"Steven Universe" is an animated Television show aired on Cartoon Network, usually every evening. If you know me at all or follow me on any social media whatsoever, you may be familiar with the concept of some chubby kid running around with his weird rock moms. Many people have developed a love for it (or in my case, a downright obsession), and for good reason. There's a lot to appreciate about "Steven Universe;" The artists' illustration and animation styles are incredibly unique, as is the show's basic scheme and plotline. Each character varies in depth, and every journey is winding. The attention to every single detail is incredibly well paid, and as a dedicated viewer, I can assert that it's no children's show.

There are so many aspects of SU (other than the phenomenal writing and art that the creators work so hard to supply) that personally draw me in, and I think one of the first (and biggest) pull factors is the basic idea behind the show itself. In a sentence, it surrounds a boy named Steven who lives in a semi-remodeled temple with The Crystal Gems; Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl. The show started out tame enough, with different events every episode. But with each one, the story gets deeper and the plot becomes more complex. You start to question characters' personalities, morals, ethics, well-being, etc. You become more and more invested, and things start to connect to each other. Soon enough, as with any reputable TV show, you've immersed yourself into its (ha) Universe, and care deeply about anything that happens, and you cry at every episode and constantly feel the need to profess your love about every single character. It sounds like every other show aired on every other network, but the subject matter is so ridiculously unique, and if I'm being completely honest, it's downright genius.

Aside from being absolutely beautiful in story and art, the writers always say something with their work. Every episode's arc can be related to something that might be considered controversial in reality. For example, gender seems almost inconsequential. Though pronouns are used, gender roles aren't followed. In some cases where one's identity was unknown or dubious, other characters freely used "they/them". Characters with predominantly female expressions wore tuxedos and nobody batted an eyelash. This kind of mentality really matters, and it's super amazing that it's being broadcasted and consumed on a nationwide scale. It helped me come to terms with my identity, and it destroys gender roles and the binary at every turn. And not only is gender an important subtopic of SU, but so is mental health. There are so many aspects of each character that could be considered mentally unhealthy behaviours, and for those of us who struggle with such things, they can be really easy to spot while watching. But once the problem is addressed, instead of dismissing it as a normal personality trait, characters will validate another's problem and make a point of giving support and offering help. This is exceptional because there is so much stigma surrounding mental and emotional illness that those who struggle are often afraid to come forward and ask for help. It's important to exemplify validation and support, because if people see it in action, they're more likely to understand it; Even if those involved are fictitious characters.

I could go on forever about the beauty of "Steven Universe," but you get the idea. It really is such a well-done show, and I recommend that everyone who reads this to start watching as soon as possible (and start from the first episode!!!), as I've barely scraped the surface. Just make sure you've got blankets/tissues/stuffed animals when you do, cause it's a bumpy ride.

Enjoy the show, and don't say I didn't warn you!