Graphic Novel Review - 'Steven Universe Volume One' by Jeremy Sorese (Writer), Coleman Engle (Artist), Rebecca Sugar (Creator, Writer), Various Writers and Artists

The first 'Steven Universe' comic volume is a series of vignettes. There is no overall plot present, nor stakes higher than a one-shot bug/gem/monster of the week. It is definitely more slice-of-life 'Steven' than sci-fi, cosmic action 'Steven'.

Based on the earliest work and concepts of the first season of the cartoon, it doesn't explore any of the lore of the Gems, or anything of the franchise, not overtly, anyway. It doesn't even explore any Gem fusions. Each story could easily have been a three minute 'Steven Universe' short.

The cover gallery at the end is arguably the best part of the volume.

But it is a cute and colourful collection for children and 'Steven Universe' fans. The humour is on point, and really funny and sweet, and everyone is in character. Speaking of, each of the mains from the first season receives a spotlight, and it's not just the Crystal Gems; there's Lion, Greg, and Connie, as well.

The artwork, and the speech bubbles and their placement, are mostly chaotic and messy, but go with the flow and it becomes easier to follow through. It is like a cartoon in comic strip form.

'Steven Universe Volume One' - cute, funny, sweet stuff.

I guess if it had a message and purpose as a whole, it would be to show that being a good person, caring for other people, and finding your inner child, don't have to be about saving the universe every week.

Wait, is this one of the messages of the cartoon? (I know a few of them are about self-love, and the loving support of others, and family, including found family.) Is the comic perfectly fitting to the canon after all?

I really need to rewatch 'Steven Universe'. It's been forever.

Feel free to read my review of 'The Answer' here for further 'Steven Universe' content worth lionising and adoring.

Final Score: 3.5/5