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Fusion for Beginners and Experts

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A new book about love and friendship by New York Times bestselling author and creator of Steven Universe, Rebecca Sugar.

When Gems fuse, their forms combine to create a Gem that is bigger, stronger, and more powerful than they are apart. But more importantly, Fusion is a process built on love, trust, and communication. It's like a dance that is perfectly in sync, or a conversation filled with perfect understanding. Learn all about Fusion with Steven, Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl, and the rest of the Gems on Earth as they share what Fusion--and love--mean to them.

64 pages, Hardcover

First published December 27, 2017

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357 people want to read

About the author

Rebecca Sugar

42 books314 followers
Rebecca Rea Sugar is an American animator, composer and director. She is best known for creating the Cartoon Network series Steven Universe, which has made her the first woman to independently create a series for the network

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Nathaniel Dykstra.
86 reviews
May 14, 2021
Summary-
Fusions can range from very different things. Fusions come from and make many different things. But in the end, they come from choice.

Review-
Holy smokes. This blew me out of the water! It really tells a story of finding oneself and how healthy relationships work. It's a children's book with a deeper meaning. The artwork is fantastic! The story just as much. I am keeping this for a long time. I recommend it to any and everyone!!!
Profile Image for Rod Brown.
7,102 reviews266 followers
August 1, 2021
I recently discovered the Steven Universe TV show and have fallen in love with it. (I still need to see the movie and the Future spin-off.) I enjoyed this nice little book exploring the metaphor that is gem fusion.

Anyone who has not seen the show will be lost and exposed to some pretty big spoilers.
Profile Image for Valerie.
131 reviews46 followers
October 6, 2018
Simple, beautiful, thoughtful, positive.
Profile Image for Adele.
1,094 reviews29 followers
July 24, 2020
I enjoyed reading this. I think fans of Steven Universe will like it and no one else will even consider picking it up, which is fine.
Profile Image for Lisa.
Author 29 books57 followers
August 6, 2019
Just as beautiful in sentiment and imagery as one would expect from the creator of Steven Universe. Mostly soft pastels and ombré text, very easy to read, which gives the reader space to reflect on artistic choices and the profound concept.
Profile Image for Swankivy.
1,192 reviews148 followers
December 31, 2017
Fusion for Beginners and Experts 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 none of the pages after the Sardonyx page show Garnet fusing with anyone; except for that one profile with Pearl, Fusions with Garnet in them always show Ruby and Sapphire separately, 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.
Profile Image for Sarah Sammis.
7,838 reviews245 followers
July 30, 2019
A book about consent.

The message is that all these things are good if you want them and the other person/people want them. If you don't, or they don't, then not doing it, saying no, is the right thing. It's done in a way that's completely in character for all the characters. It's not preachy but it gets some very important messages across.

http://pussreboots.com/blog/2019/comm...
Profile Image for Julie Decker.
Author 7 books147 followers
December 27, 2017
On the cartoon show Steven Universe, one of the most intriguing and nuanced aspects of this science fiction universe is the characters' ability to fuse--that is, to blend themselves together and become a new person. They have many reasons they might want to fuse: to become stronger and win a fight, to use special skills they only have together, to find out what it's like to change perspective, even to live together indefinitely as lovers. These Fusion characters are living relationships, and this book is about them--about reasons to fuse, rules that dictate when you should and when you shouldn't, and what it can do for you and your partner(s).

The book is simplistic, with deliberately simplified lineless art and stylized imagery, but the carefully worded statements about various characters' relationships make it possible to take worlds of perspective from them to apply in a more mundane context. It's especially interesting, of course, if you are a fan of the show and know the characters' pasts, and can therefore read more into the hesitant mentions of abusive relationships and what is meant when they discuss the relationships that aren't forever. But there are also some simply stated, straightforward discussions of the need for consent and the importance of holding respect for someone who doesn't want to fuse at all. (Personally very happy with the inclusion of that one, for obvious reasons!)

It's a precious book, and though I think it's not independent enough from the TV show to stand on its own as a book for someone who isn't familiar with the characters already, children and adults can learn some positive messages from this.
Profile Image for Kevidently.
279 reviews27 followers
January 17, 2020
If you're a fan of the TV show Steven Universe, you know that one of the primary factors defining the show in its use of fusion: two beings (at least one gem) fusing together to create something new. Midway through the first season, we learned Garnet was a fusion of Ruby and Sapphire, borne out of love. Fusion became a weapon against Jasper, when - in her guilt - Lapis decided to drag her to the bottom of the ocean. Steven and Connie become Stevonnie, a way of being closer than friends and still not quite lovers.

It's a fascinating process that has all sorts of connotations. Fusion for Beginners and Experts, a young-ages book, defines the indefinable in ways that even young children can understand. Fusion can be seen as a love allegory, or a sex allegory, or just a closeness allegory. The book discusses all of those avenues, explaining that sometimes people use fusion to be bigger, or better, or stronger. In true Steven Universe fashion, though, it also explains that sometimes people don't want to fuse, and that's okay (there's a picture of a very relieved Peridot in boxer shorts accompanying this bit, making the subtext of her asexuality pretty text ... which is kind of mindblowing for a young readers book).

Look: I know this is a kids' book. It didn't take me long to read and I've already written more words ABOUT it than are IN it. Someone at work loaned it to me and I ended up loving what it had to say about the complexities of fusion in the simplest possible way. There's no one right way (or reason) to fuse; this book wants you to make up your own mind about what it means to you.
956 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2018
I read this because I received a complaint about it from a patron who wanted me to know that this was just about sex and inappropriate for children. If you go in with that mindset, there isn't anything that is going to dissuade you from thinking that, but it is written broadly enough to be about dating relationships as a whole or even intense friendships. I won't be getting rid of it or moving it to another part of the library, despite this patron's issues with it.

For myself, the book was fine but not special the way I've seen some other people describing it. I've never seen the show Stephen Universe so I lacked the context to connect with the book beyond its slightly heavy-handed allegory--even if the message is a good one.
Profile Image for Amber.
670 reviews4 followers
February 3, 2018
Um....this tried. The high praise it seems to be getting is not warranted. For someone who has never seen Steven Universe, this is a hard book to latch onto. Kid's would be completely confused by this. Confused in the sense that they wouldn't understand what this is dealing with. These are large and important topics between adults and older teens. Yes, it is important to teach kids about consent very early on, but this is not the way to do it. This needed an overarching metaphor with something they can understand, not just a simple replacement for the word "sex" with the word "fusion".
Profile Image for Anna.
Author 2 books9 followers
January 2, 2019
If you have kids who love Steven Universe, they'll already know what fusion is. This book builds on the "fusion as metaphor for relationships" work that the show's already done, giving simple and thoughtful reflections in the importance of consent, boundaries, and common ground.

I am not a kid, and I don't have one, so I finished this (beautifully illustrated) book in under three minutes. That could have been disappointing, but far from it - I was tearful by the end. We can all stand to remind ourselves of the basics, after all.
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,139 reviews38 followers
May 19, 2019
This book isn't so much about the story as the concept of "fusion" as a metaphor for relationships, both healthy and unhealthy. It beautifully sums up the same concept explored on the TV show, and the artwork alone makes this worth buying. It's really more of a collector's item than a storybook, in my opinion, but I'm glad I got my hands on a copy anyway.
Profile Image for Emily✨.
1,905 reviews46 followers
June 19, 2020
This guide to fusion (a concept from the Steven Universe cartoon) is actually a metaphor about healthy relationships. It prioritizes choice, consent, and respect in a simple and digestible manner. The artwork is beautiful as well. A fantastic companion to the TV show, which also excellently explores this topic!
Profile Image for Devon Ashby.
80 reviews11 followers
February 2, 2018
I was prepared in advance to give this book a glowing review, but as high as my expectations were, I was still blown away.

Steven Universe is amazing, thematically and creatively, and everything Rebecca Sugar does is better than the last thing.
Profile Image for Yuiko.
1,700 reviews22 followers
February 19, 2018
It was a good book loved it! Plus I love Steven universe so that could be why.it teaches why u should or should not fuse.but the same rules can reply to relationships. Good vaules and great art along with a good message check it out.
Profile Image for Kitten Foxx.
36 reviews7 followers
January 23, 2019
A fairly short but cute book. I wouldn't buy it unless you're looking to collect it, support the authour or rip out its pages to hang on your wall. It's only 64 pages, but it was a cute read. I love the art of Steven Universe and this is one I was excited to read.
Profile Image for Jim.
1,789 reviews66 followers
February 2, 2019
OMG! My fiancé got this for me after we got engaged. And it is so perfect.

I love how Rebecca Sugar relates fusing to love - and this is a beautiful book demonstrating how fusion - love - is.

Thank you my Althea!
Profile Image for Hazel.
Author 1 book10 followers
February 16, 2019
A beautiful book, starring some of our favorite crystal gems. Garnet teaches us all about fusion, and about relationships good and bad.

Ahh Malachite is in this! I understand why, because bad relationships should be covered too but ahhh.
Profile Image for Jordan Carter.
1 review1 follower
December 28, 2017
Nice, easy read.

Wonderful art work in a 35 page book. Great for all Steven Universe fans of all ages. Nice and easy read.
Profile Image for Rhica.
433 reviews4 followers
January 10, 2018
A FANTABULOUS book about consent and figuring out what you need, what makes up boundaries and the ways we can communicate with each other openly and honestly. I love Peridot's pages!
Profile Image for Jorge Rosas.
525 reviews31 followers
January 10, 2018
Such a lovely book, written by Garnet and Steven, with an easy and cute explanation about love and fusion.
Profile Image for Rachael.
167 reviews3 followers
January 17, 2018
This book is simple, adorable, and perfectly describes fusion <3 A must need for every Steven Universe fan!
Profile Image for Michael Hopcroft.
10 reviews
January 19, 2018
Small but Insightful

This is definitely a book for those most familiar with the Crystal Gems and their world. But I liked it a lot for the art and the insight.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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