Available online or Mondays at 8/7c on cartoon network, Steven Universe is a new cartoon I had been meaning to check out for a while. Created by Adventure Time writer, story boarder, and composer Rebecca Sugar (you can see her work in the episode "Simon and Marcy"); "Universe" is a fun loving blend of smooth bright animation, comedy, and fantastic yet still growing lore (plus a witty and respectful pinch of life lessons and seriousness). Only ten episodes into the series, I can give it a solid 8 out of ten stars, and if it can continue this notable streak of entertaining episodes, I foresee lots of Adventure Time or Bee and Puppy Cat-esk fandom emerging.
The last of the recent episodes I watched turned a tad monotonous/tiresome, played ,impart, by Steven himself; who can be a little too loud and brash. Yet if a Teen Titans/ Adventure Time beach vibe cartoon is your sort of jam, then I would be very surprised if the first, two-part episodes (or hell, even the catchy theme song) didn't at least leave you interested for more. I really hope this show continues to stay fresh and creative, and that it can meet the praise I am giving it. Children will ,of course, go bananas over SU, but for teens and adults like me (who still watch cartoons), I hope it can be another solid and standout hit. But from were I'm standing now, "Steven Universe" is a rare kind of gem, just like the one in Steven's belly button...