Summary
Rick and Morty: The Animereceived mixed reviews from fans following its debut. The anime introduces a new visual style and an interesting premise in the first episode, “Girl Who Manipulates Time,” by exploring the theme of time travel, an aspect that the originalRick and Mortymade a point not to use. Even so, the anime struggles to live up to its counterpart,lacking the aspects that kept fans hooked.
The originalRick and Mortythrives on its use ofdark humor and sharp social commentaryamid the show’s absurdity. The original characters are complex and have shown signs of growth and development, subtle as they may be. However, the anime so far seems to shy away from what made the original shine, and thatmakes the anime seem flat in comparisonto Adult Swim’sRick and Morty.
Adult Swim EP Addresses Rick And Morty: The Anime Season 2 Possibility: “We’d be really happy to do more”
Rick and Morty is a surprising concept to turn into an anime, but the enthusiastic creative spirit behind it has plenty of potential.
Rick and Morty: The Anime Lacks Dark Humor and Satire
The Anime is Missing the Edge That Made the Original Series Stand Out
The TV show is known for its use ofdark humor that is often intertwined with serious topicssuch as nihilism, social norms, and trauma. A perfect example of this is shown in “Pickle Rick,” where Rick goes as far as turning himself into a pickle just to avoid joining his family in therapy. When he finally does join them at the end of the show, Rick is filled with cynicism,leading to sharp and witty dialogue between characters.
Meanwhile,the anime opts to use more straightforward jokesas it’s main premise, losing the balance that the Adult Swim cartoon created that allowed fans to have a laugh while also being challenged to think. The new showinstead uses exaggerated expressions and bizarre momentsin place of dark humor, such as the multiple realities Morty gets faced with in the first episode. While this may appeal to a different audience, it takes away the clever satire that made the original series stand out.
This Version of Rick and Morty Has Simplified Dynamics
Character Relationships Lose Their Depth in the Anime Adaptation
Rick’s actions were unpredictable and occasionally done out of spite, making him a toxic character, but his behavior was oftenbalanced by Morty’s moral compass and insecurities. This created a dynamic between them that was both dysfunctional and yet compelling to viewers. It is best exemplified in “The Vat of Acid Episode,” whereRick takes advantage of Morty by playing to his weaknesses,leading Morty down an immoral pathand causing harm to many others. Yet, despite often taking advantage, Rick is continuously shown to have a deeper affection for Morty and his family than he is willing to show.
Meanwhile, Morty becomes reduced to a reactive character with his insecurities and moral dilemmas taking a backseat.
However, in the anime,these dynamics have been radically simplified. Rick’s character is portrayed as an eccentric genius archetype, lacking his sharp commentary and existential dread that made his character so intriguing. Meanwhile, Morty becomes reduced to a reactive character with his insecurities and moral dilemmas taking a backseat.
In “Girl Who Manipulates Time,” Morty remains uncharacteristically calm and shows no regard for the virtual world surrounding him.Rick and Morty: The Animeshows a vastly alternate side to the beloved characters audiences know, but the anime still has time to honor and adapt the original series’ unique tone.
Rick and Morty: The Anime
Cast
Rick and Morty: The Anime is a 2024 animated series that brings the beloved series into an anime format. The story follows the Smith family through their familiar dynamics, with Rick encountering a pseudo-world, Summer assisting Space Beth, and Morty experiencing love—all within an anime-inspired style.
Rick and Morty
Rick and Morty is an animated science fiction series that follows the eccentric scientist Rick Sanchez and his impressionable grandson Morty Smith as they embark on perilous adventures across space and alternate dimensions. The show explores the impact of these exploits on Morty’s tumultuous family life and personal challenges.
