Rick and Morty vs. The Universe #1 - Review of the Comic Book

      Andrew Newton reviews Rick and Morty vs. The Universe #1...

      Authored by Daniel Kibblesmith and illustrated by Jarrett Williams, Rick and Morty vs. The Universe #1 marks the debut of a new limited series from Oni Press. This latest comic event plunges our beloved chaotic duo into cosmic insanity, skillfully merging sharp narrative with vibrant illustrations to capture the quintessential Rick and Morty essence that fans adore.

      The narrative kicks off with Morty experiencing yet another existential crisis, which has become akin to his routine of brushing his teeth. Everything feels pointless, Rick is searching for his screwdriver, and Morty is caught up in his typical cosmic apprehension. That is, until the literal incarnation of Universe C-137 (the famed Cronenberg universe) appears with a proclamation that sparks a truly absurd Rick and Morty escapade. C-137 is set to marry. To whom, you ask? Merely the personification of the Parmesan Dimension, who goes by the name “Par mee zee an,” of course.

      Writer Daniel Kibblesmith, also recognized for his work on Loki, quickly dives into the chaos. Rick is instantly excited about the prospect of hosting the ultimate bachelor party, which, predictably, spirals out of control right from the start. It's a classic Rick maneuver: disregard the repercussions, dial up the fun to 11, and bulldoze through the multiverse with alcohol, bravado, and in this issue, an abundance of innuendos.

      The brilliance of this initial issue lies in its ability to balance the absurd with existential themes. Kibblesmith delves into the emotional turmoil at Morty's core without making it overly grim. Morty is just a kid searching for meaning in a universe (or multiple universes) where he feels like a cosmic punchline, and when the universe essentially becomes a character, that punchline writes itself.

      Jarrett Williams’s artwork is vibrant, colorful, and brimming with energy. Each page radiates that signature Rick and Morty vibe—grotesque, loud, bizarre, and strangely beautiful in an unconventional manner. However, purists may find the comic style more exaggerated compared to the show's flatter animation. The visual representation of “Par mee zee an” particularly strikes a balance between the absurd and surprisingly grand.

      This marks the beginning of a full-fledged Rick and Morty comic event, complete with tie-ins and cosmic stakes. Yet, at its core, it maintains the essence of the best episodes, mixing interdimensional chaos with genuine (if at times uncomfortable) emotional themes.

      Oni Press's Rick and Morty vs. the Universe #1 delivers exactly what one would anticipate from such a title—bold, utterly insane, and just self-aware enough to resonate. The event is just beginning, and if this issue is any indication, we're in for something ridiculously entertaining and perhaps even a bit profound.

      Rating: 8/10

      Andrew Newton