Steven Universe’s Surprise Return Just Reminded Me How Much I Miss the Original Series

Warning: Spoilers Ahead for MultiVersus: Collision Detected #2!The official return of Steven Universe in a crossover comic reminded me just how much I missed the show. It has been four years since Rebecca Sugar’s acclaimed Cartoon Network series ended with Steven Universe Future. I still remember countless months of waiting for every new Steven Bomb to see what was next for the overarching narrative, and this new comic offers at least a hint of that thrill.

MultiVersus: Collision Detected #2 – written by Bryan Q. Miller, with art by Jon Sommariva – has a premise that I love, to start with, as DC’s “trinity” of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman find themselves on the hunt for various visitors across the multiverse, including many iconic cartoon character.

Among the notable heroes and villains are Shaggy and Scooby-Doo, the Wicked Witch of the West and Rick Sanchez from Rick and Morty, though the appearance that got me really excited is Steven and Garnet from Steven Universe, as they team up with Superman to take down Livewire.

DC’s “MultiVersus” Crossover Perfectly Encapsulates What Made Me Love Steven Universe In The First Place

MultiVersus: Collision Detected #2 – Written By Bryan Q. Miller; Art By Jon Sommariva; Color By Matt Herms; Lettering By Marshall Dillon; Cover Art By Dan Mora

What’s great about Steven Universe’s grand return following an appearance in the MultiVersus video game is how well the comics capture what made me love him in the first place. Just like the series, he’s brave and willing to help out when necessary while also cracking a silly joke or two. He’s overall a wholesome character that loves what he does, and it’s heightened even further when Superman joins the fight. The look of pure joy on Steven’s face when he sees Superman take off to help them in their battle with Livewire fits his character so perfectly.

In short, I was delighted when Steven popped up in MultiVersus: Collision Detected #2. Perhaps the thing I loved most about Steven’s appearance here is how it retains Steven’s fighting technique. He’s a character that is more defensive than offensive, so his primary weapon is his mother’s shield. Seeing him energize his weapon of choice through the gem in his chest is something that had me cheering. Plus, with Steven being one of the key figures Superman saw in his vision, fans like myself will be happy to know that he will have a pretty substantial role in the comic’s story.

I Love How MultiVersus Perfectly Flips Steven Universe’s Most Negative Stereotype

Trust Me, Steven Is More Of A Fighter Than People Think

I understand that one of the most common critiques about Steven Universe was how people viewed him as a character that would rather show his emotions than actually fight. However, MultiVersus proves something I’ve known for years – that this is a reductive argument. Yes, Steven is a pacifist, who sees the best in everyone and wants to dissolve conflicts through non-violent means. However, this doesn’t mean he won’t take up arms when he needs to, and that includes in MultiVersus: Collision Detected #2.

Steven is a character that only sees violence as a last resort. He got into a fair bit of scuffs throughout the series because of this, proving that he can be a noble fighter. He even shows this in MultiVersus, when Superman looks at him and Garnet admirably, happy to fight by their side. In fact, I would argue Steven is the perfect person to fight alongside the Man of Steel, because the two share a sense of optimism that aides in their fight to protect the world and the ones they care about.

I Am Hyped That “Collision Detected” Picks the PERFECT Gem to Join Steven

Sorry Pearl & Amethyst

The coolest inclusion MultiVersus made when bringing back Steven is having Garnet tag along with him. While it makes sense for her to join him because she’s one of the game’s playable fighters, these two heroes by far have always had the most interesting relationship to me. Garnet served as a maternal figure for Steven when he was growing up. This only grew stronger when Steven learned she was a fusion of two other gems madly in love named Ruby and Sapphire, paving the way to inspire other LGBTQ+ shows.

The way the two interact in the main show is by far one of the best relationships in the show, and to see it brought back with Steven’s return is a great way to remind fans like myself of what made Steven Universe so special. I’m looking forward to seeing how Steven plays into Collision Detected‘s story as the series continues. So far, it has a highly welcome return for Steven Universe fans like myself while we wait for a possible revival, especially after years of missing the show following its heartwarming finale.

MultiVersus: Collision Detected #2 is available now from DC Comics!

Steven Universe is an animated television series created by Rebecca Sugar. The show follows the coming-of-age story of Steven, a young boy who is half-human and half-Gem, discovering his heritage and learning to harness his powers. Steven lives with the Crystal Gems—Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl—who protect Earth from various threats while teaching him about loyalty, family, and identity.