ThisSteven Universearticle contains spoilers up to the episode Mr. Greg.
Steven Universeloves tipping its hat to anime.
It regularly references various anime series includingNeon GenesisEvangelion,Captain Harlock, andCowboy Bebop.
The influences of anime go far deeper than just references though.
Anime makes up the DNA ofSteven Universe.
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Sugar says that as a teenager theUtenaseries, was an epiphany for me.
The way that it plays with the semiotics of gender.
I was a bisexual teenager watching a show like Utena.
(Credit: Rebecca Sugars tumblr.)
Utenas influence can be felt throughoutSteven Universe.
The show has directly referenced the series several times, especially in the episode Steven the Sword Fighter.
Utena regularly subverts and inverts gender roles.
Her deep love for Anthy and their realationship is one of the cornerstones of the series.
All of this had a huge impact on Sugar.
Utena has also influenced some of the humor inSteven Universeas well.
As Sugar explains, (Utena) is so extreme that its funny.
Its so extreme that its powerful and almost even funny, its really exciting.
TheUtenaseries itself also drew inspiration from the Takarazuka Theater, which performs shows featuring all-female casts.
Recently Sugar got to visit Japan and said it was incredible.
I saw them do Guys and Dolls, which is one of the greatest things I have ever seen.
In the Emmy-nominatedSteven Universemusical episode Mr. Greg, the Utena and Takarzuka theatre influences truly come together.
No matter where you look in the series, a little piece ofUtenais there.
If youre interested in the series, you might watch all the episodes for free (and legally!)
Thanks toAbby Murphyfor her help with some of the finer points in this article.
Keep up with all ourSteven Universenews and reviews here!
