You know he’ll always save the day! We’re talking about Steven Universe, a human-gem hybrid and the star of his own American animated television series. Created by Rebecca Sugar for Cartoon Network, Steven Universe began life as a short in 2012 before evolving into a television series launched the following year and lasted 5 seasons. Since then, the Steven Universe franchise has expanded to include a follow-up movie, a sequel/epilogue limited series subtitled Future, video games, tabletop games, books and, of course, comic books!
Steven Universe is the youngest member of the Crystal Gems, who are magical, mineral-based aliens. He is the only known Gem–human hybrid and is easily recognisable by his iconic star T-shirt (inspired by Hellboy creator, Mike Mignola). Steven lives in the fictional town of Beach City where he has adventures with his friends and helps the Gems protect the world from their own kind.
Several limited comic book series based on Steven Universe have been published by Boom! Studios during the course of the television series. They are generally considered not totally canon… meaning they are part of the canon as long as the series does not contradict them.
Let’s take a closer look at the Steven Universe comics, which offer fans of the series the chance to spend more time in this colourful universe!
Steven Universe Comics Reading Order
Steven Universe Comics Release Order
Following are a list of the Steven Universe comics in release order. If no note, the stories have been published during season 5 (or a little bit after) and, if you want to include them in a viewing, are taking place before the finale. You’ll find more continuity information for the graphic novels below!
- Steven Universe Volume 1 (8 issues, released during season 1)
- Steven Universe: Greg Universe Special (released during season 2)
- Steven and the Crystal Gems (4 issues, released between seasons 2 and 3)
- Steven Universe 2016 Special (released during season 4)
- Steven Universe Volume 2 (issues #1-9), released during seasons 4-5
- Steven Universe: Anti-Gravity
- Steven Universe Volume 2 (issues #10-20)
- Steven Universe: Harmony
- Steven Universe: Ultimate Dough-Down
- Steven Universe Volume 2 (issues #21-32)
- Steven Universe: Fusion Frenzy
- Steven Universe: Camp Pining Play
- Steven Universe Volume 2 (issues #33-36)
- Steven Universe: Crystal Clean
Steven Universe Comics Collection
Steven Universe (2014-2015)
Coming from writer Jeremy Sorese and artist Coleman Engle, the first Steven Universe comic was published in 2014, and was one of the only comics conceived with Rebecca Sugar’s input. It is presented as a zine-like format, with each issue having different sources of content (from recipes to mini-comics to games and more). It lasted only 8 issues.
- Steven Universe: Believe In Steven
Collects Steven Universe #1-4. - Steven Universe: Keep Beach City Weird
Collects Steven Universe #5-8.
Steven Universe, the second volume (2017-2020)
In 2017, the Steven Universe comics were relaunched, with Melanie Gillman as writer and Katy Farina as illustrator. While the creative team kept up to date with the release of new episodes, they did not have contact with the show’s writers and presented the comic as small vignettes about the characters’ lives.
- Steven Universe: Warp Tour
Collects Steven Universe (vol. 2) #1-4. - Steven Universe: Punching Up
Collects Steven Universe (vol. 2) #5-8. - Steven Universe: Field Researching
Collects Steven Universe (vol. 2) #9-12.
Also in the All-in-One Hardcover Edition collecting Steven Universe (vol. 1) #1-8, Steven Universe & the Crystal Gems #1-4, and Steven Universe (vol. 2) #1-12.
- Steven Universe: Just Right
Collects Steven Universe (vol. 2) #13-16. - Steven Universe: Find a Way
Collects Steven Universe (vol. 2) #17-20. - Steven Universe: Playing By Ear
Collects Steven Universe (vol. 2) #21-24. - Steven Universe: Our Fearful Trip
Collects Steven Universe (vol. 2) #25-28. - Steven Universe: To Be Happy
Collects Steven Universe (vol. 2) #29-32. - Steven Universe: Cherished Memories
Collects Steven Universe (vol. 2) #33-36.
Steven Universe Graphic Novels
Still more comics set in the Steven Universe with five graphic novels from different creative teams. Like the other comics, those are considered not officially part of the canon, although you’ll find a few information about where those stories can be read in continuity.
- Steven Universe: Too Cool for School
written by Jeremy Sorese and illustrated by Rosemary Valero-O’Connell. It was based on a non-canon story by Ian Jones-Quartey and featured Steven accompanying Connie to school. - Steven Universe: Anti-Gravity
Written by Talya Perper and illustrated by Queenie Chan. Set between Season 3 and 4. - Steven Universe: Camp Pining Play
Written by Nicole Mannino and illustrated by Lisa Sterle. Set after the episode ‘Steven Floats’ (3.08) and before the OGN Dough-Down. - Steven Universe: The Ultimate Dough-Down
Written by Talya Perper and illustrated by Meg Omac. Set between 5.16 and 5.18. - Steven Universe: Crystal Clean
Written by Talya Perper and illustrated by Selena Bejarano. Set after the episode ‘Raising the Bar’ (5.07)
Steven Universe one-shots and miniseries
Two miniseries and several one-shots were
- Steven Universe and the Crystal Gems
Collects Steven Universe and the Crystal Gems #1-4 from writer Joceline Fenton and artist Chrystin Garland. - Steven Universe: Harmony
Collects Steven Universe Harmony #1-5 from writer S.M. Vidaurri and artist Mollie Rose. Set after the episode ‘Sadie Killer’ (5.09) - Welcome to Beach City!
A collection of one-shot shorts about all your favorite Crystal Gems and Beach City residents! Collects:- Steven Universe: Greg Universe Special #1
- Steven Universe: The Big Donut Special #1
- Steven Universe: Fusion Frenzy #1
Uncollected one-shot.