Rick Sanchez’s Endless Vendetta Against Deities
From the very inception of Rick and Morty, one thing has been crystal clear – Rick Sanchez has a deep-seated aversion to gods and magic. While on the surface, it appears he dismisses them as irrelevant, considering his vast knowledge and scientific prowess, deeper digging unveils a more intricate tapestry of emotions and motivations.
“It was always assumed that Rick thought this way because he truly just thinks those things are stupid, and he can prove how stupid they are simply by being smarter than them.”
However, the real reason behind his animosity is far more profound than mere intellectual superiority. It is deeply rooted in envy and an inherent sense of inferiority.
The Lone On-Screen God’s Demise: A Closer Look
Rick and Morty have showcased a plethora of intense confrontations, including planetary destructions and tangles with alien overlords. Yet, the death of just one god, Reggie – the Zeus vying for Gaia’s love and the privilege of raising her offspring – stands out. While it was Morty and Summer who technically delivered the final blow, Rick was undeniably the mastermind behind Reggie’s ultimate downfall.
“Rick has decimated planets, executed alien overlords, and even splintered the fabric of time and space (on more than one occasion), but he’s only killed that one god – well, in the show, at least.”
The comics, however, present a different narrative. Here, Rick emerges as a relentless god-slayer, driven by a ceaseless need to assert his dominance. And according to the omniscient Vultureperson, Rick’s murderous spree stems not from a sense of superiority but from a nagging realization of his inherent inferiority.
The Envious Mind of a Genius
Rick and Morty #8 offers readers a tantalizing peek into Rick’s mind. The comic sets the stage with vengeful gods wreaking havoc, resentful of their own annihilation at Rick’s hands. Simultaneously, Rick finds himself entangled with Vultureperson, the cosmic devourer of the dead. While the latter acknowledges Rick’s unparalleled prowess in dispatching deities, he isn’t shy about voicing his insights into Rick’s real motivations.
“According to Vultureperson’s third-party wisdom, Rick kills deities because he envies them, saying, ‘you don’t have the effortless power, worship, adoration of gods’.”
Despite being heralded as the universe’s brightest mind, Rick remains a mere mortal. His need for technological augmentations to level up to the gods accentuates his vulnerabilities. Gods, with their innate might and the undying adoration of their followers, represent everything Rick yearns for but will never attain. The poignant portrayal of his deteriorating relationship with Morty only amplifies this notion of Rick’s inherent loneliness and longing.
The Enigma of Rick Sanchez
In Rick and Morty #8, we are presented with a revelation that fundamentally shifts our understanding of Rick’s character. Previously, most of us might have interpreted Rick’s contempt for gods and magic as a simple expression of his brash confidence and scientific prowess. However, this issue delves deeper, suggesting that Rick’s sentiments are not merely a result of disdain. Instead, they stem from a profound envy for the innate power and unwavering adoration that these deities receive.
This newly uncovered facet of Rick’s personality showcases him in a much more vulnerable light. Rather than just the fearless and sometimes heartless genius we’ve come to know, here we see a Rick who, beneath his hardened exterior, grapples with complex emotions. Feelings of jealousy, profound loneliness, and an unending quest for validation emerge, painting a portrait of a more relatable and profoundly human character. It’s a stark reminder that even the most formidable beings can harbor deep-seated insecurities and yearnings.
For those eager to dive deeper, Rick and Morty #8 by Oni Press will hit the stands on August 29, 2023.
