven learns something that helps him grow both as a Gem and human. While the show is overtly geeky in its influences, art style, and themes, you wouldn't really get that vibe watching it. It's incredibly accessible, and as easy for a non geek to watch as the most hardcore of fans. Not many shows can pull that off, let alone a children's show.
It's Inspired By A Lot Of Popular Anime
If you couldn't tell from the art style, the show's creator, Rebecca Sugar, is a fan of anime. The art looks like '70s anime, or Homer Simpson's face on the front of that Mr. Sparkle Japanese ad. Sugar cites shows such as Hayao Miyazaki's Future Boy Conan and Revolutionary Girl Utena as major influences to her show. The use of dominant female characters and the childhood sense of wonder in chaotic situations really draws to that.
The Heroes Are Mostly Female
Steven is of course the main character of the series, but Amethyst, Pearl, and Garnet are his super guardians. It isn't a weird "harem" kind of scenario either, as Steven is a kid and thousands of years younger than his fellow Gem comrades; it's more of a big sister/mentor scenario. It's one of those things that you really don't see as unique until you start to look around and see there isn't really anything else currently like it on television. It's worth mentioning that Steven Universe is the first show in Cartoon Network history to have a woman show creator, so that might be the reason for the refreshing change of pace.
The Animation And Music Are Awesome
I've already mentioned how the art style of the show is similar to that of a '70s style anime, but it also has a style similar to Adventure Time. This is incredibly evident when listening to the show's music, which is the warm synthed-out chiptunes and indie music the show featured. Before working on Steven Universe, Sugar was in charge of running Adventure Time, so I would suppose the similarities are bound to be there. That's not at all a bad thing, of course.
It's For Kids...But It Can Get Deep
In addition to the sci-fi focus and adventures, a lot of the show is Steven coping through life without a mom. The Gems mentor Steven in some respects, but also answer questions about his mother when he asks. Sometimes things get too intense and you realize that Steven isn't some full-blown super hero, he's just a kid. He's written like a real child thrown into a real world with an odd premise, and it's awesome to watch a show that features that. Hopefully it sticks around for us to see how it all plays out, and it already has a strong following of all ages. Let's hope it isn't quietly cancelled and is forced to become a cult hit as the years roll on.