There’s no place I’d rather be
Than on my surfboard out at sea
Lingering in the ocean blue
And If I had one wish come true
I’d surf ’til the sun sets beyond the horizon
‘Āwikiwiki, mai lohilohi
Lawe mai i ko papa he’e nalu
Flying by on the Hawaiian roller coaster ride

Dynamite Comics is sending us on a Hawaiian Roller Coaster ride this year in their new Disney comic series written by Greg Pak, illustrated by Giulia Giacomino, and featuring the beloved 2002 Disney animated classic, Lilo and Stitch.

Today, we will take a look at Lilo and Stitch #1 published by Dynamite Comics.

Release Date: January 31st, 2024

Writer: Greg Pak

Artist: Giulia Giacomino

Letterer: Jeff Eckleberry

Editor: Nate Cosby

Covers by: Joshua Middleton, David Nakayama, Jennifer Meyer, Craig Rousseau

Official Synopsis: Get ready for a new adventure with LILO & STITCH as the irrepressible pair launch their very first ongoing comic series, brought to you by superstar writer GREG PAK (Darth Vader, Mech Cadets) and artist GIULIA GIACOMINO!

Life seems to have calmed down for Experiment 626 and his new family on Earth – at least until evil aliens come hunting for everyone’s favorite blue-furred troublemaker. The kicker? They’re using giant robots that are powered by Stitch’s own DNA! Will Lilo’s beloved pet be able to take on these villains and lead them away from his adopted planet and loved ones? And even if he succeeds, will he be able to find his way back home?

My Review

*STOP READING HERE IF YOU WANT TO AVOID ALL SPOILERS*

This story takes place some time after the original 2002 animated movie. The Cluster Sovereign and two Cluster Drones, who have a rad Great White Shark robot design, are after Jumba’s Experiment 626. We of course know Experiment 626 as Stitch. Stitch’s power of aggression and the ability to break everything that he touches is exactly what the Cluster Sovereign needs for his plan to overthrow the Galactic Federation. The Shark Cluster Drones are sent to Earth to capture Stitch.

Since the events that happened in the Lilo and Stitch movie, Stitch loves his Ohana family and spends his time playing with Lilo and learning to be good. They engage in a water balloon fight with Jumba and Pleakley who are also part of this great new wonderful Ohana along with Nani, David, and Cobra Bubbles. The whole family is under the protection of the Galactic Federation.

The Shark Cluster Drones plasma blast Stitch which allows them to secure Stitch and take him back to their ship. Stitch escapes easily because he is Stitch, but the water that he lands in is not in Hawaii. It appears that Stitch is now in New York City. Stitch had a hard time fitting in with other dogs and kids in Central Park, but at the end he finds his people at the Manhattan Toy Con where everyone is dressed up in cosplay. Lilo, Jumba, and Pleakley arrive in New York City to search for their Ohana because no one gets left behind or forgotten.

The Lilo and Stitch movie got three direct to video movie sequels and a two season 65 episode Lilo and Stitch animated series. Even with all of this content the comic seems fresh. Will Stitch survive in New York City? Or is it…Will New York City survive Stitch? The illustrations by Giulia Giacomino in this comic are all on point with the animation from the movie. There are two amazing pages of panels that I have to call out that are as if Stitch drew them himself. Those pages are narrated by Lilo and tell the story about how the Grand Federation left Stitch in Lilo’s care and now Stitch has new responsibilities to take care of his Ohana.

Lilo and Stitch fans are not going to want to miss this New York Roller Coaster Ride.

The next issue of Lilo and Stitch will surf into your local comic book shop on February 28th, 2024. Please make sure to support the other Dynamite Comics Disney releases: Justice Ducks, Negaduck, Gargoyles, Gargoyles: Dark Ages, Gargoyles Quest, and Disney Villains Cruella De Vil.

Let us know what you thought of Lilo and Stitch #1 in the comments below. What cover(s) did you get?

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