Comic Review: Rick and Morty: Worlds Apart #1

 

 

Overview:

The ever-powerful species the Slut Dragons, and their leader, Balthrowmaw, are in a dire situation. The evil Lady Finndom has come to destroy them and take their powers for herself. Balthrowmaw must seek help from the best allies they have, Morty and his grandfather, Rick.

Unfortunately, there are other problems on Earth. When Grampa Leonard Smith comes to visit, the uncomfortable nature of his open relationship come to the surface. Leaving Morty feeling uncertain about his relative.

Equally, unsure about the visitor, Rick decides to take a weekend vacation all by himself. Unfortunately, that leaves Morty and Balthrowmaw to figure out their problems on their own. Thankfully, Grampa Leonard is willing to fill in for Rick and help.

 

Our Take:

Rick and Morty comic books continue to be released.  Worlds Apart is the latest mini-series to follow a consecutive release of Go to Hell and Ever After. However, there are reasons to be excited about this new side story. Especially, the fact that this adventure is a direct spin-off from one of the most memorable episodes of season four, “Claw and Hoarder: Special Ricktim’s Morty”.

The adventure of the Slut Dragons will not be soon forgotten by fans of the show. Still, it makes this comic extra satisfying that it is still fresh in our minds. Instead of being a loose connection to a one-off character from years ago, as many of these spin-off comics tend to go for.

Additionally, when you get into the pages of this first issue, it is clear that this story is unlike anything we have seen from Rick and Morty comics since the self-titled ongoing series ended early last year.  

In fact, the early stages of this mini-series read more like an episode of the television series. There is high adventure and fun things to look at, but also a familial relationship plot that tests things back at home. For bonus points, there is even some of the fourth-wall-breaking humour that defines the franchise.

Not only does this book feature the return of Balthrowmaw and the Slut Dragons, but it also brings back a more important character, Leonard. Morty’s other grandfather has not been seen in the show since his first appearance. Even though he and his wife Judith offer a whole other aspect to the Smith family. And when Rick decides to skip town for this adventure, it looks as if Leonard will be teaming up with his grandson. Maybe this book should be called Leonard and Morty.

Don’t count Rick out of these books though. His own side quest should be interesting. In pure Rick fashion, his vacation includes witnessing the existence of an entire universe from birth to death. And by the conclusion, his isolationists holiday is interrupted.

There have been a plethora of brilliant comic books featuring these beloved characters. Many of them should be required content for any Rick and Morty superfan. And from the first issue, this four-part series is shaping up to be one of those such stand-out additions. There are Rick and Morty books that have fun with the characters, and there are comics like this one that expands upon them. This is a book worth reading.