This book assembles ten scholarly examinations of the politics of representation in the groundbreaking animated children’s television series Steven Universe. These analyses address a range of representational sites and subjects, including queerness, race, fandom, colonialism, and the environment, and provide an accessible foundation for further scholarship. The introduction contextualizes Steven Universe in the children’s science-fiction and anime traditions and discusses the series’ crucial mechanic of fusion. Subsequent chapters probe the fandom’s expressions of queer identity, approach the series’ queer force through the political potential of the animated body, consider the unequal privilege of different female characters, and trace the influence of anime director Kunihiko Ikuhara. Further chapters argue that Ronaldo allows satire of multiple media forms, focus on Onion as a surrealist trickster, and contemplate cross-species hybridity and consent. The final chapters concentrate on background art in connection with ecological and geological narratives, adopt a decolonial perspective on the Gems’ legacy, and interrogate how the tension between personal and cultural narratives constantly recreates memory.

This book assembles ten scholarly examinations of the politics of representation in the groundbreaking animated children’s television series Steven Universe. These analyses address a range of representational sites and subjects, including queerness, race, fandom, colonialism, and the environment, and provide an accessible foundation for further scholarship. The introduction contextualizes Steven Universe in the children’s science-fiction and anime traditions and discusses the series’ crucial mechanic of fusion. Subsequent chapters probe the fandom’s expressions of queer identity, approach the series’ queer force through the political potential of the animated body, consider the unequal privilege of different female characters, and trace the influence of anime director Kunihiko Ikuhara. Further chapters argue that Ronaldo allows satire of multiple media forms, focus on Onion as a surrealist trickster, and contemplate cross-species hybridity and consent. The final chapters concentrate on background art in connection with ecological and geological narratives, adopt a decolonial perspective on the Gems’ legacy, and interrogate how the tension between personal and cultural narratives constantly recreates memory.

Steven Universe: Art & Origins is the first book to take fans behind the scenes of the groundbreaking and boundlessly creative Emmy Award-winning Cartoon Network animated series Steven Universe. The eponymous Steven is a boy who—alongside his mentors, the Crystal Gems (Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl)—must learn to use his inherited powers to protect his home, Beach City, from the forces of evil. Bursting with concept art, production samples, early sketches, storyboards, and exclusive commentary, this lavishly illustrated companion book offers a meticulous written and visual history of the show, as well as an all-access tour of the creative team’s process. Steven Universe: Art & Origins reveals how creator Rebecca Sugar, the writers, the animators, and the voice actors work in tandem to bring this adventure-packed television series to life. Also Available: Steven Universe: End of an Era (978-1-4197-4284-2) and Steven Universe: The Tale of Steven (978-1-4197-4148-7)

This New York Times best-selling storybook by Steven Universe creator Rebecca Sugar explores the meaning of love as Ruby and Sapphire look to build a new life on a strange planet called Earth. Dazzling illustrations from show artists Elle Michalka and Tiffany Ford capture Ruby and Sapphire's wonder and surprise as their story takes a course that fate never planned for them. The Answer is not only a charming love story, but also tells the origin of Garnet, leader of the Crystal Gems. Garnet's story of self-discovery will be treasured by Steven Universe fans of all ages. From the Hardcover edition.

The interactive story of magical beings from another world and how one very special boy came to be, by the New York Times–bestselling author of The Answer. Once upon a time, a silly, impossible little Gem named Pink Diamond ran away from her homeworld to the planet Earth. She transformed into Rose Quartz and gave up her existence to create a half-human child, Steven Universe. But so long as Steven has her Gem, can they BOTH exist? Is he her? Is she him? Is she trapped inside his Gem? This is so DISORIENTING! In a story unlike any other—made up of multiple points of view—who gets to tell the Tale of Steven? . . . The official picture-book adaptation of the Steven Universe special “Change Your Mind” by the series creator Rebecca Sugar. “The Tale of Steven is a storybook unlike any other, in an interactive format that tells the same story from multiple viewpoints, inviting the reader to interact with the story as they wish.” —The Hollywood Reporter “Beneath the surface Tale of Steven is a wonderfully smart commentary on bias and perspective, and how different points of view can all color and reframe the same story.” —Gizmodo “Challenging in all the right ways, heartstring-tugging and entertaining.” —Animation Magazine

A new book about love and friendship by New York Times bestselling author and creator of Steven Universe, Rebecca Sugar. When Gems fuse, their forms combine to create a Gem that is bigger, stronger, and more powerful than they are apart. But more importantly, Fusion is a process built on love, trust, and communication. It's like a dance that is perfectly in sync, or a conversation filled with perfect understanding. Learn all about Fusion with Steven, Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl, and the rest of the Gems on Earth as they share what Fusion—and love—mean to them. A perfect gift for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.

All the hits from Season 1 of Steven Universe! Steven Universe may have inherited his magical abilities from his mother, Rose Quartz, but there's no doubt that his love of music comes from his father, Greg Universe. Now, fans can learn to sing and play all of Steven's favorite songs--from the tunes he learns on his ukulele, to his father's guitar hits, as well as original songs sung by each of the Crystal Gems. This music book also gives kids the tools and inspiration they need to write their own songs!