Rick and Morty: The End #3 Review

 

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.