We can always use more Rick and Morty in our lives. But we could really use more Rick and Morty right now, since we’re currently staying indoors. Well wubba lubba dub dub, that’s exactly what Adult Swim has given us. Kind of. The network posted an all new mini-episode made by one of the best anime studios in the world. And while it might not be the second half of season four we’re waiting on, the gorgeous “Samurai and Shogun” might be the best Rick and Morty short ever.
Studio DEEN (Rurouni Kenshin, Ranma ½) produced this beautiful five-minute film. It’s an homage to the classic manga Lone Wolf and Cub. Rick WTM-72 stars in the Ogami Ittō role. Morty, voiced by Keisuke Chiba, is along for the ride as Rick’s very own Daigorō. And in classic Citadel of Ricks fashion, the wandering pair are attacked by ninjas, who are also Ricks. They are led by an evil Rick sporting an eye patch, playing the role of Yagyu Retsudo. All Ricks are voiced by voiced by Yohei Tadano.
Adult Swim/Studio DEEN
This might be short, but a whole lot of work went into it. Jason DeMarco of Adult Swim’s “Toonami” block said on Twitter it took a year to make.
Adult Swim constantly shares weird promos or shorts done in other animation styles. But this might be the best one they’ve ever released. It works both as a fantastic tribute to Lone Wolf and Cub and as a Rick and Morty story. As far as we’re concerned there’s no question of whether or not this is canon. There are infinite universes. Rick WTM-72 is out there bouncing around some of them, experiencing a “drunken life, dreamy death” existence. And he’s doing it all with a katana sword.
That’s the kind of Rick and Morty story we always need in our lives.
Featured Image: Adult Swim
