The Rick And Morty Vs. Genocider Anime Had Fans Wanting A More Positive Rick
While the titular characters of "Rick and Morty" have undergone some growth over the years, they're still fundamentally the same. Rick is an abusive genius, while Morty is his meek sidekick. However, that's just one iteration of the characters throughout the vast multiverse, and fans got a chance to see a different side of Rick and Morty in the anime short "Rick and Morty vs. Genocider."
It's one installment of a series of "Rick and Morty" shorts that envisions the franchise in a different context. Not only is the animation style different, but both Rick and Morty come across differently. Rick isn't deriding Morty's contributions; he's actually pretty supportive. And Morty seems more sure in himself, appearing more confident. Rick's dialogue is notably different, aside from being in Japanese, as he also doesn't burp between sentences.
Fans actually seem to like these versions of the characters. Plenty of comments populate underneath the video, with one user writing, "This is weirdly one of the most wholesome Rick and Morty episodes." Could the short set the stage for a different pace for the mainstay "Rick and Morty" series going forward?
More Rick and Morty anime is on the way
It's honestly unlikely the main "Rick and Morty" series will change up Rick too significantly, no matter how much he wants to improve himself. However, fans can at least look forward to the anime version of Rick getting more airtime. In 2022, Adult Swim gave a series order to "Rick and Morty: The Anime" for 10 more episodes. Adult Swim has definitely become more invested in developing original anime over the last few years, and director Takashi Sano is excited to delve deeper into this multiverse, saying, "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."
Fans will likely be onboard, as many praise "Rick and Morty vs. Genocider." One user, named Lucky Duck, wrote, "I love how this version of Rick And Morty are more positive and happy [than] the cynical pessimist Rick, and the nervous, sometimes angry Morty." Another user provides an almost prophetic comment for what would eventually materialize: "I really wouldn't hate a whole season of this." They're getting their wish with 10 more episodes in this same art style.
The great thing about the multiverse is that there's an infinite number of Ricks out there to explore. If fans want more positive interpretations of the character, that can be explored one way or another.