‘Rick and Morty’ Anime Spinoff Series Coming to Adult Swim

You asked for more Rick and Morty, and Adult Swim is delivering. The network has announced a second spinoff series for its mega-hit of a show, Rick and Morty: The Anime. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. And it sounds freaking awesome.

If you’re a fan of Rick and Morty deep cuts, you probably already have an idea of what this new series will be like. Tower of God director Takashi Sano has previously produced two anime-inspired Rick and Morty shorts: “Rick and Morty vs. Genocider” and “Summer Meets God (Rick Meets Evil).” Both felt like odes to the ’90s era of anime, self-serious reflections on life that are often interrupted by kaiju monsters. But because it’s all set in this weird and wild universe, even the most somber moments have a note of humor just because of how insane this crossover is. According to a press release from Adult Swim, Sano’s previous two Rick and Morty shorts generated over 10 million combined views on Adult Swim digital platforms. Now Sano is back with an entire series.

Rick and Morty: The Anime is a 10-episode adventure that will debut on Adult Swim and HBO Max. Like the previous shorts, the series comes from Sano and Telecom Animation Film, which is responsible for Lupin the IIIrd, Shenmue, and Tower of God. Though this new series will draw on the themes of the original show, it will stand as its own original work. Don’t expect any tired anime rehashes, folks.

“The multiverse-straddling exploits of Rick and the gang pose challenges to the family bond, but they always rise to the occasion,” Sano said. “It’s such a life affirming sight, and Jerry is no exception… I am honored to have been given an opportunity to tell a new story about this amazing family. I hope you enjoy their adventures!”

Rick and Morty: The Anime is the second series spinoff that Adult Swim has announced. In May of 2021, it was announced that The Vindicators, the Avengers-esque superhero team that appeared in Season 3, would be getting its own digital short series.

This series also isn’t the only new anime Adult Swim will be dropping. In the same announcement, Adult Swim revealed that it has ordered a futuristic action-adventure anime by the name of Ninja Kamui. From God of High School and Jujutsu Kaisen director Sunghoo Park, the series follows a former ninja who escaped his clan and hides from his violent past in rural America. After being ambushed by a group of assassins, Joe Higan remerges as his formed self: Ninja Kamui. The series will follow this 21st century ninja avenging his family and friends. Park described the series as “a story I’ve always wanted to tell.”

“Toonami helped introduce anime to a U.S. audience 25 years ago, and is creating new, dynamic originals for the next generation of anime fans,” said Michael Ouweleen, president of Adult Swim. “These two series build on the legacy of those recent originals such as Fena: Pirate Princess, Blade Runner: Black Lotus, Shenmue the Animation, with Uzumaki and Housing Complex C, premiering later this year.”