Hapless Morty and genius mad scientist Rick have traveled to parallel dimensions and other planets, but this might be their most incredible journey yet: They’re going into Dungeons & Dragons in a new comic book crossover miniseries from IDW Publishing and Oni Press. And who better to guide them on their campaign than inveterate D&D player and fantasy author Patrick Rothfuss?
In Rick and Morty vs. Dungeons & Dragons, Morty makes the mistake of asking his grandfather for help mastering D&D in order to keep up with everyone at school obsessed with the role-playing game. Of course, Rick can’t just teach the game, they have to live it—and pretty soon the entire Smith family is rolling for their survival. Rothfuss, author of The Kingkiller Chronicle, will co-write the comic with Jim Zub, himself very experienced in writing D&D comics for IDW. Troy Little (Hunter S. Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas) is drawing the art; check out the full cover, included in IGN’s official announcement, below:
“I love Rick and Morty with a powerful love, and I’ve played D&D since the 5th grade,” Rothfuss said in the press release from IDW. “So when they approached me about writing a story with both of them together? That’s some serious you-got-chocolate-in-my-peanut butter $#!& right there. I’m in. I’m all the way in. I’m gettin’ that chocolate all up in the peanut butter. Like, deep in. All the way in. It’s going to be sticky and delicious.”
Zub added, “The Dungeons & Dragons crew is letting Pat and I open a Pandora’s Box of insane adventure material and iconic creatures from the granddaddy of all tabletop role-playing games. I wish I could say we’ll take good care of it, but, the simple truth is, this is Rick and Morty we’re talking about. No fantasy world or otherworldly plane of existence is safe.” On a more serious note, he also tweeted his excitement at making this seemingly impossible project come together:
RICK AND MORTY VS DUNGEONS & DRAGONS begins in August!@PatrickRothfuss and I co-writing@meanwhilestudio illustrating@Wizards_DnD failing their Save VS Death@IDWPublishing @OniPress @IGN https://t.co/blSd0gBGPf
— Jim Zub 🎲 (@JimZub) April 8, 2018
When @sarahgaydos originally approached me about this as a possibility, I told her of course I'd be thrilled to do it, but it would never happen.
Multiple publishers + multiple licensees.
Protective big media brands.— Jim Zub 🎲 (@JimZub) April 9, 2018
It's a testament to the hard-working crews at @IDWPublishing @OniPress @adultswim and @Wizards_DnD that all of it finally came together.
On top of all that, teaming up with @PatrickRothfuss and @meanwhilestudio to execute our mad vision of gaming glory?
It's a rush.
— Jim Zub 🎲 (@JimZub) April 9, 2018
Rick and Morty vs. Dungeons & Dragons will hit comic book stores August 2018.