Gangsta animated televizzle series

Steven Universe be a Gangsta animated televizzle series pimped by Rebecky Sugar fo' Cartoon Network. Well shiiiit, it is Cartoon Networkz first animated series ta be pimped solely by a biatch. I aint talkin' bout chicken n' gravy biatch. Well shiiiit, it is tha coming-of-age story of a lil' boy, Steven Universe (Zach Callison), whoz ass lives wit tha Crystal Gems�"magical, humanoid aliens named Garnet (Estelle), Amethyst (Michaela Dietz), n' Pearl (Deedee Magno Hall)�"in tha fictionizzle hood of Beach City. Right back up in yo muthafuckin ass. Steven, whoz ass is half-Gem, has adventures wit his wild lil' playaz n' helps tha Gems protect tha ghetto from they own kind. Y'all KNOW dat shit, muthafucka! Its pilot was first shown on May 21, 2013, n' tha series premiered on November 4, 2013. Its fifth n' final season concluded up in January 2019. Da TV film Steven Universe: Da Porno was busted out on September 2, 2019, n' a epilogue limited series, Steven Universe Future, premiered on December 7, 2019 n' ended on March 27, 2020.

Da themez of tha series include love, crew, n' tha importizzle of healthy interpersonal relationshizzles. Right back up in yo muthafuckin ass. Sugar based tha lead characta on her younger brutha Steven, whoz ass be a artist fo' tha series. Put ya muthafuckin choppers up if ya feel dis! Right back up in yo muthafuckin ass. Biatch pimped Steven Universe while dat biiiiatch was a writa n' storyboard artist on Adventure Time, which she left when Cartoon Network commissioned her series fo' full thang. I aint talkin' bout chicken n' gravy biatch. Da series is storyboard-driven; when episodes is bein produced tha showz storyboard artists is responsible fo' freestylin tha dialogue n' bustin tha action. I aint talkin' bout chicken n' gravy biatch. Books, comics n' vizzle game based on tha series done been busted out.

Da series has pimped a funky-ass broad fanbase n' has been critically hyped fo' its design, beatz, voice acting, characterization, prominence of LGBTQ themes n' science fantasy ghettobuilding. Da series won its first GLAAD Media Award fo' Outstandin Kidz & Family Program up in 2019, becomin tha straight-up original gangsta animated series ta win tha award. Y'all KNOW dat shit, muthafucka! Well shiiiit, it also received its first Peabody Award fo' Childrenz & Youth Programmin up in 2019. Well shiiiit, it has been nominated fo' five Emmy Awards n' five Annie Awards.

Synopsis

Steven Universe is set up in tha fictionizzle hood of Beach City, Delmarva,[4] where tha Crystal Gems live up in a ancient beachside temple n' protect humanitizzle from monstas n' other threats, n' you can put dat on yo' toast. Da Gems is ageless alien warriors whoz ass project biatch humanoid forms from magical gemstones all up in tha core of they being. Da Crystal Gems comprise Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl n' Steven�"a young, half-human, half-Gem pimp whoz ass inherited his wild lil' freakadelic gemstone from his crazy-ass mother, tha Crystal Gems' forma leader Rose Quartz fo' realz. As Steven tries ta KNOW his wild lil' freakadelic gradually expandin range of powers, da perved-out muthafucka spendz his crazy-ass minutes wit his wild lil' daddy Greg, his dopest playa Connie, his crazy-ass magical pet lion, other gangstaz of Beach City, n' tha Gems yo. Dude explores tha abilitizzles inherited from his crazy-ass mother, which include fusion�"the mobilitizzle of Gems ta merge they bodies n' abilitizzles ta form new, mo' bangin personalities.

Da seriess first season gradually reveals dat tha Crystal Gems is remnantz of a pimped out interstellar empire. Durin they missions they visit ruins dat was once blingin ta Gem culture but done been derelict fo' millennia. Da Gems is cut off from tha Gem homeworld, n' Steven learns dat nuff of tha monstas n' artifacts they encounta is Gems whoz ass was corrupted by a Gem weapon of mass destruction n' can no longer maintain rational, humanoid form. By tha end of tha straight-up original gangsta season, Steven learns that, millennia ago, tha Gem empire intended ta sterilize tha Ghetto ta incubate freshly smoked up Gems yo, but Rose Quartz hustled her supporters, tha Crystal Gems, up in a violent n' apparently successful rebellion against dis genocidal plan. I aint talkin' bout chicken n' gravy biatch. Da discovery n' release of Lapis Lazuli, a Gem trapped on Ghetto fo' millennia, puts tha Crystal Gems at risk from tha Gem empire once more, leadin ta tha arrival of straight-up shitty envoys Peridot n' Jasper.

In tha second season, Peridot allies wit n' eventually joins tha Crystal Gems ta prevent Earthz destruction by a Gem "geo-weapon" buried up in tha hood. Durin tha third season, Lapis Lazuli decides ta live on Ghetto wit Peridot; Jasper is defeated n' captured; n' Steven learns dat his crazy-ass mutha assassinated one of tha Gem empirez matriarchs, Pink Diamond. Y'all KNOW dat shit, muthafucka! In tha fourth season, as Steven wrestlez wit his conflicted vibe bout his crazy-ass motherz actions, tha Gem empire leadaz Blue Diamond n' Yellow Diamond begin ta turn they full attention ta Earth. In tha fifth n' final season, Steven learns dat up in fact his crazy-ass mutha was Pink Diamond, whoz ass faked her dirtnap ta assume tha identitizzle of Rose Quartz; he uses dis revelation ta persuade tha other Diamondz ta try ta take responsibilitizzle fo' n' fix tha damage they have caused.

Conception

Steven Universe) is tha straight-up original gangsta biatch ta create a gangbangin' finger-lickin' dirty-ass show fo' Cartoon Network. Rebecky Sugar (creator of) is tha straight-up original gangsta biatch ta create a gangbangin' finger-lickin' dirty-ass show fo' Cartoon Network.

In 2011, afta forma Cartoon Network vice-president of comedy animation Curtis Lelash axed tha staff fo' scams fo' a freshly smoked up series, Rebecky Sugar�"an artist hustlin fo' tha networkz series Adventure Time�"busted lyrics bout her initial scams fo' what tha fuck would become Steven Universe, n' tha project was chosen fo' pimpment. While pimpin her show, Sugar continued hustlin on Adventure Time.[5] Da series evolved from a gangbangin' finger-lickin' dirty-ass short rap freestyled by Sugar entitled "Ballad of Margo n' Dread", on some sensitizzle lil pimp helpin teenagers wit problems they cannot verbalize.[6]

Cartoon Network executives commissioned tha show afta tha crewz art presentation n' Sugar became tha straight-up original gangsta biatch ta create a gangbangin' finger-lickin' dirty-ass show independently fo' tha network.[7] Before a thang crew had been appointed, Sugar tried ta alta elementz of tha showz deal n' pimped tha characterz identitizzle so her crew would have tha freedom her dope ass did when dat biiiiatch hit dat shiznit fo' Adventure Time.[8]

Development

When Sugarz show was commissioned, she resigned from her role as a storyboard artist on Adventure Time ta focus on her own series.[8] Sugar focused tha pilot short on tha main charactas n' they personalitizzles ta demonstrate tha series' humor. Shiiit, dis aint no joke. Da pilot be a slice-of-life episode dat do not involve major events cuz tha series' ghetto was still up in pimpment.[9] Sugar n' her thang crew focused tha deal on interaction between tha Crystal Gems n' Steven.[10] Sugar strove ta make her pilot distinctizzle up in termz of its artistic n' aesthetic detail but tha time limit imposed upon her by Cartoon Network hampered her n' shit. This unsuccessful experience helped Sugar pimp tha showz concept; her big-ass booty holla'd, "to know dat there is so much mo' dat you can't peep n' tha way dat knowledge frustrates n' excites n' confuses n' scares you".[7]

Da title characta Steven is loosely based on Steven Sugar, Rebeccaz younger brother.[11] Durin Steven Universe's pimpment, Sugar repeatedly axed her brutha whether namin tha show afta his ass was a phat idea; her big-ass booty stopped askin when dat shiznit was commissioned. Y'all KNOW dat shit, muthafucka! Her brutha had no problem wit it n' trusted Sugar ta use his name wisely.[12] In a rap battle wit tha New York Times, Sugar discussed pimpin tha background of tha showz protagonist, sayin dat biiiiatch wanted ta base tha characterz viewpoint on her brutha growin up "where you so laid back up in yo' game cuz you git all tha attention yo, but you also wanna rise up n' not be tha lil brother".[13]

When tha original gangsta pilot was presented ta Cartoon Network executives, they holla'd all up in tha crew tha series would air up in 2013.[7] Cartoon Network busted out tha original gangsta pilot up in May 2013. Right back up in yo muthafuckin ass. Sugar n' her crew panicked cuz tha series was goin ta be straight-up different from tha pilot episode. Da pilot was ghettofab when dat shiznit was busted out, engenderin forum discussions up in which playas expressed they hopez of seein it on tha air soon. I aint talkin' bout chicken n' gravy biatch. Those whoz ass knew Rebecky Sugar from Adventure Time was also interested. Y'all KNOW dat shit, muthafucka! This type'a shiznit happens all tha time. Positizzle erection ta tha show reassured its crew.[14]

To prepare fo' tha showz commissionin by Cartoon Network, Sugar fuckin started assemblin a thang crew.[8] Jackie Buscarino was engaged as a balla up in September 2012 n' was taxed wit hirin playas n' supervisin tha showz crew.[15] Durin dis period of pimpment, Sugar n' her crew was moved ta a funky-ass buildin behind tha main Cartoon Network basement n' based on tha same floor as tha crew of Da Powerpuff Hoes CGI special. It aint nuthin but tha nick nack patty wack, I still gots tha bigger sack. Right back up in yo muthafuckin ass. Some artists whoz ass had hit dat shiznit on tha special, like fuckin colorist Tiffany Ford n' art directors Kevin Dart, Ellie Michalka n' Jasmin Lai, was lata invited ta join tha Steven Universe crew.[16] Cartoon Network also provided Sugar wit a list of suggested writers; when her big-ass booty saw Lil' Bow Wow Levin n' Mack Burnett (forma writas fo' Level Up) on tha list she immediately axed dem ta join her crew cuz dat biiiiatch was familiar wit they work.[17] Freelizzle artist Danny Hynes, whom tha forma supervisin director Ian Jones-Quartey knew from his own project Lakewood Plaza Turbo, became tha showz lead characta designer.[16][18] Steven Sugar was assigned as tha background designer afta his work on tha original gangsta pilot,[15] n' was assisted by Dart, Michalka, Lai, background painta Amanda Winterston n' others.[19]

Durin tha art presentation, Jones-Quartey, Guy, Hynes n' Steven Sugar pimped artwork dat differed from they previous work. Jones-Quartey wanted ta work wit suttin' new, retainin elementz of tha showz previous project.[20] Dude hit dat shiznit wit Elle Michalka, whoz ass lata took over his bangin role as background painta fo' tha presentation, ta create concept art fo' a "action-comedy" series.[12] Around dis time, Jones-Quartey added stars ta tha series' logo cuz da perved-out muthafucka saw dem as a versatile symbol yo. Dude lata holla'd he over-used them, n' they was dissed all up in tha art presentation.[20] Da art presentationz drawings was by Rebecky Sugar, Jones-Quartey, Hynes, Pizzle Villeco (a writa n' storyboard artist) n' Steven Sugar. Shiiit, dis aint no joke. Michalka did tha painting.[21]

Design

Durin tha pimpment of tha Steven Universe pilot, Sugar focused much attention on tha design of tha ghetto, addin notes ta her drawings.[22] Inspired by tha scam of foreign figures (Gems) livin human lives, her dope ass drew nuff sketches depictin they ghetto n' history. Da series' design was also inspired by her n' her brotherz interest up in vizzle games, comics n' animation.[9] Afta tha series was commissioned, Sugar decided ta redesign every last muthafuckin thang ta make tha series "flexible n' simple" fo' future thang staff ta add scamz of they own.[8] Durin dis time, tha art director was Kevin Dart, followed by Jasmin Lai, Elle Michalka, n' Ricky Cometa.[23] Dartz artistic steez has remained a pimped out influence on tha show long afta his fuckin lil' departure. Right back up in yo muthafuckin ass. Steven Sugar praised Dartz work n' was inspired by his ass up in college years, sayin Dart had mo' scams fo' tha art than da ruffneck done did.[19]

In tha pilot, only two locations rocked up (the Temple n' tha Big Donut). Da Temple was designed by Ian Jones-Quartey, Steven Sugar, Lil' Bow Wow Levin, Mack Burnett n' Andy Ristaino. Da Templez dual faces was based on Guy Davis' ideas.[19] Steven Sugar designed tha rest of Beach Citizzle fo' tha series; da thug was painstakin up in his thugged-out attention ta detail. Right back up in yo muthafuckin ass. Sugar also designed people, houses, cars, buildings n' restaurants, n' you can put dat on yo' toast. Because of Rebecky Sugarz redesigned drawings, tha two original gangsta locations had ta be redrawn.[16]

To find inspiration fo' tha showz backgrounds, tha Sugars n' Jones-Quartey went ta they straight-up beaches.[19] Da series' setting, Beach City, is loosely based on Delaware beaches Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach n' Dewey Beach, all of which Rebecky Sugar hit up as a cold-ass lil child.[11] Steven Sugar drew Beach Citizzle wit a funky-ass boardwalk lined wit a variety of shops.[16] Dude wanted it ta git a "specific style" so viewers could believe dat shiznit was based on a real location; da ruffneck drew tha roadz n' shops consistently oriented wit tha Temple n' a wata tower.[19] Da concept fo' tha primary settin was inspired by Akira Toriyamaz Dr. Shiiit, dis aint no joke. Right back up in yo muthafuckin ass. Slump, which features a lil' small-ass environment up in which tha recurrin charactas live where they work. Right back up in yo muthafuckin ass. Steven Sugar made tha boardwalk tha focuz of Steven Universe's human ghetto. Right back up in yo muthafuckin ass.[16]

Characters

Durin tha early stagez of thang, Sugar hit dat shiznit on characta appearizzle n' personalitizzle pimpment simultaneously;[24] durin dis process of conception, dat biiiiatch was heavily inspired by fantasy televizzle charactas she n' her brutha used ta draw when they was younger.[9] Lead characta designer Danny Hynes, hyped up by tha design of Mickey Mouse by Deez'nuts artists, wanted tha charactas ta be standardized, simple n' recognizable.[25] Dude proposed 24 human charactas ta tha crew; Rebecky n' Steven Sugar drew 22 designs�"13 of which was made official. It aint nuthin but tha nick nack patty wack, I still gots tha bigger sack. Da colorin was done by Jones-Quartey.[26] Rebecky Sugar merged nuff muthafuckin charactas durin tha pilot pimpment;[9] supportin charactas Lars n' Sadie was originally pimped when dat biiiiatch was up in college.[27] Da Pizzy crew was based on Jones-Quarteyz Ghanaian crew,[19] n' Ronaldo was pimped by Lil' Bow Wow Levin n' Mack Burnett.[28] Guy Davis, a cold-ass lil childhood playa of tha Sugars, designed tha early monstas n' Gem architecture.[19]

Makin a cold-ass lil characta "look kickin it" was always a prioritizzle up in they design; accordin ta Jones-Quartey, a cold-ass lil characterz emotions should be clearly delineated.[29] Da characta design crewz mission is fo' tha charactas ta resemble a cold-ass lil funky-ass cartoon like fuckin 1940s Deez'nuts cartoons, Dragon Ball Z or tha workz of Osamu Tezuka n' Harvey Kurtzman. In drawin tha charactas fo' each episode, tha crew has two weeks ta make modifications.[25] Characta names n' some designs was inspired by typez of chicken,[30] n' some charactas was redesigned cuz tha pilot revealed discrepancies between appearances n' personalities.[31] Sugar planned fo' tha characters' designs ta receive visual benchmarks so tha showz artists can draw dem consistently.[32] Sugar aimed ta make tha designs fo' her charactas simple, flexible n' consistent so tha thang crew thugz would not become bogged down by over-complex details.[25] This redesignin meant tha appearancez of tha charactas up in tha pilot episode differs substantially from they depiction up in tha televizzle series.[22]

Yo, sugar wanted tha Gems ta resemble humans; her dope ass pimped tha Crystal Gems ta ride a rolla coasta of crew game wit Steven,[9] whom they would treat like a funky-ass brother.[33] Biatch wanted they gems ta reflect they personalities; Pearlz slick smoothness, Amethystz coarsenizz n' Garnetz air of mystery.[34] Accordin ta Sugar, tha Gems is "some version of me ... neurotic, lazy, decisive".[35] Their facial designs was hyped up by Wassily Kandinsky, whoz ass taught all up in tha Bauhaus n' encouraged his hustlas ta pair three colors�"red, yellow n' blue�"with tha three basic shapes�"square, triangle n' circle. Because of tha characters' personalities, Garnet is square, Amethyst be a sphere n' Pearl be a cold-ass lil cone.[32] Sugar wanted ta give tha Gems a superpower similar ta dem of funky-ass cartoon charactas like fuckin Bugs Bunny. Da Gems' mobilitizzle ta shape-shift be a reference ta olda cartoons like fuckin Tex Averyz work fo' MGM, where charactas would chizzle at will fo' realz. Although tha Crystal Gems is intended ta be straight-up characters, tha writas wanted dem ta be "funny n' weird" as well.[36]

Production

Accordin ta Sugar, thang fo' Steven Universe fuckin started while dat biiiiatch was hustlin on Adventure Time, her last episode fo' which was "Semen & Marcy". Workin on both series simultaneously became impossible; she also encountered hang-up up in tha thang of tha episode "Shiznitty Little Boy".[37] Cartoon Network executives authorized tha Steven Universe thang crew ta begin hustlin afta they pre-production presentation, fo' which tha crew was well-prepared. Y'all KNOW dat shit, muthafucka! Da episodes "Cheeseburger Backpack" n' "Together Breakfast" was pimped at dis time.[12] Although Sugar works as executizzle balla on tha series' art, animation n' sound, dat thugged-out biiiatch considaz her muthafuckin ass "da most thugged-out handz on" all up in tha storyboardin stage.[38]

Da episode outlines is passed ta tha storyboarders, whoz ass create tha action fo' tha episode n' write its dialogue. Da storyboardz is animated, rockin paper drawings n' tha thang crewz designs, by one of two Korean studios; Sunmin n' Rough Draft[39] n' tha thang crewz designs.[40]

Storyboard

Portion of tha storyboard n' script from tha episode "Island Adventure". Da series' storyboard artists is also its writers.

Durin storyboard meetings, artists draw they scams on post-it notes, which is then attached ta walls, table n' boxes up in tha cornerz of they conference room. Da drawings play a major role up in formin episode ideas; Sugar looks at these designs n' occasionally make chizzlez ta key poses. Right back up in yo muthafuckin ass. Sugar likes ta review n' re-draw scenes n' charactas ta add extra pathos n' emotion ta storyboards.[41] Each episodez storyboardz is pimped by two artists, each of whom writes half of tha dialogue n' draws panels similar ta comic strips. This process can be like complex; tha storyboard artists must create tha cinematography n' focus on scenic design up in a way similar ta film thang. I aint talkin' bout chicken n' gravy biatch fo' realz. Afta tha panels is made, tha thumbnail-storyboard artists draw mannerizzlez n' dialogue based on they own experiences; Sugar draws "quintessential" scenes from her memoriez of ridin wit her brutha afta school.[42] Da storyboard artists then say shit bout they work wit tha rest of tha crew n' make any necessary chizzles.[43] Afta tha crew discussion, tha storyboard artists draw a revised board�"based on tha thumbnail board�"on a gangbangin' full-size panel wit notes. Da storyboardz is again n' again n' again discussed, erected n' finally approved.[44]

Freestylin

Durin tha pilot pimpment, Sugar freestyled n' sketched a fuckin shitload of deal scams dat lata became episodes.[45] Da series' initial premise focused mostly on Stevenz human side, rather than his crazy-ass magic side yo, but tha premise was lata chizzled.[46] Sugar pimped tha Gems' history up in conjunction wit tha pilot episode.[9] While tha straight-up original gangsta season of tha show introduced tha human n' Gem charactas n' they relationshizzles, Sugar fuckin started ta deal n' explore second-season storylines involvin tha Crystal Gems.[47] Eventually, Sugar pimped a cold-ass lil chart wit taped printouts on some 2,000-year Gem n' Ghetto history, wit a fuckin shitload of events needin ta be "fleshed out" fo' thang. I aint talkin' bout chicken n' gravy biatch fo' realz. Although tha series' overall deal is established, tha writas improvise ta arrive at its ending; accordin ta Mack Burnett, tha storylines is ghon be resolved by tha series' end.[48] Sugar wanted tha series ta focus on comedy n' positivitizzle before explorin controversial subjects involvin tha main characters, thankin dat shiznit was "more honest" ta begin tha show wit happinizz instead of action or drama.[9]

Da writers�"formerly Levin n' Burnett�"would write tha premises n' outlines while tha storyboardaz freestyled n' drew tha episodes.[49][50][51] Everyone would wait at least a thugged-out dizzle ta git together n' discuss.[49] Da writas write potential episode names on paper cards, which they pin on tha conference-room wall ta review what tha fuck they have freestyled n' plan they meetings. They say shit bout episode pacin n' vary each seasonz texture by balancin "lighter" n' "heavier" rap arcs.[28] Chizzlez up in major-characta appearances�"like fuckin Yellow Diamond�"in a storyline can be hard as fuck fo' tha writers.[52] Accordin ta Lil' Bow Wow Levin, freestylin a season of Steven Universe is like a "jigsaw puzzle" cuz tha freestylin crew must assemble a fuckin shitload of deal ideas, which is discarded if they do not benefit characta growth fo' realz. Afta further rap n' thangs bout tha writing, a scam becomes a episode fo' realz. Afta discussin a seasonz proposed episodes tha "puzzle" is complete, n' they begin freestylin a major rap arc or a season finale. Burnett holla'd freestylin a season is like a algebraic equation "where one side is tha season finale, n' tha xz n' yz is tha episodes we need fo' dat solution ta make sense"; his schmoooove ass cited "Ocean Gem", "Steven tha Sword Fighter", "Monsta Buddies", "An Indirect Kiss" n' "Serious Steven" as examples. Those episodes hustled ta tha season-one finale as a minor rap arc.[28] To pimp freshly smoked up scams fo' episodes, tha writas play freestylin games. In one, a scenario wit charactas is drawn n' passed ta another thug n' shit. Da second writa addz all dem sentences before givin it ta a third, until tha drawin has a three-act story. Episodes like fuckin "Island Adventure", "Future Boy Zoltron" n' "Onion Friend" was freestyled dis way.[53] Da writas also play drawin games, which design freshly smoked up Gem charactas n' technological ideas. Burnett holla'd he n' Levin use fewer scams from tha storyboardaz than they previously did; storyboardaz chizzle fewer thangs than they did before cuz tha episodes gotz a "stronger continuity".[52]

Accordin ta Levin, he n' Burnett try ta balizzle tha focus between tha main characters�"with Steven up in tha center�"and tha theme of episodes up in they writing. Da balizzle indicates Steven has tha same ol' dirty interests on his human side as da ruffneck do on his Gem side. Levin holla'd tha Gem mythologizzle n' drama would done been less bangin-ass if Steven was not as well-developed up in tha straight-up original gangsta few episodes. Grateful ta work on a gangbangin' finger-lickin' dirty-ass show which is unafraid ta be "sincere n' vulnerable", da perved-out muthafucka holla'd if every last muthafuckin episode was wack tha series would become formulaic; aiiight episodes balizzle up wack ones.[28] Levin holla'd he n' Burnett have found ways ta integrate Stevenz powers tha fuck into tha plot. Da characterz powers n' home-world technologizzle is revealed at a "measured (very slow) pace", satisfyin tha viewer n' keepin tha series clear of superhero territory.[52]

Before dope plotlines air, tha writas reveal shiznit relevant ta a "climactic" episode fo' tha crew fo' realz. Accordin ta storyboard artist Hilary Florido, much of tha series' action n' magic is narratizzle climaxes, demonstratin tha characters' discoveries, bullshit n' views. Florido holla'd if a cold-ass lil characterz evolution aint directly related ta tha plot, there is no drama.[52] Da crew is discouraged from breakin perspectizzle involvin episode pimpment as they want tha crew ta know tha protagonistz point of view fo' realz. Although tha writas could hint at future events, they prefer ta focus on deal n' pimp Steven up in real time. Levin holla'd if tha pilot tried ta present Gem history up in five minutes, tha crew n' protagonist would be equally confused.[54]

Backgrounds

Da thang of background art begins afta tha approved storyboardz is received. Y'all KNOW dat shit, muthafucka! If tha charactas visit oldschool locations, tha pre-existin backgroundz is modified fo' authenticity; it is likely locations would chizzle slightly over time. Right back up in yo muthafuckin ass. Steven Sugar likes ta hide narratizzle bits up in tha backgroundz cuz his thugged-out lil' punk-ass believes tha key ta ghetto-buildin is "havin a cold-ass lil cohesive underlyin structure ta every last muthafuckin thang".[55] Forma art director Elle Michalka holla'd tha backgrounds' artistic steez was inspired by French post-impressionist painta Pizzle Cézanne, whose apparent lack of focus belied detail n' specificity. Da art was also inspired by Tao Te Ching, whose work highlights tha importizzle of empty spaces, "like tha space within a vase as bein part of tha vase dat make it useful".[55] Durin tha paintin phase, tha paintas peep tha lines as "descriptizzle bones" n' color is used loosely, meanin tha color is intentionally slightly off register, highlightin tha distinction between color n' line.[55] Da paintas used "superimposed" watercolor texture before switchin ta Photoshop cuz tha forma made tha backgroundz "very chunky". When paintin tha backgrounds, they use one primary n' nuff muthafuckin secondary colors; Amanda Winterston n' Jasmin Lai found suitable color combinations fo' realz. Afta tha primary backgroundz is painted, they is busted ta tha color stylist, whoz ass chizzlez flavas fo' a cold-ass lil characta or prop from model sheets, matchin n' complementin tha storyboard n' background. Y'all KNOW dat shit, muthafucka! Da linez of tha characta or prop is rarely colored. Y'all KNOW dat shit, muthafucka! Da lines is removed when scenes need light effects, n' you can put dat on yo' toast. Da colorin up in early season-one episodes was experimenstrual cuz tha stylist would have hang-up if a storyboardz characta n' background mixed together or a funky-ass bright characta strutted unchanged tha fuck into a gangbangin' finger-lickin' dirty-ass shadow. Mistakes became rare as tha crew planned n' checked storyboards. Da primary backgroundz is made up in Burbank; tha secondary ones by Korean artists.[56]

Animation

Afta tha crew finishes constructin a episode, tha thang crew sendz it ta animators up in Korea. Da animation is produced by Sunmin Image Pictures n' Rough Draft Korea. Da thang crew n' animators rap by email n' sometimes use vizzle chat when animatin a major episode. Before bustin tha episode ta one of tha studios, animation director Nick DeMayo n' his cold-ass crew create a plan fo' tha animators afta reviewin tha animatics.[57] They then add characta movements on exposure sheets ta guide tha animators. Grill assignments fo' tha characters, describin grill shapes n' timin fo' lip-syncing, follow.[58] Da episode is then busted ta one of tha animation studios. Da black-and-white version is busted first, followed bout two weeks lata by tha colored version[59] Da animation is drawn n' inked on paper, then scanned n' colored digitally. Da crew then arranges a "work print" meetin ta say shit bout tha episode n' review it fo' errors. DeMayo notes any errors, removes dem n' sendz tha episode back ta tha animation basement or ta Cartoon Networkz post-production department ta fix any remainin issues.[60] Minor animation mistakes or omissions is fixed by tha crew.[61]

Voice cast

Gangsta hustla Zach Callison voices Steven. I aint talkin' bout chicken n' gravy biatch. Da role of Steven is his wild lil' first lead role on televizzle.[62] For his thugged-out audition, Callison was rappin ten linez of dialogue from tha pilot n' busted tha theme cold lil' woo wop while bein recorded.[63] Garnet, tha Crystal Gem leader, is voiced by Estelle, a thug, songwrita n' hustla. Cartoon Network axed Estelle ta take tha part, her first voice-actin role.[62] Steven Universe was also tha straight-up original gangsta animation voice role fo' hustla Michaela Dietz whoz ass voices Amethyst n' Da Party thug Deedee Magno whoz ass voices Pearl.[64][65] Sugar wanted Tomothy Scharpling, whom she knew from his thugged-out lil' podcast Da Best Show wit Tomothy Scharpling, ta voice a cold-ass lil characta fo' one of her projects before Steven Universe was conceived. Y'all KNOW dat shit, muthafucka! Biatch approached Scharplin fo' tha part of Greg Universe, whoz ass was originally named Tom. Da Ruby Gems is voiced by Charlyne Yi, ta whom Sugar freestyled ta say dat biiiiatch was Kool & Tha Gang Yi would be slick fo' tha role.[63] Grace Rolek, whoz ass voices Stevenz playa Connie, was 16 muthafuckin years oldschool when tha series fuckin started; Rolek has been a voice hustla up in animated thangs since tha age of five or six.[66]

Da showz four main voice hustlas�"Callison, Dietz, Magno n' Estelle�"spend three ta four minutes recordin per session; three ta four weeks a month fo' ten months each year. Shiiit, dis aint no joke. Cast thugz record together or separately; they is often recordin multiple episodes. Each recordin session covers a freshly smoked up episode n' includes retakes fo' dat episode or previous ones if needed. Y'all KNOW dat shit, muthafucka! In crew recordin sessions, a maximum of six hustlas stand up in a semicircle.[67] Sugar n' voice director Kent Osborne git all up in tha sessions,[68] advisin tha hustlas bout voicin tha charactas up in specific thangs. If they like a take, tha thang assistant marks it n' gives it ta tha animation editor fo' tha episodez rough cut. When a recordin session begins, Sugar explains tha storyboardz n' raps bout tha sequences, characta intention n' tha relationshizzle between them; Osborne do tha recording. Before tha sessions, Sugar n' tha voice hustlas say shit bout freshly smoked up deal elements n' shows dem tha advanced storyboards. Magno holla'd she rides hard fo' tha crew recordin sessions cuz tha funky faces tha cast thugz make while recordin lines requirin emotion or movement often cause dem ta laugh.[67]

Noize

Steven Universe features joints n' musical numbers produced by Sugar n' her writers, whoz ass collaborate on each songz lyrics. Multiple draftz of tha theme songz lyrics was written.[69] Sugar composed tha extended theme cold lil' woo wop while waitin up in line fo' a securitizzle check at Los Angelez Internationistic Airport.[70] Da series relies on leitmotifs fo' its soundtrack; instruments, genres n' melodies is allotted ta specific characters. Da noize is hyped up by tha workz of Mike Jackson n' Estelle;[71] n' Sugar has cited Aimee Mann as "a big-ass influence".[72] Sugar writes joints fo' tha series durin her travels, accompanyin her muthafuckin ass on a ukulele.[70] Not every last muthafuckin episode features a song; accordin ta Sugar, she uses dem occasionally, ta stay tha fuck away from forced creativity.[37]

Most of tha showz incidental noize is composed by tha chiptune piano duo Aivi & Surasshu, wit boomboxes by Stemage.[73] Jeff Liu, whoz ass was familiar wit balla Aiviz musical score fo' tha vizzle game Cryamore, recommended her ta Sugar as a cold-ass lil composer n' shit. Right back up in yo muthafuckin ass. Sugar axed Aivi ta audizzle n' agreed dat balla Surasshu could join her n' shit. Aivi & Surasshu banged up a cold-ass lil clip from "Gem Glow", tha series' first episode; Sugar was horny bout they work n' hired dem as series composers.[74] Before composin a episode, Aivi & Surasshu vizzle chat wit Sugar n' tha creatizzle director ta say shit bout tha episode; they gotz a week ta bust Sugar a peepshow score.[75] Afta any necessary chizzles, Aivi & Surasshu bust tha score ta Sabre Media Studios fo' tha final mix wit they sound designs.[76]

Each characta has a leitmotif expressin they personality, which chizzlez slightly dependin on tha thang.[77] Pearl is often accompanied by a piano, Garnet by a synth bass, Amethyst by a thugged-out drum machine wit electric bass n' synths, n' Steven wit chiptune tones.[71][75] Sound palettes was produced fo' tha human charactas ta represent tha evolution of tha series, its charactas n' they relationshizzles. Right back up in yo muthafuckin ass. Sound motifs n' palettes was also pimped fo' locations, objects n' abstract concepts.[75] When Sugar or tha other writas write a cold lil' woo wop fo' a episode, they record a thugged-out demo dat is busted ta tha composers. Da same musical steez fo' a cold lil' woo wop n' tha characta rappin it is used fo' each song. Over time, tha joints have become mo' n' mo' n' mo' complex n' thang has become mo' hard as fuck cuz tha showz original gangsta musical steez no longer fits perfectly wit tha newer lyrical themes fo' realz. An example is "Here Comes a Thought", sung by Estelle n' AJ Michalka (who voices Stevonnie). Da two was less inspired by a specific musical steez yo, but rather by tha songz "feel", which Sugar had explained ta dem wild-ass muthafuckas.[78]

Broadcast

Da pilot episode of Steven Universe was busted out on Cartoon Networkz vizzle platform on May 21, 2013,[79] n' a edited version was busted out on July 20.[80] Da pilot was shown all up in tha 2013 San Diego Comic-Con,[81] n' Sugar hosted a 30-minute panel rap bout tha series all up in tha 2013 New York Comic Con on October 13.[82] Initially, thirteen half-hours (26 episodes) was ordered fo' tha straight-up original gangsta season; on November 14, tha season was picked up fo' a additionizzle thirteen half-hours.[83] Da series was renewed fo' a second season of 26 half-hours on July 25, 2014,[84] which fuckin started airin on March 13, 2015, n' fo' a third season of 26 half-hours up in July 2015. In March 2016, a thang shuffle saw tha second n' third seasons subdivided ta create four seasonz of 13 half-hours each, bustin a total of five seasons.[85][86] Finally, up in 2016, followin tha decision ta end tha series, Sugar petitioned Cartoon Network ta extend tha fifth season by three extra half-hours ta wrap up tha story, makin it 16 half-hours total.[87]

Da series premiered up in tha United Hoodz on November 4, 2013, on Cartoon Network wit two episodes.[88] In Canada, it fuckin started airin on Cartoon Network on November 11, 2013,[89] n' on Teletoon on April 24, 2014.[90] It fuckin started airin on Cartoon Network channels up in Australia on February 3, 2014,[91] n' up in tha United Mackdaddydom n' Ireland on May 12 of dat year.[92]

Beginnin up in 2015, Cartoon Network often aired freshly smoked up episodes up in crewz of five over one week�"marketed as "Stevenbombs"�"rather than one episode per week. Da hiatuses between crews have irritated fans, accordin ta Da A.V. Joint causin "agonized criez of a rabid, starving, pained cult following".[93] Da format, which be also used fo' other Cartoon Network series, has, up in tha jointz view, contributed ta tha networkz spikes up in Gizoogle Trends associated wit each "bomb". Da A.V. Joint attributed tha effect ta Steven Universe's unusual�"for a youth cartoon�"adherence ta a overarchin plot, which can generate "massive swellz of online interest"�"similar ta tha release of full seasonz of adult TV series�"which is "crucial ta a networkz vitalitizzle up in a mo' n' mo' n' mo' internet-based televizzle ghetto".[93]

In May 2018, Cartoon Network apologized ta hustlas afta one of tha channelz promotionizzle vizzlez contained unaired footage wit dope spoilers fo' future episodes. In response ta tha vizzle, forma series balla Ian Jones-Quartey noted up in a later-deleted tweet dat "bein a Steven Universe hustla is suffering", alludin ta tha seriess irregular n' unpredictable airin schedule.[94]

From June 2, 2018 ta July 29, 2018, Steven Universe aired re-runs on Cartoon Networkz sista channel, Boomerang.[95]

Episodes

Season Episodes Originally aired First aired Last aired Pilot May 21, 2013 ( ) 1 53 November 4, 2013 ( ) April 16, 2015 ( 2015-04-16 ) 2 25 March 13, 2015 ( ) January 8, 2016 ( 2016-01-08 ) 3 25 May 12, 2016 ( ) August 10, 2016 ( 2016-08-10 ) 4 25 August 11, 2016 ( ) May 11, 2017 ( 2017-05-11 ) 5 32 May 29, 2017 ( ) January 21, 2019 ( 2019-01-21 ) Film September 2, 2019 ( ) Future 20 December 7, 2019 ( ) March 27, 2020 ( 2020-03-27 )

Crossovers

"Say Uncle" be a crossover episode wit Uncle Grandpa dat aired on April 2, 2015. In tha episode, Uncle Grandpa helps Steven use his Gem powers when his schmoooove ass cannot summon his shield. Y'all KNOW dat shit, muthafucka! Da episode gotz nuff a acknowledgement by Uncle Grandpa dat tha episode aint canonical.[96] Steven, Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl n' other Cartoon Network charactas from current n' forma shows made cameo appearances up in tha Uncle Grandpa episode "Pizzy Eve".[97]

Additionally, Garnet rocked up in "Crossover Nexus", a episode of OK K.O.! Letz Be Heroes, which aired on October 8, 2018. In tha episode, Garnet crewed up wit K.O., Lil' Bow Wow Tennyson from Lil' Bow Wow 10 n' Raven from Teen Titans Go! ta stop tha villain Strike.[98]

Minisodes

Two volumez of mini-episodes done been busted out by Cartoon Network. Da first one includes tha extended title theme "We Is tha Crystal Gems"; shorts up in which tha Crystal Gems teach Steven bout Gems up in a cold-ass lil classroom setting; a unboxing vizzle of Stevenz freshly smoked up duffel bag; n' a gangbangin' finger-lickin' dirty-ass short up in which Stevenz pet lion is playin wit a cold-ass lil cardboard box.[99] Da second volume gotz nuff fives minisodes dat show Steven cooking, struttin karaoke, reactin ta "Cryin Breakfast Friends!", vizzle chattin wit Lapis n' Peridot, n' playin a freshly smoked up song.[100]

Cancellation n' sequels

Accordin ta Rebecky Sugar, dat biiiiatch was notified up in 2016 dat tha series would be shut down all up in tha end of tha fifth season. I aint talkin' bout chicken n' gravy biatch. Right back up in yo muthafuckin ass. Biatch prevailed upon Cartoon Network ta extend tha fifth season ta 32 episodes, up in order ta have room ta complete tha story, as well as a gangbangin' follow-up television film, Steven Universe: Da Porno fo' realz. Along wit tha film, Cartoon Network also greenlighted a additionizzle season of 20 episodes, which would become tha sequel series Steven Universe Future, takin place afta tha eventz of tha film.[87] Despite tha showz end, Sugar has indicated dat mo' stories could exist yo, but has stated dat she needz a long-ass break before decidin how tha fuck ta approach such a cold-ass lil continuation.[101][102][103]

Film

Da follow-up TV film, Steven Universe: Da Porno, was announced on July 21, 2018, at San Diego Comic-Con fo' realz. A teaser was shown n' was uploaded ta tha Cartoon Network YallTube channel.[104] Dat shiznit was busted out on Cartoon Network commercial-free on September 2, 2019.[105] Da 82-minute film takes place two muthafuckin years afta tha eventz of tha series; its deal centas on a thugged-out deranged Gem, Spinel, erasin tha Crystal Gems' memories ta take revenge fo' her abandonment by Stevenz mutha n' shit. Well shiiiit, it gained critical acclaim, wit a 100% ratin on Rotten Tomatoes n' a 8/10 on IMDb.

Sequel limited series

Da limited series Steven Universe Future, intended ta serve as a epilogue ta tha main series, was announced all up in tha 2019 New York Comic Con.[106] Steven Universe Future premiered on December 7, 2019[107] n' ran fo' a total of 20 11-minute episodes, includin a gangbangin' four-part finale airin on March 27, 2020.[108] Its narratizzle focuses on Steven dealin wit his own wack trauma up in tha aftermath of tha eventz of tha series.

Other media

Books

A number of companion books done been published:

Nonfiction books coverin tha pimpment of tha franchise n' compilin thang artwork have also been published:

Steven Universe: Art n' Origins (July 2017, Abrams Books, ISBN 978-1419724435) by Chris McDonnell, wit a introduction by Dexterz Laboratory creator Genndy Tartakovsky n' a gangbangin' foreword by Rebecky Sugar. Shiiit, dis aint no joke. Da book gotz nuff concept art, thang samples, early sketches, storyboardz n' commentary by tha Steven Universe thang crew. [118]

(July 2017, Abrams Books, ISBN 978-1419724435) by Chris McDonnell, wit a introduction by creator Genndy Tartakovsky n' a gangbangin' foreword by Rebecky Sugar. Shiiit, dis aint no joke. Da book gotz nuff concept art, thang samples, early sketches, storyboardz n' commentary by tha thang crew. Da Art of Steven Universe Da Porno (March 2020, Dark Horse, ISBN 978-1506715070) by Ryan Sands, which gotz nuff preliminary characta designs n' storyboards. [119]

(March 2020, Dark Horse, ISBN 978-1506715070) by Ryan Sands, which gotz nuff preliminary characta designs n' storyboards. Steven Universe: End of a Era (October 2020, Abrams Books, ISBN 978-1419742842) by Chris McDonnell, wit a gangbangin' foreword by N. K. Jemisin.[120]

Video games

Da tactical role-playing vizzle game Steven Universe: Attack tha Light playa! was busted out on April 2, 2015, fo' iOS n' Android devices.[121] Dat shiznit was pimped by Grumpyface Studios up in collaboration wit Sugar fo' mobile devices. Players control Steven n' three Crystal Gems ta fight light monsters.[122][123] A sequel, Steven Universe: Save tha Light, was busted out fo' consolez[124] up in October 2017.

A rhythm-based mobile game, Steven Universe: Soundtrack Attack,[125] was busted out on July 21, 2016, up in tha United Hoodz fo' realz. A playa-created Gem flees her pursuer all up in side-scrollin stages set ta remixez of tha series' noize fo' realz. Another mobile game, Steven Universe: Dreamland Arcade, was busted out up in 2017; it aint nuthin but a cold-ass lil collection of arcade games wit charactas from tha series.[126]

Steven Universe charactas step tha fuck up in Cartoon Networkz kart racin game Formula Cartoon All-Stars n' up in tha side-scrolling, beat-'em-up game Battle Crashers.[127] In common wit other Cartoon Network series, nuff muthafuckin browser-based games�"includin Heap of Trouble, Goat Guardian n' Gem Bound�"are available on tha channelz joint.[128]

On February 26, 2019, Minecraft busted out a Mash-Up Pack based on Steven Universe, makin it tha second Cartoon Network series ta receive one afta Adventure Time.[129]

On December 4, 2019, Brawlhalla, a free-to-play fightin game, added Steven Universe characters.[130]

Comics

BOOM! Studios has published nuff muthafuckin limited comics series based on Steven Universe:

A monthly comic series, freestyled by Jeremy Sorese n' illustrated by Coleman Engle, was first published up in August 2014. [131] It ended up in March 2015.

It ended up in March 2015. A graphic novel, tha straight-up original gangsta up in a planned series, was published by KaBOOM! on April 6, 2016. [132] Also freestyled by Sorese, drawn by Asia Kendrick Holton, n' illustrated by Rosemary Valero-O'Connell, n' based on a rap by Ian Jones-Quartey, Too Def fo' School be bout Steven accompanyin Connie ta school. [133]

Also freestyled by Sorese, drawn by Asia Kendrick Holton, n' illustrated by Rosemary Valero-O'Connell, n' based on a rap by Ian Jones-Quartey, be bout Steven accompanyin Connie ta school. A four-part comic miniseries titled Steven Universe n' tha Crystal Gems was published up in 2016. [134] [135] It be freestyled by Josecline Fenton n' illustrated by Chrystin Garland, n' tha covers is illustrated by Kat Leyh.

was published up in 2016. It be freestyled by Josecline Fenton n' illustrated by Chrystin Garland, n' tha covers is illustrated by Kat Leyh. A reboot comic series freestyled by Melanie Gillman n' illustrated by Katy Farina fuckin started publication up in January 2017. [136] It has also been freestyled by Grace Kraft, n' illustrated by Rii Abrego, Meg Omac, n' Kat Hayashida. Right back up in yo muthafuckin ass. Since Issue 9 ta Issue 12 n' Issue 13 ta onwardz it is freestyled by Kraft n' illustrated by Abrego.

It has also been freestyled by Grace Kraft, n' illustrated by Rii Abrego, Meg Omac, n' Kat Hayashida. Right back up in yo muthafuckin ass. Since Issue 9 ta Issue 12 n' Issue 13 ta onwardz it is freestyled by Kraft n' illustrated by Abrego. A second graphic novel called Anti-Gravity was busted out up in July 2017. Well shiiiit, it is freestyled by Talya Perper n' illustrated by Queenie Chan.

was busted out up in July 2017. Well shiiiit, it is freestyled by Talya Perper n' illustrated by Queenie Chan. A five-issue miniseries called Steven Universe: Harmony was first busted out up in August 2018. Well shiiiit, it is freestyled by Shizzle Mike Vidaurri n' illustrated by Mollie Rose. Da covers is illustrated by Marguerite Sauvage.

Toys n' merchandise

In October 2015, Cartoon Network announced a line of toys based on Steven Universe, which would be sold by specialty retailers. For tha 2015 holidizzle season, Funko made "Pop!" vinyl figures n' Just Toys offered "blind bag" novelty shizzle. PhatMojo sold plush figures n' foam weapons, n' Zag Toys busted out collectible bobbleheads n' other mini-figures up in early 2016. Da followin year, Toy Factory planned ta push a line of plush n' novelty items.[137] Cartoon Network sells a variety of shizzle, includin mugs, blankets n' threadz, based on tha showz episodes n' characters.[138]

Soundtracks

Da first soundtrack mixtape, Steven Universe Soundtrack: Volume 1, was busted out on June 2, 2017.[139] Da soundtrack debuted at number 22 on tha Bizzleboard 200 n' at number two on tha Soundtracks chart.[140] In Europe, it reached number 28 on tha UK Album Downloadz Chart,[141] nine on tha ghettoz Soundtrack chart,[142] 56 on tha nationz straight-up legit Compilation chart,[143] n' 174 on tha Ultratop Flandaz mixtape chart.[144] A second n' third mixtape, Steven Universe: Volume 2 Soundtrack n' Steven Universe: Karaoke, was busted out on April 12, 2019.[145]

Reception

Critical response

Steven Universe has received critical acclaim, n' praise fo' its art, beatz, voice performances, storytellin n' characterization. I aint talkin' bout chicken n' gravy biatch fo' realz. Accordin ta Jizzy Whitbrook of io9, it be a "equally rewardin watch" fo' adults n' children;[146] n' Eric Thurm of Wired has called it "one of tha stealthiest, smartest, n' most dope thangs on tha air".[147] Over tha course of its run, Steven Universe has attracted a rapidly-growin hustla base.[148] In 2019, TV Guide ranked Steven Universe #61 up in its selection of tha top 100 contemporary televizzle series, describin tha series as "groundbreaking" wit a "uplifting, self-affirmin message".[149]

Critics have praised tha "breathtakin beauty",[150] "intriguing, immersive environments"[151] n' "loveably goofy aesthetic"[146] of Steven Universe's art; freestylin highly of its distinctive, soft pastel backgrounds[151] n' its "gorgeous, expressive, clean animation".[152] Reviewers also enjoyed tha diverse, ensemble castz voice acting, particularly dat of Tomothy Scharplingz Greg,[153] Zach Callisonz "exuberant n' expressive"[154] work as Steven n' Grace Rolek "rappin her ass out" as Connie.[155]

All five seasonz of Steven Universe hold a slick 100% ratin on Rotten Tomatoes.[156][157][158][159][160] Da jointz critical consensus fo' season five readz "Havin blossomed tha fuck into a sophisticated mythologizzle wit a thugged-out deeply movin subtext, Steven Universe remains a sparklin entertainment n' slick introduction ta LGBTQ representation fo' lil' thugs."[160]

Style n' themes

Yo, sugar wanted Steven Universe ta be thematically consistent wit hers n' her brotherz shared interests.[9] As a cold-ass lil coming-of-age series, tha theme of crew is blingin since Sugar based tha titular characta on her brutha n' shiznit fo' realz. Additionally, tha theme of ludd was inspired by her relationshizzle wit Jones-Quartey.[54][161] Da series also expresses tha importizzle of acceptance,[162][163] n' explores relationshizzles, LGBT identity, body shapes n' "huez of skin up in a cold-ass lil colorful sci-fi magic display of diversity".[164] Accordin ta Kat Morris, tha series' central concepts is pimped over time up in a organic way, rather than bein "overly calculated" from tha start.[164] Forma writa Mack Burnett holla'd tha series' simple-life theme prevented tha inclusion of "cynicism" or "snarkiness".[9] Accordin ta Burnett, tha writas have no interest up in a superhero theme.[52]

Da unusually phat biatch presence up in a series on some funky-ass boy�"all major charactas except Steven n' Greg is female�"is intentionizzle accordin ta Sugar, whoz ass intended ta "tear down n' fuck wit tha semiotics of gender up in cartoons fo' children"; dat thugged-out biiiatch considered it absurd dat shows fo' thugs should be fundamentally different from dem fo' hoes. Da series' deal is pimpin towardz a gangbangin' finger-lickin' distant goal; every last muthafuckin thang up in between is kept flexible, kinda cuz her intentions have "changed since I've started cuz I've grown up a lot" while hustlin on tha show.[165] Sugar busted lyrics bout tha series as "reverse escapism"; tha scam dat fantasy charactas would become horny bout real game n' would wanna participate up in dat shit. Right back up in yo muthafuckin ass. Steven personifies tha "ludd affair between fantasy n' reality".[40] Sugar holla'd Steven Universe was hyped up by tha anime series Future Boy Conan, Revolutionary Girl Utena n' Da Simpsons.[166] Steven Universe, accordin ta Eric Thurm, be a low-key, slice of game portrayal of childhood, a examination of unconventionizzle crew dynamics, a homage ta anime, vizzle game n' other pop-culture mainstays, n' a "straightforward kids' show bout superheroes".[167] Jacob Hope Chapman of Anime Shit Network holla'd tha anime series Revolutionary Girl Utena n' Sailor Moon is Steven Universe's strongest influences visually n' structurally, reflected by its "predominantly playful tone, interrupted by crushin drama at key moments", n' its "glorification of tha strengthz of femininity, dilution of gender barriers, n' emphasis on a wide variety of relationshizzlez between dem hoes, aimed at a cold-ass lil crew crew".[168] Steven Universe also refers ta Japanese cultural icons, includin Neon Genesis Evangelion, Akira, Cowboy Bebop, Dragon Ball Z, Studio Ghibli pornos n' Junji Itoz horror manga Da Enigma of Amigara Fault.[168][169]

Accordin ta Whitbrook, tha series' "masterful sense of pace" allows it ta integrate foreshadowing n' worldbuilding tha fuck into scenes, which make a overarching, dramatic narratizzle emerge from what tha fuck might otherwise be "monsta of tha week" episodes.[146] Da narration of a cold-ass lil complex rap from a cold-ass lil childz perspectizzle means its exposition remains "artfully restrained, growin up in ambizzle wit tha series" n' Stevenz character.[147] Steven Universe's measured pace allows its charactas ta become "more complex n' bangin-ass than most of they counterparts on prestige dramas",[170] pimpin "as real playas n' not entitizzles servin narratizzle functions".[154] Da series explores increasingly-challengin facetz of relationshizzles, like fuckin tha possibilitizzle Pearl may partially resent Steven cuz he is tha reason his crazy-ass mutha Rose no longer exists;[171] n' tha growin self-destruction of Pearlz "all-consumin passion" fo' Rose.[155] Its action scenes�"like fuckin Estellez cold lil' woo wop presentin tha climactic fight up in "Jail Break" as a cold-ass lil contest between Garnetz gangbangin relationshizzle n' Jasperz lone-wolf attitude�"are occasionally cast as philosophical arguments.[170]

Characters

Adams highlighted tha "groundbreakin n' inventive" portrayal of tha fucked up "mentor/caregiver/olda siblin dynamic" between Steven n' tha Crystal Gems[150] up in a series which, at its core, be bout siblin relationshizzles.[151] Thurm freestyled dat a notable wack difference between Steven Universe, n' Adventure Time n' Regular Show, is dat tha latta two series deal wit they protagonists' transitions ta adulthood whereas durin its first season, Steven Universe was content ta be "enamored wit tha simplicitizzle of childhood".[152] Steven slowly grows from bein a obnoxious, tag-along lil pimp ta a accepted gangmember of tha Crystal Gems up in his own right by tha end of tha straight-up original gangsta season; a cold-ass lil chizzle brought bout by increased insight n' experience rather than age.[170] Joe Cain noted up in Da Mary Sue dat unlike heroes from antiquitizzle (Herculez) n' modern fiction (Luke Skywalker), Steven is defined by his crazy-ass motherz legacy rather than his wild lil' father's; tha preponderizzle of mutha figures up in tha series underscores they raritizzle up in other fiction.[172] Accordin ta Kat Smalley of PopMatters, tha Gems' alien nature, which prevents dem from straight-up understandin tha ghetto they protect, is handled wit "remarkable depth n' intellectual rigor", even as they deal wit human thangs like fuckin "depression, post-traumatic stress, n' self-loathing" remainin from tha long-past war fo' Earth.[173]

Yo, smalley characterized Steven Universe as part of a growin trend of cartoons dat appeal ta adults n' lil pimps alike; which includes Avatar: Da Last Airbender (2005), its sequel Da Legend of Korra (2012), Adventure Time (2010) n' Regular Show (2010). This is reflected up in tha series' outreach ta minoritizzles dat seldom step tha fuck up elsewhere up in animation n' its broader themes; instead of deliverin genre-typical, mustache-twirlin villains, Steven Universe "deals wit thangz of extraordinary shiznit n' horror, depicts its charactas up in shadez of grey, n' subtly fucks wit mattaz of philosophy, morality, n' interpersonal conflicts, all while refusin ta reset any pimpment ta a status quo".[173]

Gender n' sexuality

Pearl (left) n' Stevenz mother, Rose Quartz, embrace up in a flashback blasted edited outta tha British broadcast. Their past relationshizzle is gradually peeped ta affect Pearlz relationshizzle wit Steven n' dem round his muthafuckin ass.

"Gender be all up in tha forefront of tha conversation surroundin Steven Universe", accordin ta Erik Adamz of tha A.V. Joint, whoz ass noted dat "the showz superheroes is all dem hoes".[150] As a self-aware pastiche of "magical girl" anime, tha series subverts tha genrez premises by havin Steven embody tha gangbangin femininitizzle of tha typical magical-girl protagonist without ridicule or losin his crazy-ass masculine side. Whitbrook characterized tha series as bein "about love�"all kindz of love", includin non-traditionizzle forms like fuckin tha motherly n' thugged-out bond between Steven n' tha Gems; n' Garnet as tha "physical embodiment of a lesbian relationshizzle".[146]

When placin tha series on tha honor list of tha 2015 Tiptree Award, which recognizes workz of science fiction or fantasy dat explore n' expand gender roles, tha jury wrote; "In tha context of childrenz televizzle, dis show deals wit gender up in a much mo' open n' mature way than is typical fo' tha genre, n' has a shitload of tha dopest freestylin of any cartoon ... In addizzle ta showin pimps n' dem hoes whoz ass do not necessarily conform ta standard Gangsta gender ideals, tha show also gives our asses a agender/non-binary characta n' a thoughtful exploration of growin up".[174]

Autostraddlez Mey Rude freestyled dat Steven Universe was da most thugged-out-recent animated series fo' a younger crew wit dope queer themes, like fuckin tha androgynous fusion Stevonnie n' tha horny-ass relationshizzle between tha Gems Ruby n' Sapphire, whose fusion is tha main characta Garnet. This, accordin ta Rude, reflects tha growin prominence of these themes up in childrenz cartoons; previous depictions was subtextual or minimal, like fuckin tha 2011 Adventure Time episode "What Was Missing", tha 2014 series Clarence or (more explicit but unexplored) tha 2014 finale of Nickelodeonz Da Legend of Korra. In Steven Universe, LGBT themes is prominent as early as tha straight-up original gangsta seasonz second half.[175] Da fifth seasonz engagement n' weddin between Ruby n' Sapphire was reportedly tha straight-up original gangsta same-sex marriage proposal up in a cold-ass lil childrenz animated series.[176][177]

Accordin ta Sugar, her series' LGBT representation aint intended ta cook up a point but ta help lil pimps KNOW theyselves n' pimp they identities. Put ya muthafuckin choppers up if ya feel dis! In her view, queer youth deserve ta peep theyselves up in stories as much as other children�"and, given pervasive heteronormativity, not allowin dem ta do so can be harmful naaahhmean, biatch? LGBT lil pimps deserve ta peep tha prospect of ludd fo' theyselves up in tha charactas wit whom they identify�"the ideal of fulfillin partnershizzle n' legit love, established as tha thang ta aspire ta by generationz of Deez'nuts cartoons, extended ta all.[178] Durin a 2016 panel discussion, Sugar holla'd tha LGBT themes up in Steven Universe was also largely based on her own experience as a funky-ass bisexuizzle biatch.[179] A year lata her big-ass booty holla'd dat Fluorite�"the fusion of six Gems introduced up in tha season five episode "Off Colors"�"represents a polyamorous relationshizzle.[180] In July 2018, dat dunkadelic hoe holla'd at a rap battleer[181] dat dat thugged-out biiiatch pimped tha seriess Gems as "non-binary dem hoes" up in order ta express her muthafuckin ass, as a non-binary biatch, all up in dem wild-ass muthafuckas.[182]

Da series' hype as "one of da most thugged-out unabashedly queer shows on TV"[183] generated controversy up in 2016 when Cartoon Network UK removed a embrace between Rose n' Pearl but did not remove a lick between Rose n' Greg from its British broadcast.[184] Da network, which holla'd tha decision was intended ta make tha episode "more laid back fo' local lil playas n' they muthafathas", was dissed as homophobic by hustlas n' tha media.[185][186] In 2017, tha Kenya Film Classification Board banned Steven Universe n' other cartoon series from bein broadcast fo' "glorifyin homosapien behavior".[187]

Noize

Aivi Tran n' Steven "Surasshu" Velemaz chiptune-inspired noize has also been praised up in props; Oliver Sava of Da A.V. Joint mentioned its range from "peppy retro" ta Ghibli-esque "smooth jazz piano".[151] Accordin ta Thurm, tha musical numbers is characterized by "upliftin determination".[155] Whitbrook freestyled dat they have evolved from bein "lil ... goofy ditties" ta a integral part of tha showz storytelling.[146] Thurm freestyled fo' Pitchfork dat "noize matters up in Rebecky Sugarz work", mo' than up in most musicals, by structurin tha characters' lives rather than merely spittin some lyrics ta a story.[188]

Da series' noize has also been widely praised. Y'all KNOW dat shit, muthafucka! "Stronger Than You" has been referred ta as a "queer fight song", n' tha end credits song, "Ludd Like You", has also been called worthy of bein "the sickest fuckin addizzle ta tha Great Gangsta Songbook".[189][190]

Fandom

Cosplay of tha characta Opal up in 2014

Public interest up in tha series measured by Gizoogle Trends vastly outstripped dat of Cartoon Networkz other series up in April 2016, which Da A.V. Joint called "definitizzle proof dat Steven Universe is now Cartoon Networkz flagshizzle series".[93]

Fans have campaigned against censorshizzle outside tha United Hoodz of tha series' representation of LGBT relationshizzlez fo' realz. A hustla campaign persuaded Cartoon Networkz French subsidiary ta re-record tha cold lil' woo wop "Stronger than You" wit a translation makin tha thugz ludd as explicit as tha original,[191] n' another was launched up in 2016 ta protest Cartoon Networkz British subsidiaryz practice of removin scenez of affection between Gems from UK broadcasts.[183] Swedish hustlas originated a protest petizzle afta flirtin between Gems was chizzled ta unrelated dialogue up in tha Swedish broadcast of tha episode, "Hit tha Diamond".[192]

Accordin ta io9, "while most of tha Steven Universe fandom is supportizzle n' welcoming, there be a lil' small-ass subsection thatz known fo' bein off tha hook n' straight-up shitty under tha guise of inclusiveness".[193] A fan artist attempted suicizzle up in 2015 afta dat biiiiatch was bullied on hood media cuz of tha body proportions up in her art;[194][195] n' up in 2016 storyboard artist n' writa Larry Zuke quit Twizzle afta bein harassed by hustlas over perceived support fo' a particular romantic relationshizzle between characters.[193]

A full-length fan-made episode titled "Da Smothering",[196] set up in a alternate version of tha storyz continuity, was called "one of tha mo' impressive piecez of work ta come outta tha Steven Universe fandom" up in 2017 by io9.[197] Beach Citizzle Con, a Steven Universe fan convention, was held up in Virginia Beach on October 13�"15, 2017.[198]

Awardz n' nominations

References