REVIEW: ‘Rick And Morty,’ #50 – “Morty’s Mind Blowers”

Rick and Morty has reached 50 issues and what better way to celebrate than to bring back a ton of writers, artists, and colorers. Rick and Morty #50 is published by Oni Press and is written by Kyle Starks, Tini Howard, Sarah Graley, Marc Ellerby, Benjamin Dewey, Josh Trujillo, with art by Marc Ellerby, Andrew MacLean, Jarret Williams, Sarah Graley, Kyle Starks, Benjamin Dewey, Rii Abrego, with colors by Sarah Stern, Nick Filardi, Sarah Graley, and Benjamin Dewey.

Rick and Morty #50, titled “Morty’s Mindblowers,” is a celebration of the comic series publishing success. At this point, there have been more comic issues then there have been animated episodes; a point that Justin Roiland makes himself in his message to the fans at the beginning of the publication. It’s a lovely message from the original creator, and it lends weight to the fact that he’s still involved with the comics and actively reading them. Not to mention, they packed in exactly 50 pages to really drive home the point of this being such a big deal for both Oni Press and the creators from Rick And Morty.

“Morty’s Mindblowers” for anyone who hasn’t seen the show, is an essentially an omnibus of short stories worked into one overall larger story. Morty, who is working with his Grandpa Rick, is sent to gather a device in the sub-basement. As with anything his grandson does though, he fails to follow his Grandpa’s overly complex instructions and ends up in the sub-sub-basement. Here he discovers a room full of his memories that over time Rick has had to remove because they blew his mind. Morty decides to indulge his impulse and re-experience some of these bad memories he’s had removed.

The humor throughout the issue is truly on point and mirrors the show perfectly. There’s a direct connection here with the look and feel of what the comic has been able to emulate with that of the TV show. The writers, artists, and colorists are very obviously fans of the show and having Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon provide input have only served to elevate an already fantastic property.

The only thing that was a little jarring, was the change in the artistic styles as you read through, but overall this is a minimal complaint as the writing, and coloring powers the issue forward.

One particular story that stands out, is the return of Butter Robot. Rick and Morty are imprisoned on an alien planet without the portal gun. Rick suggests trying to figure out a way to get a note out to Birdman and Squanchy when to his surprise a little voice chirps up out of Morty’s bag. Enter one of Rick’s previous creations which first appeared on the TV show in season one episode nine. Surprisingly, Morty and Butter Robot have formed a real bond, the two project a real air of positivity, he even taught his new mechanical friend martial arts. So naturally this story is abruptly ended when reality comes crashing down, and Rick is there to pour his particular brand of realism all over Morty’s sorrow.

Fans of Rick and Morty can also enjoy six variant covers, plus more easter eggs than an army Mr. Meseeks can generate. Plus, with the recent announcement that season 4 will be coming back to Adult Swim in November 2019, I would highly recommend reading through these comics to tide you over in the meantime.

Rick and Morty #50 is available in comic book stores everywhere now.