Fusion for Beginners and Experts (Steven Universe) Hardcover – December 26, 2017

Fusion for Beginners and Experts (released December 26, 2017!) is a deceptively simple-looking book about relationships, told through the vehicle of the Steven Universe show's fusion concept.In the television show, fans get very excited at the prospect of getting to meet a new Fusion, because even though we know these characters very well by now, we still can never be sure who their Fusion will be. Relationships change us, and the "we" we become together can change us forever, so seeing that play out in the context of relationships as CHARACTERS is enlightening. This book is about reasons different characters might have for fusing, important values associated with fusion, and perspectives on what they (and we!) can do with these important connections.I'll outline each relationship profiled in the book and discuss a little about what it can mean in a larger context.The book begins with Garnet and Steven making a book about fusion together. Steven is the beginner, obviously, while Garnet (as a longtime love-based Fusion entity) is the expert. They set off a list of reasons characters might want to fuse.First, we have Steven and Connie combining into Stevonnie, "To gain a different perspective." Steven and Connie are unable to see the screen in a crowded movie theater, but as the larger Stevonnie, they have a clear view. There are less literal ways of gaining a different perspective through your relationship with another person, and seeing things from a new vantage point is a valid reason to explore a relationship with them.Next, we have Garnet and Pearl combining into Sardonyx, "Because you have great chemistry." Garnet is holding two test tubes to Pearl's single test tube, and when they combine their liquids, Sardonyx appears amidst steam. This is an interesting perspective on Sardonyx, as "they really have chemistry" isn't an angle the show has typically taken with Garnet and Pearl, but it does imply they have some sort of spark together, an ability to work together to create something unusual and new. Loving how someone makes you feel and sharing chemistry is certainly a good reason to find out who you are together.The next section has Ruby, Sapphire, and Amethyst (as the Purple Puma) combining into Sugilite, "Because together you're more powerful." Ruby, Sapphire, and Amethyst are lifting weights, and Sugilite easily lifts a car. Relationships that are about joining forces for a common goal--to build up your strength and tackle the world together--have a fine reason to be together, as long as you're all on the same page about your goals.(Note: it's interesting that the Sugilite and Alexandrite pages feature Ruby and Sapphire instead of Garnet, even though several-Gem fusion with Ruby and Sapphire beginning the process while separated never happens onscreen in the show.)Next, we have a section of the Ruby Squad (Army, Navy, Eyeball, Leggy, and Doc) combining into the giant Ruby Fusion: "You might want to fuse because you're so alike." Easily falling together with someone because you want and like the same things--finding someone who feels like an extension of yourself--makes a relationship seem so natural, making the world less intimidating to tackle alone.And then we have a section featuring Ruby and Sapphire combining into Garnet: "Or you might want to fuse because you're so different." Garnet is such a great balance that sometimes you can forget how extremely different Ruby and Sapphire are; they're literally hot and cold, as well as exemplifying so many extremes with their personalities. They don't use their differences to simply cancel out each other's weaknesses; they mellow and enhance various aspects of each other to be the Gem they want to be, and Garnet lives her life embodying their love and admiration for each other. Finding someone who's attractive because they're excitingly different from you, infusing your life with this new way of seeing, is a great motivator for deciding to be with someone.The next couple is Pearl and Amethyst combining into Opal, with the following caution: "You don't have to agree on everything in order to fuse, but you MUST agree that you want to fuse!" This is an interesting one, because it reminds readers that exploring your future with another person isn't necessarily about agreeing on everything, being made for each other, being deliriously in love. You can, in fact, learn about who you are with someone in one specific element of your lives--and do that thing, as long as you agree on that. It doesn't have to be everything, everywhen, everywhere. Pearl and Amethyst become Opal when it's necessary, or when it makes things easier for them. They only fuse when they both decide they want this.And the following page features Peridot, who does not fuse with anyone. The text says "And if you don't want to fuse, that's cool too." Peridot is pictured holding her alien boxers, followed by putting them on and receiving multiple thumbs up from the other Gems. As an asexual and aromantic Steven Universe fan I especially appreciate this one. One option is always to NOT HAVE THESE KINDS OF RELATIONSHIPS, and it's up to YOU when and if you're ready. You shouldn't be pressured or treated like you're underdeveloped or unreasonable if this just isn't your thing. Others should support you in your decisions. Peridot can have relationships with others without them having to be Fusions. THAT'S COOL TOO.The next few pages say how Fusion is not always easy, or right, or good, or forever. First Jasper and Lapis are pictured. Their Fusion, Malachite, is not pictured. This text acknowledges that some relationships aren't right or aren't good, and if you look at the Jasper/Lapis relationship in the show, there's almost nothing about it that's good. Manipulation, fear, desperation, abuse of power, dubious consent even at the beginning, and extended violation of bodily autonomy DEFINED their relationship. It's good the book doesn't show them together. Their relationship is a nightmare. And even when it's not as extreme as these two, yes, relationships aren't always easy. This is really the most they can go into the world of potential heartbreak and abuse that relationships can bring and still keep this to a reasonably child-friendly book.The final bit about how fusion isn't necessarily forever features Pearl and Rose, and their section extends to the question "And yet, what will you learn if you fuse?" We're shown Rose and Pearl's fusion process, settling in a glowing silhouette of Rainbow Quartz. This is bittersweet because we know Rose is passed on and Rainbow Quartz can no longer exist (how she was, anyway). Sometimes our relationships do pass, whether it's because the person moved on or because the person is no longer alive. Those relationships may no longer exist, but they do leave us with what we learned.The next few pages describe the surprise we can experience in seeing the shapes we can create together, and the drawings depict Pearl, Amethyst, Ruby, and Sapphire combining into Alexandrite. These Gems do not have a romantic relationship together, of course, but they are nevertheless a "we," and those kinds of relationships are important too.Pages with simplified starry-sky art discuss being yourself but at the same time someone new, closing out the book to present that mystery to us, concluding that we make our home in each other. It's a lovely sentiment, and even though there are always going to be some connotations to "adult" (translation: sexual) relationships when adults discuss this cartoon show in relationship contexts, I think it's super important that readers acknowledge that these relationships between the characters are able to be depicted as important, intimate, life-changing, and special without being thought too complex or too "mature" for children. Adults could certainly learn a thing or two from thinking about the concepts presented in this book, and in this show.

Okay so this book appears to be written for very young readers. However the message it conveys is so beautiful and mature (but not overly mature) that it can be a book for all ages. VERY quick read, sweet, heart felt.... It wasn't what I was looking for for my 13 year old because the literature was so basic, but like I stated before the message it conveys is beautiful AND the ARTWORK in true Steven Universe form was also BEAUTIFUL as always ❤.

Context to my review: I'm 28 and own virtually every SU book and comic because I'm a superfan and am just thrilled by anything Rebecca Sugar has a hand in making and I'll support this show in any way.This book is essentially a short poem about fusion. Fans would most likely value this for the art itself which is beautiful. To give you a better idea, it is pretty much a 1-2 minute read while observing the art. If you have a child or young Steven Universe fan in your life, they would probably really enjoy this book and benefit from the way it illustrates a variety of reasons to fuse (i.e. relationship dynamics).

I bought this book for my girlfriend. We are both fans of Steven Universe, and she always jokes that she’s trying to fuse with me, when she holds me tight. She thought it was so cute, and so do I. The illustrations are beautiful, and we enjoy reading and looking at the book together. It feels very special.

This is a beautifully written and illustrated book set in the Steven Universe universe. The "fusion" concept is perfect for introducing consent and sexuality to young people.

The art is amazing, but I wish it had more words. I was looking for a more in-depth look at the SU fusions and this book didn't exactly deliver on that. But, regardless, I am glad I purchased it to add to my SU collection. It's fun to look through and (again) the art is different from the tv show and very well done.

Artwork is beautiful and the story is fun and cute; isn't a hyper-detailed chapter book going into complete depth of what exactly fusion is, as some people came to expect, but still worth buying for any Steven fan ^-^

I bought this for my 5 year old daughter who is learning to read. She's a crazy SU fan and this book was perfect for her. She reads it aloud and pronounces all the words correctly.The book itself is medium in size. Not too small.The paper stock is thick and heavy and high quality.The art is beautiful!It's definitely new because it's got fusions from up to season 5 in it.We really love reading it together.

Todo muy bien, ningún problema, todo como quería, muchas gracias

Amazing drawings, and brings such important messages

Short and sweet book! Explores the many perks of fusion and contains amazing illustrations!

Awesome pictures, not an amazing story but a good book for a toddler, but it has paper pages rather than card

Une jolie histoire qui accompagne l'univers de Steven Univers, qui nous enseigne la tolérance et l'ouverture aux autres . Sublime !!