Lately I’ve been suffering from some pretty hardcore migraines and headaches, and I’ve been finding it difficult to get into too many films where I have to pay attention for more than a short amount of time. Luckily, a most lovely friend of mine provided me with the best thing ever to watch when feeling a bit sick – a gorgeous little animated series by the name of Steven Universe. Here’s the synopsis:
The Crystal Gems are a team of magical beings who are the self-appointed guardians of the universe. Half-human, half-Gem hero Steven is the “little brother” of the group. The goofball is learning to save the world using the magical powers that come from his bellybutton and he goes on magical adventures with the rest of the Crystal Gems, even though he’s not as powerful — or smart — as fellow group members Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl. Despite his shortcomings, Steven usually finds a surprising way to save the day. (source)
I’m absolutely loving watching this little series because each episode is about ten minutes long, is super cute, and contains the type of child-like humour with hints of a dry adult sensibility, plus subtle cultural references, that really floats my boat. The music sounds like arcade video game music mixed with smooth piano jazz, and the animation consists of beautiful pastels and bright yet muted colours, an immersive aesthetic that really draws you in. Not to mention, there are some nice values for the kids and a general storyline which is deceptively simple, where its core story cleverly emerges from what initially feels like ‘monster of the week’ episodes. What I perhaps love the most is the series’ approach to gender roles and powerful female characters. It’s so lovely and relatively rare to see a show that is kind-of-sort-of intended for a younger audience, that has such a solid foot forward in terms of its approach to female power. Absolutely loving it.
Also, there are a million cute songs, and I’ve had this one in my head since starting watching the show.
Have you seen Steven Universe before? Do you love it as much as I do? If you haven’t seen it yet, I couldn’t recommend it highly enough!
FILM GRIMOIRE 
I’m so happy I got to bring this into your world!
❤ ❤ ❤
I definitely love “Giant Women,” but I also love the score that’s played when Pearl and Amethyst try to fuse, and then after they form Opal and save Steven. It’s beautiful.
I’ve almost finished the first season and am absolutely loving all of the music. It’s so cute yet evokes so much emotion at the same time. Pretty perfect for the story and characters!
Totally there with you! I am dying for May 12 when the new episodes start coming out. The scores are exceptional, I love how each of the characters has a different music style.
Cool write up yo, as a massive fan of cartoons and an animation graduate, I’m well-aware of most animated TV shows for kids, though I’ve only watched a small fragment of them mainly because the style of humour just isn’t for me. Steven Universe is one of those shows I’ve heard a lot of good things about, but I’ve been a little wary because not many shows have been able to hook me like Regular Show (which is my all-time favourite cartoon currently airing). But because of your glowing thoughts I feel like I should give it a chance. 🙂
Thanks Curtis! You should definitely give this a go, if only to enjoy the beautiful animation. I really love the use of pastel backgrounds and the contrasting brighly coloured characters. The character design is so cool as well. I never got in to the Regular Show but this one really is amazing. I’m so stoked to see season two!
This sounds like fun. I am struggling with concentration too… mostly because I have reached that stage of pregnancy where my brain no longer operates.
It’s so much fun! And the episodes are so bite-sized and easy to get through. Probably for the best when you have pregnancy brain!
I just fell deeply in love with Steven Universe as well. I learned of SU after coming across fan art on tumblr awhile back. I love the colors, the music, and the “powerful female characters” too. It really is a surprisingly soothing/entertaining thing to watch. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve listened to Garnet’s “Stronger Than You” song on Soundcloud! Good stuff.
It’s such a good song! I’ve been listening to some of the compilations of the songs on Youtube, they act like their own little playlists. The music is so great.
I absolutely love Steven Universe! It’s so witty, clever and deep while maintaining a cheery and humorous tone. Great to find another lover of the show! Great write up too. If I hadn’t already been an avid fan, I would have immediately gone to check it out!