Rick and Morty: The Anime Review – A New Dimension of Adult Swim’s Beloved Series

Rick and Morty: The Anime has finally premiered, offering fans of the original Adult Swim series a fresh and exciting new take on the beloved characters. Premiering on August 14th, this anime adaptation has been highly anticipated, especially after Adult Swim commissioned four additional anime shorts, which eventually led to the creation of a full-length 10-episode series. Directed by Takashi Sano, known for his work on Tower of God, the anime introduces a new side of the Rick and Morty universe, focusing more on action and drama rather than the comedy that the original series is known for.

The first two episodes of Rick and Morty: The Anime dive straight into the heart of the show’s premise, with both Rick and Morty hopping between different timelines. This time-shifting adventure sets the stage for a series that promises high stakes and emotional depth, a departure from the joke-heavy format of the original series. While some fans may miss the rapid-fire humor, the anime compensates with intense storytelling and character development. The show’s focus on high stakes and emotional elements provides a fresh perspective, making it an intriguing watch even for those who are not typically fans of anime.

One noticeable aspect of the anime is the animation quality, which, unfortunately, is a step down from the original series. The character designs have been tweaked to fit the anime style, but their movements often come across as jerky and less fluid. Despite this, the anime manages to remain engaging, thanks to its compelling narrative and the novelty of seeing Rick and Morty in a new medium. The English dub introduces new voice actors, which may take some getting used to for longtime fans, but the performances are strong and add a new layer to the characters’ emoting.

The anime’s pacing is slower compared to the original series, which might be a point of contention for some fans. The lack of humor and the deliberate pace may not appeal to everyone, particularly those who loved the fast-paced, joke-filled episodes of the original. However, this slower pace allows for deeper exploration of the series’ lore and characters, providing a more immersive experience. The anime’s ability to delve into different sides and themes of the franchise is one of its strengths, offering something new and refreshing after seven seasons and eleven years on air.

Rick and Morty: The Anime also stands out for its experimentation and novelty. It is an ambitious attempt to expand the franchise’s potential and appeal to a new audience. The series’ deep lore and heart are still present, even though humor takes a backseat. This shift in focus might make the anime more enjoyable for serious fans of the Rick and Morty franchise who appreciate the show’s underlying themes and complex characters. However, casual fans might find the slow pacing and lack of humor challenging to endure for ten full episodes.

Despite its flaws, the anime is never boring. The constantly changing visuals and the inter-dimensional hijinks keep viewers engaged. The theme song, Love is Entropy by Otonez, reflects the chaos and excitement of the series. Sano’s love for the original series is evident in the anime’s enthusiasm for exploring new dimensions and bringing back fan-favorite characters. Each episode includes a post-credits scene, adding an extra layer of fun and anticipation for the next installment.

For those wondering where to watch Rick and Morty: The Anime, the series is available on HBO Max, with new episodes released weekly starting on August 15th. The show will also air in English on Adult Swim and in Japanese with English subtitles on Adult Swim’s Toonami block. HBO Max offers various subscription plans, starting at $9.99 per month for the ad-supported plan and going up to $19.99 per month for 4K Ultra HD programming. Along with Rick and Morty: The Anime, viewers can access a plethora of other shows and hit movies on the streaming service.

Adult Swim is accessible through Hulu + Live TV, which starts at $76.99 per month for the entry-level plan. This service includes over 95 channels, including popular ones like ABC, Bravo, Disney Channel, and FX. Hulu + Live TV also offers access to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ at no additional cost. Viewers can try the service for free with a three-day trial, making it easy to catch up on Rick and Morty: The Anime without committing to a long-term subscription.

The first two episodes, titled The Girl Who Manipulates Time and Fighting Mother, set the tone for the series. In The Girl Who Manipulates Time, Rick finds himself on the run from the Galactic Federation, with Summer and Space Beth joining the action. Morty becomes obsessed with a Rick-created VR game that causes timelines to bleed together, leading to a series of chaotic and visually stunning events. Fighting Mother continues the high-stakes adventure, with the characters facing new challenges and deepening their relationships.

The voice cast for both the English and Japanese versions of the anime are equally appealing. Rick, voiced by Youhei Tadano in Japanese and Joe Daniels in English, retains his gruff and drunken persona, while Morty, voiced by Keisuke Chiba in Japanese and Gabriel Regojo in English, is more emotionally expressive, in line with anime tropes. Jerry and non-space Beth have less involvement in the initial episodes, but Jerry’s character is even dorkier in anime form, adding a touch of humor amidst the drama.

Rick and Morty: The Anime offers a refreshing take on the franchise, bringing new life to the characters and storylines. The series explores new dimensions, both literal and figurative, maintaining the familiar blend of dark humor, science fiction, and absurdity that fans love. The distinct anime twist adds a unique flavor to the series, making it a must-watch for both new and longtime fans. The show’s potential for success and longevity is yet to be seen, but its experimental nature and commitment to expanding the franchise are commendable.

In conclusion, Rick and Morty: The Anime is an ambitious and intriguing addition to the Rick and Morty universe. While it may not appeal to all fans due to its slower pacing and reduced humor, it offers a deep and engaging narrative that explores new facets of the beloved characters and their adventures. The anime’s novel approach and willingness to experiment make it a worthwhile watch, even if its sustainability remains uncertain. Fans of the original series and newcomers alike will find something to enjoy in this bold new take on Rick and Morty.