Ever since the Steamboat Willie days, cartoons always had mass appeal aside from the younger audiences they were aimed at. After all, Bugs Bunny’s impression of Edgar G. Robinson likely went over most kids’ heads. The ’90s forever cemented the genre of animated series that were so good adults would tune into them, including Tiny Toon Adventures, Animaniacs, and Batman The Animated Series. Steven Universe landed with a bang in 2013, and it inspires passion out of all manner of animation fans. Tranquil Ashes‘ Rose Quartz cosplay is a fitting tribute to one of the series’ most beloved characters.
Playboy Magazine is back! Purchase your copy HERE
Why Tranquil Ashes loves Rose Quartz from Steven Universe
“I love the character’s sense of adventure and wanderlust. Two traits I embody wholeheartedly,” Tranquil Ashes told PLAYBOY. “Rose is a character that embodies the qualities of a hero but the flaws of a human even though she isn’t human.”
Tranquil Ashe’s stunning Battle-Ready Rose Quartz cosplay was a true labor of love. To make the costume and its accessories, it took a whopping 80 hours. Among the building materials are Worbla thermoplastics, EVA foam, and good old fashioned spray paint.
Her cosplay takes a lot of inspiration from the lessons Steven Universe tries to embody, which essentially boils down to reaching for your dreams, and to be your true authentic self. For Tranquil, cosplaying as Rose Quartz comes naturally, as she sees many of her own traits reflected in the character.
“Rose Quartz is a tall, full, non traditional beauty and she is still seen as stunning,” Tranquil says. “Being able to see a piece of yourself within a character, no matter the piece, is so very important.”
Photos by thesleepymuse and Insomniac’s Dream Productions.
Who is Rose Quartz?
The Cartoon Network series Steven Universe is a real hodgepodge of genres that pretty much hits on all fronts. It’s a charming family comedy, but it’s also an action-packed epic. It was created by Rebecca Sugar, an animator and musician who made their bones on Adventure Time.
Without giving away too many major spoilers, Rose Quartz is a gem alien who comes to earth and falls in love with an aspiring musician, Greg Universe. They conceive a child, a half human/half gem hybrid, the titular Steven Universe. In an act of complete sacrifice, Rose Quartz gives up her physical body so that her son can be born. He carries a pink gem where his belly button would be, and he carries most of her powers as well.
To see more of Tranquil Ashes’ cosplay, follow her on Instagram.
Read more of PLAYBOY’s cosplay coverage here.
