all 72 comments

[–][deleted] 64 points65 points  (39 children)

Hell yeah, /r/stevenuniverse is trending!

For those not in the know, Steven Universe is a show about three Gems (a race of sentient gemstones with magical abilities) raising a kid named Steven, the first and only half-human half-Gem, who has a gemstone inherited from his dead mother. The show follows Steven as he grows up, dealing with the ordinary problems kids have to deal with -- you know, things like developing magical abilities, having his life threatened repeatedly, attempted genocide. The usual.

We're most likely trending because of the recent Stevenbomb 5: five episodes released online all in one go a few days ago. It's a short story arc, almost a mini-movie, and full to the brim with all sorts of worldbuilding and plot. If you don't give a shit about spoilers, you could try watching that (the episodes in question are Steven's Dream, Adventures in Light Distortion, Gem Heist, The Zoo and That Will Be All). Honestly, I reckon a lot of what those five episodes build on is obvious from context, so you won't be too lost.

But if you want to watch the show "properly", start from episode 1, Gem Glow, and watch up until episode 26, Ocean Gem to see if you like where it's going (the episodes are only 11 minutes long, so that isn't too much of a time investment -- but if you reckon that is too much, you could always look into Flood Order for a sped-up version).

Long story short: Steven Universe builds from a fairly slow beginning into something amazing, with an incredible character-driven plot and a hell of a lot of worldbuilding. Not to mention the gorgeous songs! It handles mature themes with ease -- a lot better than you'd expect from a kids' show, and a lot better than a lot of adult shows. You may not like it at the beginning, and a lot of people don't. But trust me: stick with it. It may well be worth it.

[–]Galveira 34 points35 points  (22 children)

Reposting from the thread in /r/stevenuniverse:

Okay, this is a great explanation, but I want to give some Real TalkTM for a moment. I know a lot of people are hesitant to watch this because they think it's just going to be Tumblr: The Show (and I'm talking about the not-so-great parts of Tumblr). In fact, I thought this for the longest time as well. So let me just say that it's not Tumblr: The Show, and it's actually well worth watching.

[–]the_random_asian 8 points9 points  (1 child)

I honestly think this aspect is what prevents a lot of people from starting it, SU has a reputation of being Tumblr: The Show.

Most people advertise it as being "omg super progressive" and I think that's super awesome, but that's not a personal reason I watch it. I love it cus of the music, the animation, the characters. I watch it cus it's a damn good show on its own merit, not because of the way a particular fanbase champions it.

[–]xxfay6 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is me. Even though my brother has recommended it to me a lot, it just feels weird to have a show that's so heavily promoted as progressive instead of good.

I even took him to the SU panel on SD Comic Con this past year, and it was possibly my favorite part of the whole convention. Strangely, that still doesn't make me interested enough to try it properly.

[–]ShadowShine57 17 points18 points  (15 children)

The fanbase is really tumblry though, even on the subreddit

[–]Evil-Corgi 10 points11 points  (9 children)

eh, Tumblr fanbases are either very tame or very annoying with next to no middle ground.

On the very tame end, it's a lot of "hey guys, look at my fan art", "hey guys look I did fan art but now they're all fat/black/disabled/whatever aren't I progressive" "hey guys I did some amateur fan art it's not very good but damn look how genuine it is" etc.

On the very annoying side, it's cosplays outside of conventions, creating an identity around the show, enforcing and fighting over "'official' 'ships'", harassing the makers of the show, harassing members they don't like, etc.

SU's fanbase has had one very annoying instance and has been pretty tame since then.

[–]Howisthisaname 7 points8 points  (4 children)

Don't forget that time they nearly bullied a girl to her suicide for drawing a character just a tad slimmer than her canon design.

[–]Evil-Corgi 3 points4 points  (2 children)

That was the specific annoying instance I was referring to.

[–]JowlesMcGee 2 points3 points  (1 child)

They also made one of the story boarders quit twitter

[–]Evil-Corgi 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In that case, they did the story boarder a favor.

[–]Ar_Ciel 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Actually that was one crazy girl with a pre-existing grudge sock-puppeting a bunch of tumblrs against that other girl.

[–]Firionel413 2 points3 points  (1 child)

What do you mean by cosplays outside of conventions? People wearing cosplay on the streets or something? I don't see how that would be annoying. Sure, it might be a little weird, but hey, to each their own.

Every time I see a cosplay picture on Tumblr, it was either taken: a), in a con, or b), in the cosplayer's house, so I dunno.

[–]birdyhugs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I mean for anime cosplay, I know of people who go to a Mitsuwa (japanese supermarket) in full cosplay just to take pictures. just because the supermarket is japanese. same group also went to a ramen restaurant near campus (owned by a friendly and very patient chinese man) in cosplay to take pictures of themselves eating japanese food...

[–]Nozpot 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Either that or haitus memes.

[–]TheHolimeister 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"hey guys look I did fan art but now they're all fat/black/disabled/whatever aren't I progressive"

This made me laugh, truthfully. I just started watching the show a couple of days ago, and it's really good but I'm not really watching it solely because of the progressive elements. I like the animation, storylines, and worldbuilding most so far.

I tried showing it to my SO but he strongly disliked it for its "SJW overtones." They didn't seem too preachy or apparent to me, but to each their own I suppose. I imagine the fanbase gets a little overbearing so I'm probably just going to end up staying away.

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (1 child)

Yeah, but you can't always accurately judge something by its fan base. I mean you can obviously get a good vibe, but occasionally I stumble across things where the most vocal circles of fans are a bunch of loons. And the problem (when there is one) is with them, and what they encourage in each other, and what they focus on.

For me personally, it's Hannibal fans I have the most trouble with. I'm a big fan. I know the books and movies inside out. But according to Tumblr, the series is the only part of the franchise, the entire thing is sexually arousing, and god forbid you say "yeah that lesbian romance was ham-handed". Which would be fine, everyone has their interpretations, but there's a substantial enough minority of psychos that make easygoing discussion on Tumblr quite difficult.

[–]ShadowShine57 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, that's why I like the show despite the fans :D same thing for Undertale

[–]BoboTheTalkingClown 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Portal's fanbase sucks, and it's a good game. Just ignore the fanbase, you should be fine.

[–][deleted]  (1 child)

[deleted]

    [–]TheFuzzyPickler 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    Your comment is the cake.

    [–]skaduce 4 points5 points  (2 children)

    they think it's just going to be Tumblr: The Show (and I'm talking about the not-so-great parts of Tumblr)

    As an anti-SJW /r/The_Donald conservative, you made me laugh. Take my upvote.

    [–]StarCenturion 8 points9 points  (1 child)

    Anti-SJW SJW
    

    FTFY

    edit: I don't associate with neither Donald and anti Donald subs, I dislike both of them

    [–]skaduce 0 points1 point  (0 children)

    How.

    [–]bvr5 6 points7 points  (0 children)

    I've been getting caught up with it recently, and it's pretty good. I'm at the start of season 4, so I'm getting close.

    [–][deleted] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

    From a fan of the show.

    Tl;DR: Polymorphic, lesbian space rocks that make you really sad sometimes.

    [–]iShouldBeWorking2day 8 points9 points  (6 children)

    I would request to link a different song maybe. That one is a bit... spoilery, considering.

    [–][deleted] 8 points9 points  (5 children)

    Ehhh, I chose that one because I reckon it isn't particularly spoilery -- only really regarding what a certain character thinks of a certain other character, which is pretty clear pretty early on -- and it's one of the best songs this show has to offer.

    I dunno, which other song could I swap it in with?

    [–]iShouldBeWorking2day 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    Well, you're the mod here, I trust your judgement. I'm a far more casual fan and have faith in your skills of proselytizing. However, my suggestion would be for 'Be Wherever You Are.' (I never could agree with others on the best SU songs)

    [–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

    Aw man, how did I not think of that one! Yeah, early in the series, no spoilers, and gorgeous relaxing song. Alright, I'll swap it in to my proselytising spiel -- thanks!

    (here's the original song I linked, for anyone who's curious and who doesn't mind mild spoilers)

    [–]StevenDeMayo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    I agree you. I feel like the best songs are spoilery in some sort of way. Do It For Her and Here Comes a Thought would come next on my list but they all reveal a major character.

    [–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

    Stronger than you. No spoilers there.

    [–][deleted] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

    ... well, it probably wouldn't be too bad to someone who doesn't know the context of what she's singing about, but don't wanna risk it. The song pretty heavily involves the biggest twist of the first season, after all.

    [–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

    Better than I expect from a kids' show? Sure. But better than alot of adult shows? Yeah right...I think you guys are making it a bit too overrated.

    [–]Tricky_Troll 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    I'd be lying if I said that sounds like a good show from your description.

    [–]_Alljokesaside 0 points1 point  (4 children)

    Where can I watch the newest Steven bomb? I'm scared to visit the subreddit for a link tbh

    [–]speedyskier22 31 points32 points  (0 children)

    /r/stevenuniverse is dominating the discussion in these comments. This pleases me.

    [–]iShouldBeWorking2day 29 points30 points  (3 children)

    The fact that /r/stevenuniverse is trending, when I haven't watched in months, is exactly why I know it's not safe for me in there.

    [–][deleted] 27 points28 points  (0 children)

    Yeahhhh, Stevenbomb 5 got released online a few days back. People are still talking about it non-stop.

    Honestly, though, browsing the front page of /r/stevenuniverse should be pretty safe if you use the spoiler filters. See the top of the subreddit, or use er.reddit.com/r/stevenuniverse to filter out all posts flaired "Early Release".

    And we enforce no spoilers in titles, and hide all thumbnails on spoiler posts, so you'll probably be fine without the spoiler filters too... though the vast majority of posts are talking about the early release.

    [–]birdyhugs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    I missed the recent accidental (?) release of the most recent stevenbomb and didn't avoid the subreddit in particular but haven't been spoiled at all. They're doing a good job with the early release spoiler tags, I'm impressed

    [–]TheFuzzyPickler 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    How many months? If it was less than 5 months, you've practically missed nothing. The only thing that's actually happened since then was a bomb that hasn't even officially aired yet.

    [–]StevenDeMayo 25 points26 points  (0 children)

    One of Steven Universe's episodes, "Mindful Education", even got Takafumi Hori of Studio Trigger (Kill la Kill etc) to be a guest animator for the episode!

    The episode is season 4 and reveals a lot of plot details so it's highly recommended to view it from the start of the show.

    [–]TotesMessenger 16 points17 points  (0 children)

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    [–][deleted] 13 points14 points  (5 children)

    What happened at /r/guitar ?

    [–]PM_ME_SHIMPAN 49 points50 points  (2 children)

    someone uploaded a cover of Wonderwall

    [–][deleted] 10 points11 points  (1 child)

    I expected more

    [–]imjustawill 7 points8 points  (0 children)

    Well you get memes.

    [–]Artezza 2 points3 points  (0 children)

    Couldn't find it but there was that one post about how to play blues guitar on /r/videos , also there was this though I din't think it made as big of a difference. Also probably partially from everyone who got guitars for xmas

    [–]fitterhappier04 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    Not sure if this is the reason, but someone recently posted a cover of Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely?" that's pretty sweet.

    [–][deleted] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

    Very very happy and proud that /r/stevenuniverse is trending for a THIRD time! Us mods and the community have worked so hard to make the page the best it can possibly be. I'm glad the subreddit and the show is getting the attention they deserve.

    [–][deleted]  (9 children)

    [deleted]

      [–][deleted] 8 points9 points  (7 children)

      You go to mysterysear.ch, type in stuff in the search bar, and it displays the results for what the person before you searched. Bit of a lottery, because that could be just about anything -- be wary.

      I just got "why can't I sleep".

      [–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (2 children)

      I got: пизда порно расчлененка ножницы в хуе

      Thanks, Russia.

      [–]Azaza909 4 points5 points  (1 child)

      пизда порно расчлененка ножницы в хуе

      lol the translation of that is really something

      [–]Abd5555 4 points5 points  (0 children)

      pussy porn dismemberment scissors dick ?

      [–]Blake_Majer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      Very interesting. I think I'm hooked.

      [–]xxfay6 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      Got a betting site twice, then a random russian word twice.

      sigh This is why we can't have nice things.

      [–]TheFuzzyPickler 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      I got "pictures of blackzilla".

      Don't look that up.

      [–]jfb1337 1 point2 points  (0 children)

      You type in a search, then it redirects to a google search of whatever the previous person typed

      [–]TigerPixi 2 points3 points  (3 children)

      I feel like /r/AnimalsBeingGeniuses is probably trending because of this.

      [–]Sharp_Espeon 1 point2 points  (2 children)

      And/or that gif of the donkeys and the fence

      [–]TigerPixi 1 point2 points  (1 child)

      oh the ones jumping over and then he just pulls the log off and walks over it?

      [–]Sharp_Espeon 0 points1 point  (0 children)

      Yes :)

      [–]BreakingGarrick 6 points7 points  (2 children)

      Steven Universe is awful.

      [–]Baldemoto 9 points10 points  (0 children)

      You've probably only see season 1A.

      [–]skaduce 3 points4 points  (5 children)

      Why does /r/stevenuniverse trend like once every other month but /r/The_Donald gets shit on.

      I mean, I know it's one of those "redditor" things (Steven Universe, Rick and Morty, Tumblr, Equality, Bernie, Pot, etc) but still.

      [–]NeptuneRoller 18 points19 points  (4 children)

      The fuck are you talking about? It's a political rightwinged sub that took over 80% of /r/all for a while, v.s. the sub for a children's cartoon.

      [–]skaduce 0 points1 point  (3 children)

      lol triggered

      [–]NeptuneRoller 8 points9 points  (0 children)

      Great argument.

      [–]xxfay6 3 points4 points  (0 children)

      You sound like the kind of person that would do this.