It’s over, isn’t it? Isn’t Steven Universe over? New York Comic Con kicked off with some bittersweet news: there will be more Steven, but it’s the beginning of the end. On Thursday morning, NYCC attendees were shown an advanced screening of the first few moments of the final season of the Steven Universe saga. The upcoming miniseries, Steven Universe: Future, was confirmed to be an epilogue to the original five seasons and recently released movie, and is not a continuation of the show’s original run.
While the fandom hasn’t been fully filled in, the sneak peak of the brand new show opening did not disappoint. Here are the things we’re most excited to see in Steven Universe: Future.
The big, beautiful, blended gem fam
The original squad continues to expand, and the Crystal Gems now officially include the Off Colors, the uncorrupted gems (with Centipeedle prominently placed right of center), a smattering of humans (absent a few of our favorite organics like Sadie and Greg), the Diamonds, and a tear-stain-free Spinel. Does this mean we’ll get another electro-swing bop from our new best friend? Will Centi’s post-corruption character be developed? Have the Diamonds been fully redeemed? And if so, are they going to help Steven fight his final villains? Speaking of which…
Who are these mysterious monsters?
Steven is going to have to face some seriously creepy creatures in this last season. In the second group shot, a polycephalic cactus creature threateningly rears its Steven-shaped-heads, hopefully teaching Steven a lesson about why we don’t kiss cacti. In the background looms an Aku-shaped demon worm, its origins much more mysterious than the evil plant version of Steven in the foreground. Is this a previously forgotten corrupted gem? A polyamorous fusion gone wrong? We’ve already seen how unhealthy, abusive relationships create destructive gems (remember Malachite?), and like all expert storytellers, Rebecca Sugar knows when to repeat her themes.
Jasper’s final story arc
The big buff Cheeto puff is back and ready to rumble. Her anger at Steven and the Crystal Gems makes sense: her entire world, sense of self, and purpose were likely shattered when she learned the truth about Rose and Pink. But instead of taking responsibility for her feelings, Jasper takes them out on others, particularly when she’s in intimate, romantic relationships. While it’s unlikely Jasper won’t ultimately be redeemed, she’s not going down without taking a few gems with her. The new intro features a figure that looks like a fusion of Jasper and another femme gem, White Diamond. While the fandom never thought White would deign to dance with “lower” lifeforms, Jasper is a perfect specimen. And who wouldn’t want to see a scene—preferably one that includes a Gene Kelly style pas de deux— where Jasper seduces White? Plus, Jasper has yet to have donned the tux she wore in the 2016 SDCC poster, and we really need that to happen.
Honorable mentions
The Lapis squad (anyone else want to hear them sing in three part harmony?), the blue and red possible pietersite (did the Diamonds punish Aquamarine post trial and force her to fuse with a Ruby?), and the way Connie looks at Steven in the final shot (that’s an indirect kiss if I’ve ever seen one).
Steven Universe: Future, here we almost are. The Crewniverse didn’t announce a release date at NYCC, and honestly, we’re not mad about it. Heck, we’re even hoping for another hiatus—all the better to give the fandom time to obsessively mine every snippet of this new intro for Sugar’s signature, subtle signs of what this epilogue will be all about. But whatever happens next, we know it will be perfect. If it’s not, that’s okay too: if every porkchop were perfect, we wouldn’t have hotdogs.
Update: We have no idea how many episodes this season will be, and we have removed any indication that we have, with much regret.
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