Rick and Morty have been entertaining fans with their outrageous antics since 2013, revitalizing the adult animation industry in the process. Created by Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland, this Science fiction dark comedic adventure animated sitcom has pushed the boundaries on familial representation and become one of the fastest-growing global franchises of contemporary television.
Even those who are incapable of getting shwifty with the bizarre and vulgar storyline can identify the iconic Rick and Morty characters, and their updated Anime appearances may create an even greater fan base. Discover all there is to know about the Rick and Morty Anime Series (so far) and what other Rick-inspired Anime gems that may have been overlooked.
9 This Is Not The First Rick And Morty Anime
Die-hard fans may not be aware, but the Rick and Morty Anime Series is not the first Japanese-inspired spin-off of the popular sci-fi show. It all started with the Samurai & Shogun anecdote by Kaichi Sato in March 2020, as the duo's space adventures are put on hold when they are forced to face off against a formidable force of the Ninja Ricks. Although the Anime incentive is evident, Samurai & Shogun's style is still very similar to the original series.
The Anime portion of the adaptation is taken more seriously in Rick and Morty vs. Genocider. This eight-plus minute short film was released by Deen Digital in July 2020, whereby Rick flees to Japan to hide from the Genociders and the ever-faithful Morty goes in search of his grandfather, inadvertently putting himself in harm's way. Summer Meets God (Rick Meets Evil) was released a year later by the same studio, with an additional seven minutes of screentime, giving Jerry and Summer some extra attention in the process. Lastly, The Great Yokai Battle of Akihabara adaptation created by Naohiro Fukushima aired in October of 2021, where a toaster embued with Artificial Intelligence grabs the spotlight.
8 Who Will Take The Lead?
Takashi Sano will be heading this Rick and Morty Anime project, having already proven his impeccable skills when working on Rick and Morty vs. Genocider and Summer Meets God (Rick Meets Evil). Still not completely convinced?
Well, fans also have Takashi Sano to thank for his contributions to Baki, Blood +, Tower of God, and Trinity Blood, to name but a few. His creative direction leans towards more traditional anime that is reminiscent of classic works such as Lupin III, while still managing to add a fresh take to the vintage-styled designs.
7 Stand-Alone Series
The Rick and Morty Anime Series is unlikely to be canon to the original animation and will follow its own, separate storyline, much as the short films did. An original narrative will be constructed by Sano, who is a big fan himself, however, no hints have been given so far in terms of what direction the Anime series will take.
Therefore, fans do not have to worry if they are not caught up with Rick and Morty Season 5 and the upcoming Season 6 before watching the Anime adaptation.
6 A Full Season Is Expected
Adult Swim has ensured to order a full ten episodes for the Anime spin-off, fitting nicely into their pre-established mold of ten installments per Rick and Morty season. This gives Takashi Sano enough space to run with a story and either tie things up nicely as a once-off Anime adventure or alternatively leave things open-ended in the hopes of a series renewal.
Telecom Animation Film will be responsible for the animation process, meaning Rick and Morty fans are in good hands! Telecom Animation Film has helped produce such fan favorites like Spirited Away, Fullmetal Alchemist, Hunter X Hunter, and more, and even including some western animations like Justice League: Doom on their list of accomplishments.
5 Where To Watch
Adult Swim has taken a majority of the initiative in most Rick and Morty projects, so why should it be any different this time around? Adult Swim was so impressed with how popular the first three Rick and Morty Seasons became that they requested in 2020 for a further 70 episodes to be created.
With Season 6 fast approaching, Adult Swim seemed to consider this the best time to get fans talking about an Anime series spin-off as well. Adult Swim will not hold exclusive rights to the Rick and Morty Anime Series, as it will also be available for viewing on HBO Max.
4 It Will Be Subbed
To fully immerse the viewer into the Anime culture, producers plan on using Japanese voice actors for the Rick and Morty Anime Series, with English subtitles provided for international viewers. Not as to say that a dubbed version may not be released in the future, but the initial publication will follow Anime traditions and make use of the mother tongue of its muse.
It is quite possible that the cast from Summer Meets God (Rick Meets Evil) could return to give life to these popular characters, having done a successful job the first time around. These talented voice actors include:
- Youhei Tadano (Rick)
- Keisuke Chiba (Morty)
- Manabu Muraji (Jerry)
- Akiha Matsui (Beth)
- Jun Irie (Summer)
3 East Meets West
One does not simply make a sci-fi Anime without adding some outrageous creatures to the mix! Although new characters are yet to be confirmed, it is clear that the Rick and Morty Anime Series will not just adopt the Japanese animation and illustration style but throw in a few stereotypical tropes in the process.
Morty could assume the classic Bakadere role, as the oblivious and clumsy lead deuteragonist who just wants some female attention, whereas Rick will fit right in with all the other mad scientists of the Anime genre. Certain aspects of the original story will undoubtedly be emphasized to create that iconic Anime drama, as can be seen in Sano's previous adaptations.
2 New Characters Anticipated
Although most bets are on the fact that Rick will somehow be the main instigator of whatever conflict Morty and the gang will have to overcome, a 'sticky situation' may not make the impact that is necessary for this stand-alone series.
Fans love it when a random creature is added to the works, such as the Gazorpazorp and Cromulons, and absurd, overpowered entities are an element that Anime does best! Either these guys might get a Japanese-inspired upgrade, or a whole new world of extraterrestrials could be revealed!
1 Jerry! Jerry! Jerry..?
For some unfathomable reason, the man whom fans are least looking forward to watching was specifically mentioned by name when Sano first discussed the series release. As the most pathetic representation of the male ego in Rick and Morty, Jerry does not inspire much of a fan following, but maybe an attempt will be made to change this?
Sano stated : "The multiverse-straddling exploits of Rick and the gang pose challenges to the family bond, but they always rise to the occasion. It’s such a life affirming sight, and Jerry is no exception."
Could Jerry turn out to be an accidental hero, and how will fans react to this (potential) change in the narrative? Only time will tell; that is if the spoilers don't dish the dirt first!
Rick and Morty: The Anime is expected to air in 2022/2023 on Adult Swim and HBO Max.