Sci-Fi Weekly Feature: Stephen Universe

Even though I'm an adult, I'm still all about cartoons. Who doesn't like cartoons? They're fun, colorful, and have an interesting ability to approach difficult topics in ways that help both adults and children understand them. One of my most favorite recent cartoons that does this to perfection is Stephen Universe. 
The Crystal Gems, with Stephen in the front, Pearl to his right,
Amethyst to his left, and Garnet in the back.
(Image Source) 
It took me a while to warm up to the Cartoon Network show, but once I'd given it a try, I was sold. Set in the idyllic Beach City, the show gives a glimpse into the life of a boy named Stephen... who happens to live with a few aliens called the Crystal Gems. The Crystal Gems help keep Beach City (and Earth in general) safe with their super powers and amazing fighting skills. Each gem has stones embedded into their bodies that help them take human form, and they're named after those stone. 

Stephen's mother used to be a Crystal Gem, but as of the first episodes, it seems that she's had to sacrifice herself when he was born. Though he's human, he also has a gem that's a part of him, but he isn't really sure how to use it or what his gem means for his future. Stephen's dad, Greg, a former rock star, is also part of the show, too. You learn more about Stephen's origins and his parents' pasts as the show progresses. 

I know. This is a LOT. That's what I thought, too, when someone shared the show with me originally. It seemed messy and hard to follow. In reality, though, it isn't. It's like a beautiful puzzle that all falls into place as more of the pieces are connected-- and as those pieces are connected, you journey through space, through training for battle, through hard friendships that fall apart and are rebuilt, and through the various struggles that the characters face along the way. 

My favorite part of Stephen Universe are the personalities of the characters. Pearl is anxious and a perfectionist, while Amethyst is haphazard and sloppy. Garnet seems cool and collected, but it's later revealed that she's much more than she seems. Stephen is a hodgepodge of all of these characteristics, and he's clearly learning who he wants to be from all of the different role models that his world has handed him. Every character that's added to the show is meticulously and meaningfully made, and they grab your heart. Pearl is my favorite Crystal Gem! :)

Overall, I highly recommend Stephen Universe. It'll make you laugh and break your heart, but it makes sure to help you pick the pieces back up. The show has a special ability to make you believe in hope for the for the future-- even in the most dire situations. 

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