If you’ve seen Rick and Morty, you know there’s nothing off limits because of the ock laughs. Whether it’s the idea of multinational travel, dragons, or the literal storytelling device itself, Rick and Morty are teasing it all. So why are major comic book crossovers different? Rick and Morty vs. Universe #1 kicks off when Rick is approached by his old friend Prime, the living embodiment of the universe. Prime is married and wants to celebrate. Rick is his usual devauched self and willingly obliges him…but things don’t go well and forces Rick and Morty to take dramatic measures.
“Party with the Literal Space” is a kind of story that hopes to launch a Rick and Morty crossover event, but what really sings is written by Daniel Kibblemis. Kibblesmith has the perfect gift for comedy timing, not to mention the voices of both Rick and Morty. When Morty asks Rick a question, Rick answers easily. And when Jerry asks about Prime and his girlfriend, Rick snaps, “Please save it for a one-shot,” leading Natsu to ask if she’ll get a one-shot of her own. (Slight spoilers: next month will come.)
But Kibblesmith also knows how to balance comedy and drama. A great example of this is Morty, who suffers from an existential crisis to accidentally destroy his major universe in season 1 of Rick and Morty. It’s heavy, and the next page shows the impact it has on Morty, despite Rick continuing to draw him towards different missions. It raises the question: what is true if you do not live in your current universe? Is your actions really important? It’s a compelling series of thoughts that go through Rick and Morty vs. Universe #1.
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If Kibblesmith’s script maintains the same spirit as Rick and Morty, the art team of Jarrett Williams and Alessandro Santoro will maintain the visuals fans expect. Williams fully recreates the style of Rick and Morty, and Rick and Morty vs. Universe feel like a lost episode of the show. Williams’ best moments are on the opening page, featuring Morty having to deal with a variety of shenanigans. This gives him the opportunity to play with a wide range of scenarios and a wide range of visuals. You can see Gingerbread Morty, numerous Morty, and Morty, who has become a full lizard man. What’s fascinating is how Prime draws. He feels like a living work of the universe, and at the same time is infinite and finite.
As this sequence progresses, the character cranks! I begin filling the page with balloons of Rick’s words. All of these balloons begin to fill up the pages and cover Morty’s face until the final panel is completely white and is sharply asserted by one of Rick’s signature belch. I can’t find a better visual metaphor for Rick to literally take over Morty’s life.
Rick and Morty vs. The Universe #1 is different from other crossover events, but that’s part of its appeal. It’s rude and crude, but surprisingly thoughtful and feels like a perfect addition to the world of Rick and Morty.
‘Rick and Morty vs. The Universe’ #1 is a crossover.
Rick and Morty vs. Universe #1
Rick and Morty vs The Universe #1 is different from other crossover events, but that’s part of its appeal. It’s rude and crude, but surprisingly thoughtful and feels like a perfect addition to the world of Rick and Morty.
Kibblesmith knows how to balance things heavy and humorous.
Williams’ artwork makes this story feel like an episode of Rick and Morty lost.
The effects of Rick and Morty apply to crossover comics for hilarious results.
Newcomers and fans can jump on this story and never get lost.
