The Rickmobile comes to Ann Arbor
Rick and Morty is an American, science fiction adult cartoon created by Justin Roiland and Dan Harmon for Cartoon Network’s late-night programming block “Adult Swim.” The show is about mad scientist Rick Sanchez and his pure and fretful grandson Morty who splits their time between domestic life and interdimensional adventures.
The show premiered on Dec 2, 2013, and since then has become a huge fanbase for millions all around the world. The show’s merchandise consists of costumes, figurines, and even a Monopoly board game. However, there is one unique retail figure for the show’s fans that sticks out the most: The Rickmobile.
The Rickmobile is a truck designed like the show’s character Rick, and sells limited edition exclusive merchandise on a 42 city tour all over country every summer. The Rickmobile’s annual tour started back in May of 2017.
On Sept. 15, 2018. The Rickmobile came to Ann Arbor right outside the Wolverine State Brewing Company. The event kicked off at 6 p.m. with people lining up for merchandise, taking pictures of the vehicle, and forming in lines to purchase merchandise. Fans came to the event in costumes, Rick and Morty themed clothing, and more. As the staff started to set up the event, the side of the Rick shaped truck opened up to display exclusive merchandise; the limited items inside consisted of: masks, stickers, buttons, plushies and figurines.
“It’s so crazy. I work for one of my favorite show’s branding services,” Chris said, a staff member for the Rickmobile. “I remember seeing the show’s first episode on my laptop on Youtube. Now I’m here.”
There were around 350 people at the whole event as a large line formed behind the truck’s stereos blasting loud pop music. The staff assisted lines, sold merchandise, took pictures, and even posed for photos with fans.
Working for the Rickmobile is no less than an amazing once in a lifetime experience. When it travels to different cities, the staff does too, sometimes even bringing new staff members as they go.
“I joined the staff when they came to where I live,” Chris said. “I’m from Indiana, so I’ve been on tour there and in Michigan.”
As the bus go from city to city on tour, some employees drive the mobile while others drive their cars alongside the vehicle.
“We stay in hotels when we travel,” said a staff member. “But sometimes, depending on what position you work, you get to sleep in the truck.”
After fans finished waiting in line and taking pictures, they could go to the Wolverine State Brewing Company (the restaurant that was hosting the event). On Saturday the company is open until 1 a.m.. Throughout the tour, a shoppe or eatery from each city hosts for the mobile’s arrival.
With all the excitement and fun, the event had to end. At 8 p.m., the staff turned off the stereo’s, packed up the shirts and tents, and closed the side of the Rickmobile. The staff then got into theirs cars, and followed the mobile as they headed off for their next stop in Cleveland, OH; ending the Rickmobile’s day in the city of Ann Arbor.
Sophia Scarnecchia is a senior at Community. This will be her third year on the Communicator staff. You can either see her buying Frappes at Sweetwaters, working the registers at Kohls, or fighting for racial equality in Black Student Union. She also enjoys going for long walks and playing fetch with her dog, Vinnie.
