Key Takeaways:
– The new Lilo & Stitch comic introduces a fresh villain, the Cluster Sovereign, seeking to create an army of Stitch.
– The series aligns with the original movie’s aesthetic featuring seemingly adorable yet dangerous large robots as the new antagonists.
– The plot traces Lilo & Stitch on an international journey, forthcoming issues will detail their adventures in New York City and India, as they continue to be pursued by the Cluster Sovereign.
Comics lovers brace yourselves as the much-awaited Lilo & Stitch comic has been officially introduced. The series features an unexpected twist brought about by a new antagonist – the Cluster Sovereign. The manga series isn’t about seeing Stitch defeated or eliminated by the villain; instead, the Sovereign plans to form an army of Stitch.
According to a preview shared by AIPT Comics, the franchise introduces some new characters. Commanding our attention is the Cluster Sovereign, a mini gold robot that uses a UFO-shaped body as its mode of transport. The villain directs two robots on a mission to infiltrate Jumba’s lab. The Cluster Sovereign, along with their incredibly courteous shark robots, is on the hunt for Stitch and his DNA. Their goal? To increase the aggressiveness and danger of their drones, ultimately seeking to exert control over the Galactic Federation.
From Hawaii to New York and India
This adventure-filled journey was announced at the New York Comic-Con 2023. The thrilling Lilo & Stitch series, written by Greg Pak (known for Planet Hulk: Worldbreaker) and illustrated by Guilia Giacomino (famed for Into the Unknown), is all set to take fans on an epic global journey. The narrative remains true to the original movie continuity, taking place right after the film.
Cute but Dangerous
Giacomino’s artistic style successfully retains the rounded, cosy aesthetic of the original movie. Despite being large and dangerous, the new villainous robots are irresistibly cute and cuddly. Greg Pak does a stellar job showcasing the balance between humour and sci-fi in his writing, beautifully rendering Lilo’s nonchalant nature in the face of plasma bombs.
Journey of ‘Ohana’
The events pick up from where the film left off, which means Lilo & Stitch aren’t alone in their adventure. They are joined by aliens Dr. Jumba and Agent Pleakley, social worker Cobra Bubbles, and David who is now officially Nani’s boyfriend. They must join forces to protect their semi-peaceful life from the prying eyes of the Cluster Sovereign.
Manga and the Lilo & Stitch Universe
While there have been other comics featuring Stitch, they’ve primarily been mangas translated by TOKYOPOP. These took on alternate-universe storylines for the adorable alien, even pairing him with a young Japanese girl in Stitch!, and stitching together a ‘what if’ tale about his ship crash-landing in the Sengoku-era Japan in Stitch & the Samurai.
The new series from Dynamite Comics uniquely adheres to the film-canon narrative. Furthermore, this is the first original comic series by Dynamite & Disney that centers on a theatrical Disney character. Previously, Dynamite has seen great success with its Disney Villains line, which included multiple series starring the likes of Scar, Hades, Maleficent, and Cruella De Vil.
What Lies Ahead?
Future issues reveal Lilo & Stitch making their way to New York City and then India, as they continue their run from the ever-persistent Cluster Sovereign. It’s currently unknown whether any of Jumba’s other 628 experiments will make an appearance in the comics and whose side they might take if they do. Based on the sneak peek and the creative genius behind the pages, it’s evident that while the Lilo & Stitch comic promises exciting sci-fi adventures, it won’t be without the emotional depth that turned the movie into a timeless classic.
Whether Stitch tries to escape to keep his family out of harm’s way, or they stand united against the challenges thrown by the Cluster Sovereign, one thing’s for sure – the journey won’t be easy. Prepare for a voyage full of laughter, peril and many heart-tugging moments. The first issue of the new Lilo & Stitch comic will be available Come January 31, 2024, from Dynamite Comics.