Review: Rick and Morty vs. Cthulhu Part 1

You know that monster that comes chasing after Rick, Morty, and the rest of the Smith family at the end of the opening theme? That’s Cthulhu, and Justin Roiland has been promising for years to do something with that bit, and we don’t know if this script from Jim Zub was an attempt at that, as oftentimes, Rick and Morty scripts may get passed on from TV and be sent to print as almost a “going home” prize, but having this Cthulhu story doesn’t mean that there won’t be SOME sort of resolution in the future, and in fact, sometimes the comics DO become canon to the series.

In any event, #1 goes down the HP Lovecraft rabbit hole, writer Jim Zub warns us in the back matter of the issue, that it appears he is going after the written works of the long-dead writer in an attempt to I guess cancel the author that has been dead for almost 100 years now, for possible racist inclinations in the writer’s legendary works. As if dying from intestinal cancer before the age of 50, living most of that life somewhat poor, Zub vows in his letter to right the wrongs of some of Lovecraft’s social deficiencies by way of the end of a Rick Sanchez held barrel.

The story sees a sugar deal gone awry that sees Rick and the Smith family having to go down a Lovecraftian hellscape that features racist fish-people and even sentient colors posing a threat. Meanwhile, Beth and Jerry duck out early and head home so that they can protect the Smith household, but the story concludes before we find out about the new home invader.

Rick and Morty vs. Cthulhu Part 1 is reuniting the Eisner-nominated creative team from Rick and Morty vs. Dungeons and Dragons—aforementioned writer Jim Zub, illustrator Troy Little, colorist Leonardo Ito, and letterer Crank!. It’s the aesthetic where I’m getting some issues here, while Leonardo’s colors and shades look incredible in quite a few panels, almost always making Rick look like a badass, Little’ illustrations of Jerry have him looking more like Sleepy Gary than Jerry, fortunately his monster work remains top-notch, and as such, has me eagerly anticipating the rest of the run of the four-part miniseries.