Overview
- Emerging from a series of popular animated shorts, the anime adaptation of Rick and Morty was directed by Takashi Sano.
- Critics have noted a lack of originality in character portrayals and have expressed dissatisfaction with the art style.
- The animated shorts have been praised for better capturing the spirit of the original series, contrasting sharply with the anime’s humor and writing.
Created by Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland, Rick and Morty has established itself as a monumental success in the television landscape of the 2010s, cultivating a dedicated fan base. Following the conclusion of its seventh season in 2022, an anime adaptation was announced, developed by studios including Telecom Animation Film and Sola Entertainment. Debuting in August 2024, the anime’s reception was mixed, drawing criticism for its lackluster art style and convoluted plotlines.
The concept of an “anime variation“of Rick and Morty raises questions, as the original series is already delivered in an animated format. Was this anime adaptation truly necessary?
Watch here
Production Overview
From Shorts to Series
The anime adaptation was brought to life by a talented team at Telecom Animation Film, led by director and writer Takashi Sano. The musical score was crafted by Tetsuya Takahashi, with art direction under the guidance of Akiha Matsuzawa. Voicing the beloved characters were familiar faces from the Japanese dub of the original series. Key cast members include Keisuke Chiba as Morty Smith and Yōhei Tadano as Rick Sanchez, with a consistent English cast as well.
|
Rick and Morty the Anime Shorts |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Title |
Writer/Director |
Release Date |
|
Samurai & Shogun |
Kaichi Sato |
March 2020 |
|
Rick and Morty vs Genocider |
Takashi Sano |
July 2020 |
|
Summer Meets God (Rick Meets Evil) |
Takashi Sano |
August 2021 |
|
The Great Yokai Battle of Akihabara |
Naohiro Fukushima and Masaru Matsumoto |
October 2021 |
|
Samurai & Shogun Part 2 |
Kaichi Sato |
November 2021 |
The inception of Rick and Morty the Anime originated from the overwhelming acclaim of several animated shorts directed by Takashi Sano. These shorts debuted on Adult Swim’s YouTube channel, garnering millions of views and showcasing the creative potential of a Rick and Morty anime. Takashi Sano aimed to distill the show’s core essence while infusing it with a unique Japanese flair. Unfortunately, the transition from short animations to a full-length anime series did not deliver the expected excitement, leaving many fans longing for the charm of the original shorts.
Rick and Morty: The Anime
A Missed Chance
Rick and Morty the Anime explores the Smith family dynamics and features “Space Morty”alongside the newly introduced character Elle, a time warrior. This adaptation presents parallel storylines situated between seasons 5 and 6, during a period of halted portal travel. While Sano’s direction remains consistent with the original vision, the anime often fails to capture the comedic and emotional complexity of the original series, especially in episodes like The Great Yokai Battle of Akihabara.
Watch here
Unfortunately, the character portrayals in the anime lack authenticity. For instance, Elle’s character seems to draw inspiration from the original show but diverges significantly in essence. Additionally, Summer’s transformation into a monochrome representation diminishes her dynamic personality, reducing her to a mere stereotype prevalent in many sci-fi narratives. The anime’s failure to maintain the distinct identities of the original characters, particularly when previous shorts successfully showcased their uniqueness, is deeply disappointing.
Identifying the Issues
Disconnection From Its Roots
This adaptation does not simply suffer from being different; it struggles under the weight of high expectations set by its animated predecessors. The shorts not only resonated more closely with the original branding but also presented superior storytelling and visuals. In contrast, the anime’s lackluster art design, featuring a washed-out color palette and subpar animation techniques, diminishes its potential appeal. Additionally, the convoluted plotlines lack the humor and wit of the original series, which are critical elements for engaging the audience.
The shorts exhibited remarkable artistry by cleverly weaving in myriad references from pop culture, resulting in a seamless blend that fans cherished. The constraints of a traditional anime format challenge the adaptation, as it fails to leverage the excitement and intricate storytelling present in Rick and Morty. The anime struggles with character depth and fails to deliver a narrative that captivates both fans of the original series and newcomers alike.
Rick and Morty the Anime can be streamed on Adult Swim.
Leave a Reply ▼