I started watching the animated TV Series, Steven Universe, during the pandemic. I remember not really knowing what to expect out of the series, but the show provided comfort in a really challenging and scary time. I enjoyed the themes about love, self- acceptance, and the ways we process different emotions over our lifetime. This was also one of the first cartoons I’ve seen that had a really beautiful and unique way of introducing queer and non-binary coded characters in a delicate way.
One of the criticisms that the show received online was about the way BIPOC characters were coded on screen. Coding is when a character in media has traits or cultural elements that may associate with specific groups of people. Some traits can be stereotypical and offensive, juxtaposing the way people are seen offensively and treated in real life. Some of the Black-coded characters in the show were presented as large, aggressive, and loud which is incredibly disappointing. Another criticism was the way the show’s characters were expected to simply forgive their abusers and oppressors for the sake of keeping things nice–a universal experience amongst BIPOC communities. Steven Universe’s constant oversimplification of war and the effects of colonization is also up for criticism, regardless of it being created for younger audiences. I think it’s possible to have these examinations of the media we consume while still enjoying elements from the show that aren’t always depicted in present media. While I recommend the show, I would urge anyone interested to keep these topics in mind during viewing – I’ve posted some links to writers who have critiqued the creator Rebecca’s Sugar’s work and to give some insight to a nuanced conversation.
Article by Jamie Kingston from Women Write About Comics
Article by Joshua Adams from PopMatters
On Garnet
Garnet was one of my favorite characters from Steven Universe. Voiced by the singer and actress, Estelle, Garnet is one of the Crystal Gems who is responsible for Steven’s guidance as both a human and intergalactic entity. She’s powerful and intelligent – as much as she is delicate and understanding. She is a fusion made up of two unique gems who fell in love. She can summon these large boxer-like gloves to fight gem villains and has the ability to see endless possibilities with her super-cool future vision. This character, with her square shaped afro and serene disposition really spoke to me in the ways that she exudes confidence and complexity. The show explores the position of her always being deemed the leader with all the answers in any given situation. She teaches Steven the ways of life and to explore his feelings and experiences as they come. I believe she’s a Black-coded character done exceptionally well, and has many Black fans alike showing up with incredible cosplays of her character.
How I Made My Garnet Costume
This was my second cosplay where I attended New York Comic Con in 2021. We’ll start off with the easiest parts of the costume:
The Top is from a Black owned site called BlkandNerdy. This shop offers garments for other cool cosplays, as well as animated inspired clothing and body care.
I bought duo colored tights which were about $12. They have a great amount of stretch and were really comfortable. You can also search for “jester” tights in stores and the same thing should pop up.
The asymmetrical skorts I purchased from Shein were about $11.
The Sunglasses (for Future Vision). These were about $17. They are truly mirror-like, so they smudge easily. I had to take them off a few times to see during the convention, but it was definitely worth it.
I wanted to purchase each item individually versus buying a full pre-made Garnet costume as I’m able to still use all of these pieces for other outfits. I’m definitely trying to avoid shopping at both Shein and Amazon as much as possible for ethical reasons, which I would like to later explore in the Resistance section of this blog.
Making My Gauntlet Gloves & Gem Gloves
The gloves and gauntlets were actually a lot easier to make than you’d expect.
The gloves were $10 long black satin gloves and I super glued a 60mm gem on one of the palms of the glove. I didn’t do both gloves, that way I could wear one gauntlet to show off, and a glove hand I could use to actually maneuver around when shopping for merchandise and comics.
For the Gauntlets, I started with two cardboard cylinders I got from an oversized food container. I stuffed them both with shipping paper–just enough to have space for my gloves to go inside. I painted the outside several times and then affixed a golden cardstock star to match the design. The fingers I made individually out of Modeling Foam Clay. This product is probably one of the best products for cosplay pieces! It’s basically like playing with playdoh that air dries into a harder foam substance. The fingers definitely took the longest. I had to make three 3D triangular pieces for each finger of a small, medium, and large size and set it somewhere stable to dry in the shape of a square (like you’re clenching for fingers). Then I put acrylic pink-squared gems on each individual finger. Voila!
Okay, I know you’re probably thinking…that’s a lot of work! I definitely didn’t think my costume was going to come together, especially this being my first real Cosplay that didn’t involve mostly a T-shirt. But with some patience and creativity my costume came together. I actually had so much fun making this one. I know it sounds cliché, but it really is the process that makes creating cosplays so enjoyable. And so many people stopping me to compliment my cosplay and ask for a photo is such an incredible feeling.
Part of one of the reasons I chose Garnet, and ultimately why I created this section of CurrrlPunks is to share the joys of cosplaying while Black/POC. Despite having a severe lack of representation in the media, we continue to celebrate the characters that we love and explore our creativity which has no bounds. There is always room for us to demand for more thoughtful and brilliant characters to represent our communities, and for us to inspire each other to create our own.
Thank you for reading! More to come. 
I am so proud of you. Great article even though its about the rock people. And the costume is dope. Keep creating, I’ll be following 😁