Rick and Morty vs. The Universe, like any major comic book event, features multiple tie-ins that support its main story. The first of these tie-ins is Rick and Morty vs. the Universe: Summer of Love #1, which focuses on Summer trying to “out party” Rick by giving the Parmesan Universe the most epic bachelor party in existence. Since this is a Rick and Morty story, things go downhill fast.
The fun of reading Rick and Morty vs. the Universe: Summer of Love #1 is seeing who answers Summer’s summons for a bachelorette party; it gives writers Daniel Kibblesmith and Jody Houser the chance to reach all across Rick and Morty‘s history for a unique selection of guest stars. You’ll see Morty’s ex and Captain Planet pastiche Planetina; Arthecia, the cat girl from the infamous “Look Who’s Purging Now” episode; and even the Smiths’ family therapist, Dr. Wong.
This leads to Rick and Morty vs. the Universe: Summer of Love #1 delivering a surprising balance of humor and heart. I’ve often felt that that balance powers the best Rick and Morty episodes, and it looks like Kibblesmith and Houser agree with that train of thought. Summer’s escalating behavior is due to Rick more or less banning her from going on his bachelor party with the Universe (which readers can catch up on in Rick and Morty vs. the Universe #1), which leads to what’s perhaps the most unorthodox therapy session in existence. Literally, since Existence is an actual character in this comic.
Oni Press
Bringing Rick and Morty vs. the Universe: Summer of Love #1 to life is Phil Murphy, whose pencils match the chaotic animation of Rick and Morty to a T. Throughout Summer of Love #1, Murphy gets to draw images that include, but aren’t limited to: a half-man, half-fly stripper (which is a sentence I’d never thought I’d type), the Smith house exploding into smithereens when a massive meteor slams into it, and a body literally bursting into a bloody pulp.
The standout image from Summer of Love #1 features a setup that resembles a game board, with Murphy drawing Summer and friends in a miniaturized style running across said board. Not only is this an eye catching image thanks to Meg Casey’s vibrant colors, but it also has some standout images including a variety of alien bars with witty names and squares with some outrageous sentences that only a Rick and Morty comic could get away with.
Rick and Morty vs. the Universe: Summer of Love #1 offers a mix of biting comedy and profound moments as only a Rick and Morty story could. Fans can read it on its own, but it works far better if you read Rick and Morty vs. the Universe #1 (especially since that comic indirectly set up this one). It also bodes well for the rest of the upcoming Rick and Morty vs. the Universe one-shots.
You must be logged in to post a comment.