Rick and Morty Parodies Stephen King’s Cujo and Pet Sematary Perfectly

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Rick and Morty: Maximum Crescendo and Rick and Morty: Maximum Overture!

Exploring the Unique Blend of Comedy and Horror in Rick and Morty

Rick and Morty is not just celebrated for its humor; it also features a robust narrative structure filled with complex lore and inventive story arcs. This animated series distinguishes itself within the adult animation genre through its clever parodies. While Rick and Morty is particularly renowned for its playful takes on Marvel characters, it also cleverly tackles elements from classic literature, including works by the horror maestro Stephen King. The series recently delved back into King’s realm, offering engaging parodies of Cujo and Pet Sematary.

The Plot Thickens: A Musical Confrontation

In the latest comics, Rick and Morty: Maximum Crescendo and Rick and Morty: Maximum Overture, penned by Brockton McKinney and Jarrett Williams, Rick and Morty face off against a returning foe from Season 3: Concerto. This plot twist reveals that Concerto previously served as Rick’s piano instructor. However, rather than mastering the art of music, Rick chose the dark path of black magic, ultimately banishing Concerto to a hellish realm. This backstory elucidates Concerto’s transformation into the music demon introduced in the fan-favorite episode “Pickle Rick”.

Chickenskin Dogskull: A Gruesome Adversary

In this eerie landscape, Concerto conjures an undead hound dubbed Chickenskin Dogskull. This dog’s name stems from a gruesome backstory involving an attack from a horde of rabies-infected chickens. The unfortunate dog managed to defeat the birds but was driven insane in the process, even turning against its own owner. The ultimate showdown unfolds at the ominously named ‘FEK Sematary’, where long-forgotten characters, or ‘kharacters’, rise from the grave to join forces with Chickenskin Dogskull against Rick and Morty.

Sly References to King’s Works

The clever nods to Stephen King in this storyline are unmistakable. Although Chickenskin Dogskull’s name isn’t an obvious homage, its characteristics closely echo those of Cujo, from its rabid infection to its relentless aggression. The term ‘FEK Sematary’ serves as a direct pastiche of King’s Pet Sematary, cleverly retaining the eerie theme of reviving the dead, alongside a cheeky spelling variation that alludes to the source material.

This Isn’t the First Time Rick and Morty Has Parodied Stephen King

Recurring Themes and Easter Eggs in Adult Swim’s Show

This recent homage is far from the first instance of Rick and Morty honoring Stephen King. For instance, in Season 1’s “Lawnmower Dog”, the duo infiltrates Morty’s math teacher’s home, where a poster on the wall harkens back to the iconic decor from King’s The Shining.

Further paying homage, Season 2’s “A Rickle In Time”features Time Cops that parallel the cosmic horror portrayed in King’s The Langoliers, drawing a striking visual and thematic resemblance to the malevolent entities that devour the past.

Moreover, in Season 3, “Tales From the Citadel” explicitly mirrors the story arc of King’s The Body (known as Stand By Me), with four Morty characters embodying the essence of King’s childhood adventurers. Additionally, the episode titled “Rickshank Redemption”directly invokes King’s Shawshank Redemption through its narrative of high-stakes escape.

Not Just King: Celebrating Other Horror Legends

Lovecraftian Inspirations in the Multiverse

Rick and Morty doesn’t reserve its parodying prowess solely for Stephen King; H. P.Lovecraft’s legacy has also found its way into the series. The comic miniseries Rick and Morty vs. Cthulhu, for example, sees our protagonists confronting the infamous Great Old One as well as a cadre of Lovecraft-inspired terrors. Additionally, Cthulhu makes a consistent appearance throughout the series, notably in the opening credits, showcasing the ingenious use of Lovecraftian themes.

In summary, while Stephen King has undeniably left a significant imprint on Rick and Morty, serving as a wellspring for parody and inspiration, the series continues to pay homage to iconic horror writers across the board, infusing humor and sharp commentary into the complex narratives we cherish. Now, with the addition of brilliant parodies of Cujo and Pet Sematary, the tradition lives on.

Rick and Morty: Maximum Crescendo and Rick and Morty: Maximum Overture from Oni Press are available now.

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