Rick and Morty: The Anime Review: A Fresh Take on a Modern Hit

As a seasoned gamer and anime enthusiast with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that “Rick and Morty: The Anime” is a fascinating addition to both franchises. Having grown up on classics like Dragon Ball Z and Cowboy Bebop, I appreciate the unique perspective Takashi Sano brings to this series, reminiscent of his work on Tower of God.

As a diehard fan, I can’t help but reminisce about the time when Rick and Morty ventured into an anime realm back in 2020, gracing us with a collection of shorts that delved into various facets of their multiverse. Although these shorts initially only scratched the surface, there were two in particular that truly shone – both penned and directed by none other than Takashi Sano, the mastermind behind the first season of the Tower of God anime.

The collaboration between Adult Swim, Takashi Sano, Telecom Animation Film, and Sola Entertainment has led to the creation of an anime version of “Rick and Morty,” which stands apart from its earlier short series. While not directly linked to them, this spinoff retains the same daring spirit that made the original series distinctive among adult animated programs. The unique approach that initially captivated “Rick and Morty” fans is maintained in this anime adaptation, with the aim of making a strong impact in the anime world as it did in its original genre.

In “Rick and Morty: The Anime,” we find our beloved characters returning, but this time in an unexpected fashion. Although they seem to be the same as those from the original animated series (specifically from the C-137 universe), the story takes a fresh turn due to Sano’s unique perspective. This anime adaptation gives us a new take on familiar ideas and characters by presenting them through the lens of Japanese animation style.

In the first episode, time travel is a central theme, yet it’s not solely confined to that subject. Much like in the initial seasons of Rick and Morty, Morty experiences multiple lifetimes within a VR game created by Rick, but unlike the original show, it doesn’t concentrate on the comedic possibilities of these alternate versions of Rick and Morty (like the brief appearances of Blade-inspired characters). Instead, it delves into the emotional aspects of each of these Morty’s existences.

In some iterations of his life, unique characters are introduced that weren’t present earlier, and they interweave without a clear chronology or structure, giving the impression of an intricate self-enfolding pattern. The viewer is immersed in these episodes as they unfold, without being interrupted by jokes or dialogue that break the flow. Similarly, the overall style of Rick and Morty: The Anime eschews conventional humor for a more profound exploration of its science-fiction themes. Instead of relying on in-jokes or visual gags, this anime uses its concepts to delve into various ideas, making the narrative more about the exploration of these ideas rather than finding comedic moments within them.

Many fans may find it takes some getting used to the new style of Rick and Morty, particularly since the anime seems to lack some of the raw humor found in the original series. However, it’s important to note that it’s not entirely devoid of comedy – there are still clever dialogue-based jokes reminiscent of the main series. What sets this apart is that the jokes don’t seem to disrupt the storyline for comedic purposes alone. Instead, Rick and Morty: The Anime appears to be more focused on telling a cohesive narrative without any unnecessary detours. Additionally, fans may need to adjust to its visual style as well.

The anime adaptation of “Rick and Morty” offers a visually stunning series, with its unique designs being rendered exceptionally well within the new anime format. Remarkably, these designs seem tailor-made for an anime presentation, enhancing the viewing experience. This fresh take on the characters from the original show and the introduction of new characters exclusive to this series seamlessly blend with what we’ve already seen in the main “Rick and Morty” franchise. Ultimately, it boils down to the kind of “Rick and Morty” adventure that individual viewers seek.

In essence, “Rick and Morty: The Anime” truly embodies the spirit of “Rick and Morty“. It delves deeper into their characters, offering fresh perspectives while maintaining a distinct art style and environment different from the original. However, for fans who enjoy Rick’s casual wit and extreme antics, this series may not satisfy that particular craving. Instead, it presents an alternative experience that expands the potential of “Rick and Morty” for those open to exploring new dimensions of the show.

Rating: 3.5

Rick and Morty: The Anime premieres on Adult Swim on August 15th at midnight.

2024-08-13 05:40

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