Inked Mag Staff
September 10th, 2020
40 Rockin’ ‘Steven Universe’ Tattoos
Who's your favorite gem: Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl, Rose Quartz, Lapis Lazuli or Peridot?
Since the jump, “Steven Universe” has been a groundbreaking series. After working as a writer and storyboard artist for “Adventure Time,” Rebecca Sugar came up with the idea for a show of her own and with 2013’s “Steven Universe,” became the first woman to independently create a show for Cartoon Network. It’s since gone on to become on of the most inclusive, diverse and intersectional animated shows of all time. The series follows Steven Universe, a half-human and half-gem boy who lives with Crystal Gems Garnet, Amethyst and Pearl in Beach City. Crystal Gems are aliens who take on the forms of gemstones and fight crimes on Earth. Throughout the five seasons, Universe learns to use his gem abilities and discovers the truth about his mother Rose Quartz’s role in the powerful Gem Empire.
While the plot of the show is certainly an impressive fantasy story, fans have clung onto this series for its depiction of queer characters. In the first season finale, we learned that Garnet was a fusion of two gems, Ruby and Sapphire. These two gems fell in love and fused to be together forever. Other queer characters in the show include Pearl, Rose Quartz and Stevonnie. Stevonnie is the fusion of Universe and his human BFF Connie, with Stevonnie identifying as non-binary and using they/them pronouns. The show has also been praised for its racial diversity, as the bulk of the voice cast are women of color. The series won a number of awards for their intersectionality, including a GLAAD Media Award for “Outstanding Kids & Family Program,” a Peabody Award for “Children’s & Youth Programming” and five Emmy Award nominations.
In honor of the wildly wonderful animated series that is “Steven Universe,” take a peek at some off our favorite tattoos inspired by the colorful and creative television show.
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