TV-Series
Description
Reuben, designated Experiment 625, is a genetic experiment created by Dr. Jumba Jookiba as a failed prototype preceding Stitch (Experiment 626). He shares Stitch's full physical capabilities: super strength, wall-scaling, retractable claws, enhanced intelligence, and the ability to sprout additional arms. However, his programming is dominated by extreme laziness and cowardice, leading him to avoid physical exertion whenever possible. His primary passion is preparing and consuming sandwiches, demonstrating exceptional culinary skill in this area. Despite his reluctance for combat, Reuben exhibits high intelligence, particularly concerning Jumba's other experiments, and occasionally displays unexpected technical aptitude, such as repairing advanced machinery using unconventional materials like pickle juice.
Initially stranded on Earth with Captain Gantu following the events of *Stitch! The Movie*, Reuben serves as Gantu's reluctant galley officer and sarcastic companion during missions for Dr. Hämsterviel. He frequently ridicules Gantu's incompetence but gradually develops a concealed loyalty, considering Gantu his closest companion. This relationship fractures when Gantu abandons him in *Leroy & Stitch*, leaving Reuben bitter and lonely. After Lilo Pelekai offers friendship and names him "Reuben," he overcomes his apathy to assist her in exposing the Leroy clone threat, repairing Gantu's ship, and participating in the battle against Hämsterviel's forces, demonstrating a capacity for courage and selflessness motivated by personal connections.
Within the *Stitch!* anime continuity, Reuben continues his association with Hämsterviel and Gantu, often accompanying them on missions to steal Stitch's Good Deed Counter or harness the power of Izayoi Island's Chitama Spiritual Stone. During an early mission to Earth in this series, searching unsuccessfully for bread for sandwiches depressed him. He encountered Yuna Kamihara's grandmother, who taught him to make rice balls (onigiri) using his sandwich ingredients. He developed a fondness for making onigiri during this period, though he later reverted to his primary obsession with sandwiches. His dynamic with Gantu blends sarcastic commentary with underlying camaraderie, while Hämsterviel generally dismisses him due to perceived laziness.
His role evolves slightly in the third season (*Stitch! ~Best Friends Forever~*). While still allied with Hämsterviel and Gantu, he and Hämsterviel are frequently subjected to punishment by Delia, a ruthless alien scientist who collaborates with them, continuing his subservient role within the antagonist group. Throughout the series, Reuben maintains a complex, almost sibling-like relationship with Stitch, occasionally acting as a rival for Angel's affections but also showing moments of mutual, albeit grudging, respect.
Initially stranded on Earth with Captain Gantu following the events of *Stitch! The Movie*, Reuben serves as Gantu's reluctant galley officer and sarcastic companion during missions for Dr. Hämsterviel. He frequently ridicules Gantu's incompetence but gradually develops a concealed loyalty, considering Gantu his closest companion. This relationship fractures when Gantu abandons him in *Leroy & Stitch*, leaving Reuben bitter and lonely. After Lilo Pelekai offers friendship and names him "Reuben," he overcomes his apathy to assist her in exposing the Leroy clone threat, repairing Gantu's ship, and participating in the battle against Hämsterviel's forces, demonstrating a capacity for courage and selflessness motivated by personal connections.
Within the *Stitch!* anime continuity, Reuben continues his association with Hämsterviel and Gantu, often accompanying them on missions to steal Stitch's Good Deed Counter or harness the power of Izayoi Island's Chitama Spiritual Stone. During an early mission to Earth in this series, searching unsuccessfully for bread for sandwiches depressed him. He encountered Yuna Kamihara's grandmother, who taught him to make rice balls (onigiri) using his sandwich ingredients. He developed a fondness for making onigiri during this period, though he later reverted to his primary obsession with sandwiches. His dynamic with Gantu blends sarcastic commentary with underlying camaraderie, while Hämsterviel generally dismisses him due to perceived laziness.
His role evolves slightly in the third season (*Stitch! ~Best Friends Forever~*). While still allied with Hämsterviel and Gantu, he and Hämsterviel are frequently subjected to punishment by Delia, a ruthless alien scientist who collaborates with them, continuing his subservient role within the antagonist group. Throughout the series, Reuben maintains a complex, almost sibling-like relationship with Stitch, occasionally acting as a rival for Angel's affections but also showing moments of mutual, albeit grudging, respect.