Comic Review: Rick and Morty #50

Celebrating the milestone issue with a trip down forgotten memory lane.

Overview:

While locating supplies for Rick in the subbasement, Morty comes across a room filled with mysterious vials. Upon questioning his grandfather, it is revealed that Rick has been collecting all of the memories that Morty has wished to forget over the years. Shocked that part of himself is missing, Morty demands that he show him these lost moments and replace his memories.

Morty is taken on a trip down memory lane of things that were probably left forgotten. From accidentally destroying an entire civilization devoted to love and respect to walking in on his parents doing the nasty, each memory Morty sees is that much worse than the last.

Finally, when the kid has had enough and cannot handle anymore, Morty requests that Rick erase this whole ordeal from his mind as well. Of course, Rick is happy to oblige and reveals that this is a regular occurrence and every once and a while they repeat this same cycle.

Our Take:

The Rick and Morty comic reaches a milestone that is rare even for the comic industry. Fifty issues is an accomplishment that speaks volumes about the characters and creative talents that have been translating the series to the page. In a forward from show co-creator Justin Roiland, he happily acknowledges that the comic has surpassed the TV series in stories and content. Considering the quality of humour and plot that is put into the comic run, it is of little surprise that it continues onward to the next 50 books. The adaptation is one of the best you can find of animated programs into print media and is well worth the price of admission for Rick and Morty fans and comic book geeks alike.

Oni Press, who has been publishing Rick and Morty since day one, has been excited for the release of this issue. The book has been released with a multitude of variant covers. A collection of covers designed by artist Julieta Colas premiered in The Bottleneck Art Gallery in Brooklyn, New York and will be on display for a month. Additionally, with the publication of issue #50 will be a rerelease of the first five books so fans can see where it all began. But, the biggest celebration of the milestone comes in the book itself, the double-sized issue showcases the talents of 11 different artists and writers that have previously worked on the title.

The story titled “Morty’s Mind Blowers” delivers in its promise not only to blow Morty’s mind but the readers as well. The collaboration of so many creators is done seamlessly through the plot of having Morty relive his more traumatizing experiences. The love these artists and writers have for these characters comes pouring out of the pages. The excitement of having the opportunity to be a part of this milestone issue must have been even more significant when they were told to come up with original ways to torture Morty through his worst nightmares. And, each writer delivers a plot that is true to their style and the character, whether it is from sheer embarrassment or witnessing something that would destroy any childhood.

There is no way to choose which of the short tales is better than the other as they all work so well together. There is nothing like torturing Morty to get fans of the franchise excited. It is hilarious to watch the kid lose new best friends, or accidentally kill Summer’s adorably fluffy imaginary friend. It would be his luck to spend a day with his heroes, the Ball Fondlers, only for it to end with losing all of his dignity. But, adding the uneasy memory of walking in on his parents more intimate moment was a stroke of relatable genius that will not so easily be stricken from our own minds.

The strength of the issue definitely comes from the stringing plot that ties the book together. Clipped from the eighth episode of the third season of the same name, “Morty’s Mind Blowers” is the perfect way to pack in as much punch as possible for the fans. Much like the “Interdimensional Cable” plot that has been utilized in both the show and comic, it allows for a creative expulsion of hilarity and disturbance. And, despite being a copy of a previously seen concept, the comic manages to retell the tale of retellings in a unique and exciting way. Whoever came up with the idea to make this the premise for the 50th issue knows what the fans want to see.

The only complaint that I could possibly find for this issue is that it is not long enough. I could read about Morty’s worst days forever. Of course, I am grateful that they double-sized this issue because a typical 24-page book would have not nearly been enough. Added to the many brilliant variant covers, issue 50 is a can’t miss read for anybody that enjoys the show. And, as I have mentioned in multiple Rick and Morty comic reviews in the past, if you aren’t reading this series, you really should be. This monumental issue is the perfect place to get on board. There is so much to be excited about going forward, especially when you see the love that has gone into creating this single issue.

Score

10/10

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