Comic Review: Rick and Morty: Mr. Nimbus

Overview:

Mr. Nimbus is the ruler of the oceans, the Prince of the wet world, and the archnemesis to the most extraordinary mind in the multiverse, Rick Sanchez. Their never-ending conflict has spanned millions of years and countless lives. 

Subsequently, the pair share a unique relationship. This story explores the origins of their connection while revealing the hidden secrets that keep them intertwined.

Our Take:

Rick and Morty comic books inherit a unique opportunity to explore an endless multiverse bustling with strangely lovable characters. The options of themes, genres, and concepts are seemingly endless, thanks to the limitlessness of the source content. However, the best Rick and Morty comic plots are the ones that fill in the missing gaps created by the multitude of one-off characters.

On the season five premiere, “Mort Dinner Rick Andre”, Mr. Nimbus was a shocking addition to the Rick and Morty multiverse when he was revealed to be Rick’s archnemesis. The highly sexualized Aqua-Man rip-off made an impression when he simultaneously negotiated treaty terms with his enemy while propositioning a three-way with Beth and Jerry. Unfortunately, there was much history left to the imagination regarding the long-running feud between Nimbus and Rick.

Thankfully, this single-issue comic book manages to explain most of the background on the conflict that has expanded across the multiverse.  

Of course, to do that, this story had to take us back to the beginning, Cape Cod, 1973. Where the first interactions between Nimbus and Rick cultivated the ultimate battle. Rightfully, the origins of this bond are far more complex than what is exposed on the surface. This comic goes as far as to question whether Rick and Nimbus are destined to be friends, enemies, or lovers.

Cleverly enough, the indistinguishable relationship is equally the catalyst for the conflict. The story explores how Rick’s insecurities around love and friendship trigger him into a destructive rage. The utilization of these complex characteristics highlights the attention to detail when it comes to adapting the animated series into print literature. Arguably, this single issue is the best example, thus far, of a comic doing justice to the content-loaded television series.

Out of the countless characters appearing on Rick and Morty, Mr. Nimbus is one of the few that creators Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon have insinuated would return. Consequently, this could instantly take the cannon out of this comic book. Reversely, a televised adaptation of the plot established in this issue would not disappoint anyone.

Oni Press took their shot in developing an origins story for such an ornate character. Thankfully, writer Alex Firer and illustrator Ryan Lee understood the assignment and delivered above and beyond. Top to bottom, this is one of the most substantial Rick and Morty comic issues available. A notable delegation considering the calibre of some of the other Rick and Morty adaptations.