Comic Review: Rick and Morty Presents: Jaguar #1

 

 

Overview:

Intergalactic badass Jaguar has found himself in new company as part of a tactical team of assassins, DeadS.T.R.I.K.E (Strategic Tactical Response In Killing Everyone). His latest mission is to kill the most wanted man in the galaxy, Jerry Smith, who caused a genocide on Flaven Six through his flatulence.

As Jaguar finds his prey, Jerry is saved by his father-in-law, Rick. Rick leads the assassin on a wild chase and almost loses his life. However, Jaguar once again finds compassion through his own search of his daughter.

Unfortunately, as the old friends reunite, it does not take the bounty off Jerry’s head. And together Jaguar and Rick Sanchez must fight off the entire DeadSTRIKE team.  

 

Our Take:

If you have not been paying attention to the Rick and Morty Presents collection of one-shots, then you have been missing out. The series offers insights on some of the shows most lovable and forgotten characters. Everyone from Birdperson to Sleepy Gary have earned their own one-shot comic book that features a unique story all about them.

Even though Pickle Rick has also been showcased in the Rick and Morty Presents series, there is one other valuable character from that episode that deserves some extra attention, Jaguar.

Jaguar, as you may remember was the vicious killer tasked with killing Pickle Rick but ultimately assisted him in freeing Beth in the season three episode.

This one-shot comic revisits the character and what he has been up to since the events of “Pickle Rick”. 

Without his family to return to, Jaguar has dedicated his life to killing, as meaningless as he finds it. Though his complicated back story is about to get some much-needed relief when he reunites with Rick Sanchez.

Despite the namesake, this was one of the more fun comics that have been released about Jerry. The bumbling father gets himself in some deep water in this issue after stealing a portal gun from Rick. Unaware of the intricacies of the universe, Jerry unintentionally causes a genocide because he farted on the wrong planet.

Rick gets to show off a bit in the comic as well. He gets to pull out a few unique tricks and at one point reveals mechanical Dr. Octopus like arms built for dealing death. Although, this is surprisingly a heartfelt tale for the mad scientist. Jaguar has that impact on Rick to make him contemplate the meaning of family. Which is brought front and centre with how he repays the mercenary at the end of the issue.

With a lot of gore and murder, this was one of the best Rick and Morty comic books that have been released in some time. The Rick and Morty Presents series has that ability though by exploring other things happening in the universe instead of focusing on the titular characters.

This small story is packed full of callbacks to the animated series and has the humour to match. And considering Jaguar was such a great character that may never appear on the show again, then I would recommend reading this book to get some closure on the family loving badass.