Rick and Morty Set to Explore Season 3 Villain’s Dark Backstory

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Rick and Morty: Maximum Coda! The Rick and Morty universe is rife with unforgettable villains, each bringing their unique flair across diverse episodes. As Rick Sanchez and Morty Smith traverse the multiverse, they often leave a trail of offended individuals—be they humans, aliens, or demons. Recently, one particular villain’s backstory has been intricately detailed, unveiling a chilling connection to Rick that enriches the narrative.

In the latest comic, Rick and Morty: Maximum Coda, authored by Brockton McKinney and illustrated by Jarrett Williams, readers are taken on a suspenseful journey. Rick and Morty find themselves duped into attending a concert orchestrated by the villain Concerto, a character familiar to die-hard fans of the series from season three. This underwater event is, in fact, a cleverly devised scheme by Concerto to eliminate them via a perilous musical performance. Despite Rick’s suspicion of Concerto’s intentions, they attend the ominous ‘death concert, ’ leading to the shocking revelation of Concerto’s true identity and his deep-seated vendetta against Rick.

Concerto character from Rick and Morty comic

Rick and Morty comic scene with Concerto

Through the unfolding plot, Rick and Morty grapple with the mystery of why Concerto is targeting them. As Concerto spins a yarn about a past acquaintance, Morty becomes increasingly intrigued by the villain’s backstory. Ultimately, Concerto reveals his harrowing history: he was once a human music instructor, unjustly condemned to hell by one of his students—Rick Sanchez.

Rick Sanchez: The Catalyst of Concerto’s Torment

Rick’s Childhood Cruelty Nearly Led to Disaster

Concerto at piano, conveying his demonic persona

When young, Rick chose to delve into the forbidden realms of black magic rather than pursue classical music education. In a shocking act of cruelty, he utilized his dark powers to cast Concerto—his music teacher—into hell, solely because he wished to avoid piano lessons. This incident not only showcases Rick’s long-standing apathetic nature but also highlights an alarming level of cruelty that started in his formative years.

This particular act of significant malice had dire consequences, almost costing both Rick and Morty their lives. During their first encounter with Concerto in season three’s “Pickle Rick, ”he attempted to crush them using a monstrous piano deathtrap. It was only through the intervention of Jaguar that they escaped. The revelation that this peril was a consequence of Rick’s childhood actions adds a haunting layer to Concerto’s story, illustrating how Rick’s past decisions have come back to haunt him.

Concerto’s Tale: A Shift in Fan Allegiance?

Rick Sanchez: A Character in Need of Redemption

Rick about to face Consequences from Concerto's revenge plan

Despite Concerto’s failure to eliminate Rick and Morty—an outcome that would certainly threaten the series’ continuation—his backstory paints him in a sympathetic light, leading fans to reluctantly root for his vengeance. Originally a regular music teacher, Concerto was unjustly transformed into a demon and condemned to a cycle of torment solely due to Rick’s whims. This disparity evokes a sense of justice; many feel that Rick must be held accountable for his unforgiving actions.

Though Concerto’s quest for revenge remained unrealized—ultimately resulting in his demise at the hands of Jaguar—he has secured his legacy as one of the most memorable villains in the *Rick and Morty* saga. Concerto not only came close to claiming the lives of Rick and Morty but also featured prominently in that season’s opening credits. With the unveiling of his tragic past intertwined with Rick’s character, Concerto now stands as a complex and compelling antagonist in the series.

The **Rick and Morty: Maximum Coda** comic is currently available, providing fans with deeper insights into this fascinating universe.

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