When it was first announced that *Rick and Morty* would get an anime adaptation, fans were intrigued. The original series, known for its chaotic blend of dark humor, existential musings, and interdimensional adventures, is a staple of Western animation. But *Rick and Morty: The Anime* seems to miss a key point-the Japanese interpretation, though visually captivating, doesn't fully grasp the essence of what makes the original show tick.
The core problem lies in cultural translation. *Rick and Morty* thrives on a distinct brand of absurdity, nihilism, and sarcastic wit rooted in Western existential philosophy and pop culture satire. These elements are difficult to translate, and it's clear the anime struggled to adapt them. Instead of capturing the sharp cynicism and humor of the original, the anime leans heavily on exaggerated tropes common in Japanese storytelling: melodramatic expressions, overly sentimental arcs, and a tendency to over-explain the show's deeper meanings.
The Japanese production has impressive animation quality, with distinct stylistic choices that are undeniably anime. However, it often sacrifices the dry, deadpan humor of *Rick and Morty* for hyper-expressive reactions that are typical of anime but feel out of place here. Rick's cynical ramblings, originally delivered with a hint of apathy, are replaced by intense emotional outbursts that clash with the character's established persona.
Additionally, the narrative pacing is drastically different. Where the original show's rapid-fire delivery and unexpected twists work as part of its charm, the anime attempts to stretch philosophical moments into longer monologues, making the episodes feel drawn out and, at times, too serious for their own good. The balance between humor and depth-one of *Rick and Morty's* key strengths-is lost in favor of dramatic flair.
To give credit where it's due, *Rick and Morty: The Anime* does have some moments where it shines, especially in its art style and world-building, which bring fresh visual interpretations to the universe. But these artistic choices feel like a veneer over a narrative that doesn't quite "get" what *Rick and Morty* is really about. Rather than a coherent extension of the original, this feels more like a fan project-one that admires the surface-level aspects of the series but lacks an understanding of its deeper, often grim humor and intellectual chaos.
In the end, *Rick and Morty: The Anime* is a fascinating experiment but ultimately a mismatch. It's a reminder that while certain ideas can cross cultural boundaries, others are deeply rooted in specific sensibilities. This anime adaptation might work as a stand-alone series for fans of Japanese animation, but for those familiar with the original *Rick and Morty*, it feels like a parallel universe where the creators misread the show's soul.
