Rick & Morty The Anime Review | Incoherent Explosion of Color & Clichs

Rick & Morty The Anime Review | Incoherent Explosion of Color & Clichs

Summary

  • Rick & Morty: The Anime
    appeals only to diehard fans and relies way too much on storylines and imagery from the original show.
  • The series has little to no humor and is overdramatic, but there’s no actual drama because nothing makes sense.
  • Too fast-paced but oddly unexciting,
    Rick & Morty: The Anime
    fails to capture anything that is good about the original series. The theme song is great though.

As a long-time fan of Rick and Morty, I must admit that I was initially intrigued by the idea of an anime adaptation. However, after watching Rick & Morty: The Anime, I can’t help but feel disappointed and underwhelmed.


“Watching Rick & Morty can serve as a revealing mirror for people’s personalities and viewpoints. A die-hard fan who went to McDonald’s to try the Szechuan sauce might be perceived as having a caustic online presence and holding misogynistic views. On the other hand, someone who sees Rick as a villain may be thought of as having a keen sense of humor and strong moral compass. If someone dislikes the show altogether, they might be seen as a feminist or socially conscious individual.”

The Anime” might seem like a natural progression for the show. This spin-off initially started with some Japan-focused shorts in March 2020, and it has now grown into a 10-episode series that debuts on Adult Swim at midnight on August 15, with a Japanese subtitled version following on August 17. Given the overlap of fans between anime and “Rick & Morty,” there’s high anticipation for this release. However, I must admit, it’s been met with confusion and disappointment, unfortunately.

Rick & Morty Abandons Humor and Coherence in This Anime Mess

To fully appreciate “Rick & Morty: The Anime”, it’s essential that you have watched the first six seasons of Rick and Morty. Key elements like Space Beth’s origins, Tammy’s development and her deception of Birdperson, Rick’s relationship with the Galactic Federation, among other storylines and characters, form a significant part of the narrative in the anime, from its very start.

In my opinion, the series kicks off at full speed, diving straight into characters and narratives without any prior setup or introduction. I find myself, as Rick, chased by the Galactic Federation and miraculously rescued by Summer, while Morty is engrossed in a homemade VR gadget created by none other than himself. Frankly, it’s a bit puzzling to follow Morty’s plotline; it seems he’s navigating a multiverse where he forms relationships with older men, harbors romantic feelings for his contemporary, or transforms into a political figure reminiscent of Citizen Kane. Unfortunately, these events don’t seem to intertwine in any way, making the narrative quite perplexing, and there’s scarcely any humor to be found.

As a longtime fan of Rick & Morty, I must admit that I was initially excited about the idea of an anime adaptation. However, after watching several episodes of “Rick & Morty: The Anime,” I found myself greatly disappointed.

Fast, Ugly, and Out of Control

In art, they often advise ‘show, don’t tell’, meaning to convey ideas through visual representation rather than dialogue. While Rick & Morty: The Anime doesn’t use much conversation (mainly stereotypical phrases meant to be dramatic or cool), what it does present visually is disorganized and unclear, offering little insight. Although it can be vibrant at times, it appears low-budget, and its reliance on familiarity with the original series restricts creative freedom in animation. It seems more like anime than Rick & Morty, yet it’s also too similar to feel authentic. Essentially, it combines the worst aspects of both genres.

In brief episodes, the animation lacks the opportunity to present the intricacies and nuances that make a scene engaging. This hastiness affects the rhythm as well, creating a sensation of speed without any excitement. By the end, it’s unclear why events occurred or what significance they held. Although anime can occasionally be peculiar, this doesn’t seem to be the issue here; instead, it’s confounding. In contrast to Rick & Morty, which turns disorder into delightful chaos, Rick & Morty: The Anime leans into chaos but fails to offer any enjoyment whatsoever.

The English Dub Premieres Aug. 15. The Japanese Version Premieres Aug. 17.

Rick & Morty The Anime Review | Incoherent Explosion of Color & ClichsRick & Morty The Anime Review | Incoherent Explosion of Color & ClichsRick & Morty The Anime Review | Incoherent Explosion of Color & ClichsRick & Morty The Anime Review | Incoherent Explosion of Color & ClichsRick & Morty The Anime Review | Incoherent Explosion of Color & ClichsRick & Morty The Anime Review | Incoherent Explosion of Color & ClichsRick & Morty The Anime Review | Incoherent Explosion of Color & ClichsRick & Morty The Anime Review | Incoherent Explosion of Color & Clichs

While some dedicated fans might consider “Rick & Morty: The Anime” as an eccentric fan creation, it could be a confusing mess for beginners. For those who are already fans, it’s a letdown. However, the opening theme song is quite enjoyable. If you decide to watch the series, the Japanese subtitled version might feel less awkward.

As a long-time fan of the quirky and hilarious animated series “Rick and Morty,” I am beyond excited to share my enthusiasm for its upcoming anime spin-off. Having grown up watching anime myself, I can appreciate the unique blend of humor and action that this show promises to deliver. The fact that it’s being premiered on Adult Swim, a network known for its edgy and offbeat programming, just adds to my anticipation.

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2024-08-13 01:01