Writer: Daniel Kibblesmith
Artist: Jarrett Williams
Colorist: Alessandro Santoro
Letterer: Crank!
Cover Artists: Dave Bardin, Troy Little, Phil Murphy, and Tom
Fowler with Nick Filardi
Publisher: Oni Press
Price: $4.99
Release Date: February 4, 2026
The Parmesan Universe wants to erase Morty Smith from
existence in every universe. But even though Parmesan thinks he's worse than a
million, billion Hitlers, she is willing to pardon Morty if he brings Rick
Sanchez to stand trial before the Council of the Universes that Matter.
When Morty wondered how to find his grandfather, Parmesan
suggested the teen think like Rick Sanchez. But Morty knows that thinking like
Rick can turn you into someone who threatens to destroy all of existence
because you’re mad at one person. Despite their differences, can Morty turn in
his grandfather? Or will he go along with Rick’s latest scheme? Let’s leap into
Rick and Morty: The End #3 and see!
Story
When Parmesan sent Morty after Rick, she also sent the
Vindicators to ensure he followed through. After Planetina and her crew rescued
Morty from the Ball Fondlers, Sleepy Gary transported them to a comfortable
universe Rick created. In his Fan Fiction world, Rick basked in belonging, and
his fake family didn’t include Morty. The Vindicators gave Morty the chance to
apprehend his grandfather. But Rick Sanchez was never going to come quietly.
In Rick and Morty: The End #3, the Vindicators attack the
teen and his grandfather again. This time, there’s no fictional family to get
in the way. While Morty voices his confusion over where he belongs, Planetina
reminds him of why he stopped dating her. Yet appearances are deceiving. As one
character engages in soul searching, another acknowledges the wisdom of
accepting things as they are.
As Daniel Kibblesmith explores the dilemma of dysfunctional
relationships, he also ponders what makes life worth living. The Parmesan
Universe tasks the Vindicators with one goal. But will killing Rick Sanchez
bring them happiness? Old Man Meeseeks is laden with unfulfilled expectations.
He has let everyone down by failing to fulfill his life's purpose. The
Vindicator is supposed to die once he triumphs. But in Rick and Morty: The End
#3, Old Man Meeseeks wonders if he could exceed his society's expectations and
make a life for himself on his terms.
Art
A splash page and 3-4 panels per page welcome readers to the
fast and furious fight. Jarrett Williams introduces more panels to the layout
as Old Man Meeseeks undergoes an inward battle. After the clash among the
sundrenched hoodoos, disparate locales and situations reveal the variety of
choices awaiting someone not focused on a singular purpose.
Alessandro Santoro enlivens the vivid settings, appealing
characters, and the fighting with a loaded palette in Rick and Morty: The End
#3. Among the bright and cheery hues, blue links Old Man Meeseeks with his
team, his hunt for answers, and a circular control room. Green also forms a
theme as it links Planetina with her monitors and her troubled partner's
longing for greater meaning in life. Yet yellow and orange remind Morty why he
severed his relationship with Planetina, as she transforms into a Phoenix and
turns her criminals into compost.
Crank fills white dialogue balloons and colored narrative
boxes with uppercase dialogue that grows bold for intonation and enlarges for
raised voices. Green block letters introduce the chapter. Sound effects enhance
scenes of death and destruction, and warn of imminent future conflict. Thanks
to Oni Press and Superfan Promotions for providing a review copy.
Final Thoughts
Morty loves Planetina, but he can’t be with her because she
incinerates her foes. He loves his grandfather, but Rick racks up a higher body
count than his ecowarrior ex-girlfriend. After creating a world without Morty
and trying to get his grandson to see the similarities between them, Rick
acknowledges Morty's concerns. But the two would rather play video games than
discuss their relationship in Rick and Morty: The End #3.
Rating 9.8/10
For more cover options see my cover preview of Rick and Morty: The End #3.
