When Steven Universe aired back in the 2010s, it did more than just charm a generation—it redefined what animated storytelling could be. Now, with a new spin-off series titled Lars of the Stars officially in development at Prime Video, attention has once again turned to one of the show’s most surprising characters: Lars Barriga.
While the spin-off isn’t here yet, the original “Lars of the Stars” episodes from Steven Universe still resonate. Packed with visual flair and emotional complexity, this mini-arc remains one of the show’s most unexpected turns—and it offers a glimpse of what’s possible when side characters are allowed to evolve.
Lars Wasn’t Meant to Lead—And That’s Exactly Why He Did
Lars started out as a classic teenage misfit—cynical, insecure, and stuck behind a donut counter. But Steven Universe never operated on surface-level labels. Over time, Lars’ transformation—from reluctant friend to literal resurrected rebel—became one of the show’s most layered arcs.
In the early episodes, we see Lars escaping in a jacked spaceship, with a ragtag crew of misfit Gems who call themselves the Off Colors. The aesthetic is one of a screaming retro anime homage dramatic cape, spacefaring jargon, a recurring nemesis named Emerald, with a splash of algorithmic empiricism. But this cartoon vorpal engine is anything but cartoonish emotionally. Lars isn’t heroic because he’s powerful. He’s heroic because he’s scared and still steps up anyway.
A Space Opera Wrapped in Feelings
On the surface, it’s a parody. But dig deeper, and Lars of the Stars is about acceptance, identity, and second chances. One of the arc’s most touching moments is Steven’s brief reunion with Lars aboard the starship. There’s no grand declaration—just a lingering conversation filled with mutual growth and unspoken history.
This is Steven Universe at its best: balancing intergalactic absurdity with very human emotions. Even in space, the show stays grounded in empathy.
The Glow-Up That Mattered
Visually, the episodes feel like an ’80s vaporwave dream—lavender space clouds, neon laser beams, and starships that move like synth beats. The design is bold, but never distracting. It doesn’t shout; it hums.
Sound-wise, everything is dialed in. The orchestration isn’t just there to fill silence—it moves with the story. And yet, the most poignant moments arrive in quiet: a hesitation, a glance, the soft weight of regret. This isn’t just good animation. It’s considered meaningful design.
Why This Spin-Off Announcement Matters
Prime Video’s upcoming Lars of the Stars series isn’t just a content drop. It’s a signal. A signal that animation isn’t limited to the protagonist’s journey. That even a one-sided character, flawed, pink-skinned, and insecure, can carry a show. And carry it well.
It’s also a reminder of how far animation has come. From background gags to emotional universes. From filler episodes to full-fledged arcs that explore trauma, growth, and redemption.
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A Moment Worth Rewatching, a Series Worth Anticipating
If you’ve never seen Lars’ original arc, now’s the time. Not because it ties into a bigger cinematic universe or sets up a cliffhanger. But it’s about something smaller and more important. The quiet, clumsy process of becoming someone better. And if the upcoming spin-off retains even half the heart of these episodes, we’re in for something rare.
In Closing
Lars of the Stars was never meant to be the centerpiece of Steven Universe. But in many ways, that’s what made it special. And now, with Prime betting on Lars to lead a new journey, it’s not about fan service or nostalgia.
It’s about telling stories that surprise us. Stories that start small and end up somewhere unexpected. Stories that remind us that even the most unlikely characters deserve their shot at the stars.
Writer – Subham Choudhary