The dark humor of this show makes it more adult oriented, and the DVDs even have a parental warning sticker on them in some stores. It's kind of weird, seeing how this show was originally on Nick. The show's humor is usually focused around dark plots, or strange background happenings. The plots always have some form of sick humor, seeing how the creator is also the writer of "Johnny the Homicidal Maniac" and "Bad Art Collection (A sick comic focused around not-funny happenings made funny by crude drawings). A lot of humor is only funny in the world it is in, such as humans falling for a giant whale as a disguise, or a child in the background of a scene eating a fly. The art style is dark and sick, humans are usually seen with large, nasty boils, and closed eyes, because of an overlapping forehead. The humor also comes from the character's mental state, most side characters are crazy and will scream things like 'The pigs are coming, meat lord is not pleased!" All in all, this may have been longer lived if it were on a different network, but it is the funniest and strangest show I have ever seen.
177 Reviews
Destruction is nice!!!!
kinetsmac16 July 2007
When I first saw an episode of Invader Zim as a kid, I honestly thought it was horrible. It was so different from anything else I had seen on Nickelodean, with a madcap pacing and a somewhat disturbing aesthetic, that I simply wrote it off as lame and ignored it.
Fast foreword to present day, into the magical land of the internet. On a whim, I watched an episode on TV links, just for kicks.
Wow. I don't think I've ever laughed this hard at a kids show.
While I can't vouch the same support for all of the rest of creator Jhonen Vasquez's creations (JTHM is honestly the most spiritually disturbing comic book I've ever seen) it seems that the odd catalyst of children's programming has allowed Vasquez's dark sense of humor to be portrayed to a wider and more digestible age range. Every thing about this show, from the characters to the design to the dialog, is both fascinating and ferociously funny.
The storyline somehow takes the concept of a viscous, xenocidal race of alien conquerers (Zims species, known as the Irken) and makes it utterly hilarious. The zany and bizarre dialog for the character is so comically perfect that one can't help but laugh. Voice actor Richard Steven Horvitz's portrayal of the loony little would be conquerer Zim fits the character like a glove, crazily spewing out lines that will remain in the funny center of your brain for all time:
"Soon the name of Invader Zim will be synonymous with DOOKIE!!!"
"Enjoy your Meaty fate!"
"GIR!!! Stay away from that power amplifier! Your leaking deadly waves of pure stupidity everywhere!"
And speaking of Gir...good LORD, what a brilliantly insane character! With the a voice that sounds like a Furby on a deadly overdose of cocaine and helium, Zim's pint sized robot helper almost steals the show from his maniacal master, to the point that you'll laugh until you truly do cry.
I can understand why Nickelodean canceled this show, it really does have a greater appeal to pre-teen audiences and up more than the Rugrats viewers the company so readily draws in, but it's a complete shame non the less. Dig up this dusty gem if you can, and prepare yourself to be filled with GOO!!
"...MISSION GOO."
Fast foreword to present day, into the magical land of the internet. On a whim, I watched an episode on TV links, just for kicks.
Wow. I don't think I've ever laughed this hard at a kids show.
While I can't vouch the same support for all of the rest of creator Jhonen Vasquez's creations (JTHM is honestly the most spiritually disturbing comic book I've ever seen) it seems that the odd catalyst of children's programming has allowed Vasquez's dark sense of humor to be portrayed to a wider and more digestible age range. Every thing about this show, from the characters to the design to the dialog, is both fascinating and ferociously funny.
The storyline somehow takes the concept of a viscous, xenocidal race of alien conquerers (Zims species, known as the Irken) and makes it utterly hilarious. The zany and bizarre dialog for the character is so comically perfect that one can't help but laugh. Voice actor Richard Steven Horvitz's portrayal of the loony little would be conquerer Zim fits the character like a glove, crazily spewing out lines that will remain in the funny center of your brain for all time:
"Soon the name of Invader Zim will be synonymous with DOOKIE!!!"
"Enjoy your Meaty fate!"
"GIR!!! Stay away from that power amplifier! Your leaking deadly waves of pure stupidity everywhere!"
And speaking of Gir...good LORD, what a brilliantly insane character! With the a voice that sounds like a Furby on a deadly overdose of cocaine and helium, Zim's pint sized robot helper almost steals the show from his maniacal master, to the point that you'll laugh until you truly do cry.
I can understand why Nickelodean canceled this show, it really does have a greater appeal to pre-teen audiences and up more than the Rugrats viewers the company so readily draws in, but it's a complete shame non the less. Dig up this dusty gem if you can, and prepare yourself to be filled with GOO!!
"...MISSION GOO."
You rock, Zim!
doglover_0826 May 2012
I only started watching this in mid-September 2011 and I've realized how funny this show actually is. I've downloaded all the episodes and I can't stop watching this. Richard Horvitz voices Zim so amazingly well & Rikki Simons is the perfect person to voice GIR. Even though GIR may be the funniest character on the show, my favourite character would definitely have to be Zim. He's very awesome as well and he knows that his rival, Dib, will never get to prove to anyone that Zim is actually an alien with a very cool disguise. I don't like Dib as much as what Zim does, but one day, Zim WILL destroy Dib and then he won't have to put up with Dib anymore. Doom to Dib and hooray for Zim! I haven't forgotten about GIR. He's Zim's crazy, silly, but funny robot servant, even when he's in his dog disguise and singing the Doom Song. GIR even says some of the most random, but funny things in a lot of the episodes. I know Zim can't stand GIR sometimes, but GIR can be quite helpful when he's helping Zim defeat Dib. I would keep watching 'Invader Zim' episodes every day, even when I get older and to finish off this review, episodes with only just Dib and Gaz aren't as funny as the episodes with Zim and GIR, which is true. Like the title says, 'You rock, Zim!'
Rest in Peace, solider...
wolfofmoonandsun2 September 2004
What can you say about Invader Zim? If I could, I'd just call it abso-friggin-lutley-fan-bloody-tastic and leave it at that. But I obviously can't do that or my review would be much too short.
The show was about an alien from Irk, a military planet bent on conquering the galaxy. They did this by sending out invaders to study the planets' weaknesses, softening them up for the Irken armada. Enter Zim, who single-handedly ruined the first attempt at galactic conquest by accidentally attacking the planet. He's also very short and since height determines status on Irk, this is bad for him. He "quits being banished" when he hears about Operation Impending Doom II and begs the Almighty Tallest (leaders of the planet--remember the height thing)? for a second chance. They finally send him to a "secret planet," expecting him to die and thus be out of their way for good. Zim doesn't die, but arrives on Earth, where he makes himself a very crude disguise and house. He joins the skool (I'm not kidding, that's the way it's spelled all throughout the show) hoping to learn more about the planet, and that's where he meets Dib. Dib loves paranormal things and is the only one who sees through the disguise...but of course no one believes him. From that point on, Zim tries to destroy the earth and Dib tries to capture/expose him for what he really is. This isn't a pathetic "Ash and Team Rocket" rivalry either. These guys think nothing of killing each other, especially in Zim's case. Look to episodes like "Dark Harvest," "Room with a Moose," and "Nanozim" for proof. It can get pretty dark, though still pretty appropriate for kids. My 9 year old cousin likes it fine.
There are so many good things about this show I don't know where to begin. The animation is what you'd expect from Jhonen Vasquez, and puts other cartoons I've seen to shame (*coughWildThornberriescough*). The music matches the mood of the show, from the pulsing theme to the surreal disco of the Mexico scene in "Walk of Doom." Flawless voice acting-especially with Richard Horvitz, who can turn Zim from evil to adorable in seconds, and Rikki Simons who masters Zim's idiotic robot slave, GIR. There's a lot of background behind the plot and characters. If you care to look, you can find information on the Irken's history, biology, and economy-it's really a smart show! The secondary characters are amazing too. Miss Bitters is the creepy teacher with some of the funniest lines in the show ("The lesson here is that dreams inevitably lead to hideous implosions"). Gaz is Dib's Gothic sister who plays video games nonstop. Even the people standing in the background can give you a laugh (and be sure to look for the many cameos!)
And to think that all this was canceled, probably to make room for more Spongebob and Jimmy Neutron. The way Nick slowly killed the show through budget cuts and censorship proved they don't want to entertain older viewers like they did in the old days, so in a way the whole channel died with the show.
Good-bye Zim. Thank you for the gift of laughter we can never repay.
The show was about an alien from Irk, a military planet bent on conquering the galaxy. They did this by sending out invaders to study the planets' weaknesses, softening them up for the Irken armada. Enter Zim, who single-handedly ruined the first attempt at galactic conquest by accidentally attacking the planet. He's also very short and since height determines status on Irk, this is bad for him. He "quits being banished" when he hears about Operation Impending Doom II and begs the Almighty Tallest (leaders of the planet--remember the height thing)? for a second chance. They finally send him to a "secret planet," expecting him to die and thus be out of their way for good. Zim doesn't die, but arrives on Earth, where he makes himself a very crude disguise and house. He joins the skool (I'm not kidding, that's the way it's spelled all throughout the show) hoping to learn more about the planet, and that's where he meets Dib. Dib loves paranormal things and is the only one who sees through the disguise...but of course no one believes him. From that point on, Zim tries to destroy the earth and Dib tries to capture/expose him for what he really is. This isn't a pathetic "Ash and Team Rocket" rivalry either. These guys think nothing of killing each other, especially in Zim's case. Look to episodes like "Dark Harvest," "Room with a Moose," and "Nanozim" for proof. It can get pretty dark, though still pretty appropriate for kids. My 9 year old cousin likes it fine.
There are so many good things about this show I don't know where to begin. The animation is what you'd expect from Jhonen Vasquez, and puts other cartoons I've seen to shame (*coughWildThornberriescough*). The music matches the mood of the show, from the pulsing theme to the surreal disco of the Mexico scene in "Walk of Doom." Flawless voice acting-especially with Richard Horvitz, who can turn Zim from evil to adorable in seconds, and Rikki Simons who masters Zim's idiotic robot slave, GIR. There's a lot of background behind the plot and characters. If you care to look, you can find information on the Irken's history, biology, and economy-it's really a smart show! The secondary characters are amazing too. Miss Bitters is the creepy teacher with some of the funniest lines in the show ("The lesson here is that dreams inevitably lead to hideous implosions"). Gaz is Dib's Gothic sister who plays video games nonstop. Even the people standing in the background can give you a laugh (and be sure to look for the many cameos!)
And to think that all this was canceled, probably to make room for more Spongebob and Jimmy Neutron. The way Nick slowly killed the show through budget cuts and censorship proved they don't want to entertain older viewers like they did in the old days, so in a way the whole channel died with the show.
Good-bye Zim. Thank you for the gift of laughter we can never repay.
great show!
secrective6 August 2001
whoo, i like this one a lot! the music is GREAT, the charecters and story are amazing!! the animation quality is good and the CG effects blend well. i hope nickolodeon allows this one to go on for a long time...
This cartoon is about an alien who is trying to take over the earth, of course, first he must learn about the humans... anyways, go see it if its on, its cool.
if you like this show, i reccomend "the head" it was on mtv and you can buy/rent it in stores.
This cartoon is about an alien who is trying to take over the earth, of course, first he must learn about the humans... anyways, go see it if its on, its cool.
if you like this show, i reccomend "the head" it was on mtv and you can buy/rent it in stores.
Provided you are a severely twisted individual, then this series is for you!
planktonrules16 November 2006
I have a super-high tolerance for the weird and often seek out strange movies and TV shows, so my liking INVADER ZIM isn't a surprise. But what is surprising is that so many of the kids at the high school where I teach love this show! This probably means that Nickelodeon pulled the plug on this series way too quick AND I teach at a school for so pretty weird and twisted kids!!! After all, "normal" folks probably won't like this show as it's just so gosh-darn strange and makes no effort to appeal to the masses! The phrase "this isn't your daddy's cartoon" strongly comes to mind!
Zim is an incredibly dim creature from the Irken Empire--sent to Earth to conquer us stupid "meat puppets" (humans). The humans in the series are almost all universally stupid and oblivious to the fact that a hostile alien is living among them! In fact, the only one who recognizes this is the ultra-bizarre boy, Dib. He notices that the new kid at school has green skin and antennae, but everyone else hates Dib for being so insensitive to Zim's "skin condition". In episode after episode, Zim tries very unsuccessfully to either conquer the planet or at least beat his arch-nemesis, Dib. Fortunately, Zim is so brain-dead that the likelihood of his succeeding is nil--especially since his helper is the strangest and coolest robot ever invented, Gir.
The show has good production values, excellent and over-the-top voice acting and generally good writing (though a few episodes are a bit flat--it's just very hard to be so weird and so entertaining again and again). My personal favorite episode,...? Hmm,...it would be the one where all the main characters are on a TV show investigating the paranormal. I just LOVED Gir's rendition of what REALLY occurred!! So, if you are weird or want to become weird, then this show is for you. All others, watch it at your own risk---and don't say I didn't warn you!
Zim is an incredibly dim creature from the Irken Empire--sent to Earth to conquer us stupid "meat puppets" (humans). The humans in the series are almost all universally stupid and oblivious to the fact that a hostile alien is living among them! In fact, the only one who recognizes this is the ultra-bizarre boy, Dib. He notices that the new kid at school has green skin and antennae, but everyone else hates Dib for being so insensitive to Zim's "skin condition". In episode after episode, Zim tries very unsuccessfully to either conquer the planet or at least beat his arch-nemesis, Dib. Fortunately, Zim is so brain-dead that the likelihood of his succeeding is nil--especially since his helper is the strangest and coolest robot ever invented, Gir.
The show has good production values, excellent and over-the-top voice acting and generally good writing (though a few episodes are a bit flat--it's just very hard to be so weird and so entertaining again and again). My personal favorite episode,...? Hmm,...it would be the one where all the main characters are on a TV show investigating the paranormal. I just LOVED Gir's rendition of what REALLY occurred!! So, if you are weird or want to become weird, then this show is for you. All others, watch it at your own risk---and don't say I didn't warn you!
One of the BEST Nickelodeon Shows EVER!
amberlese15 August 2012
One of the funniest, 'Juiciest' kids cartoons EVER! This reminds me of when Nickelodeon used to be kinda cool. Invader Zim is so Awesome, Hilarious & Interesting. I LOVE this show, I can never get tired of this show, ever! It's SOO Funny, I can't turn from the screen when It's on, it's so funny my chest hurts from the laughing!(THE MADNESS!!!) Three of the greatest Nickelodeon shows ever: Ren & Stimpy, Avatar & Invader Zim (their might be a couple more I'm forgetting to include). Invader Zim's the type of show that I can watch reruns to, over & over again, without getting sick of it. I've never met anyone who could resist this show.
Invader Zim
ViernesTresAM5 January 2012
This is one of the, if not THE best cartoon shows I've ever watched, and I've certainly watched a lot. I actually don't understand how is it that this show ever made it to TV. It's depiction of society as completely stupid, useless and disgusting is so controversial, but so true! Everything in this show is reality, ironically heightened to ridiculous extremes! It's incredibly funny, specially when you get older and watch it again, and understand everything you couldn't as a child, and discover all the innuendos. The situations are hilarious too, but I think the best thing about this show are the little details and hidden mocks. It's also kind of dark, and the animation is really cool. So if you're into all those weird 90's cartoons which are kind of gross but funny as hell, this is definitely for you! 10/10
Goodbye Zim. You had a good run.
jcbitsas1 March 2008
Warning: Spoilers
What can I say about Invader Zim? It was a show that I always got up to watch on Saturday afternoons. It always left me rolling on the floor laughing. It just made me happy. What happened to this show you ask? It got canceled due to poor advertising techniques and poor ratings. Well the people at Nick didn't know crap! Here's how the show went.
It starts out on the planet Conventia (the convention hall planet) where the Great Assignment is being held. There many great soldiers from the planet Irk will get an assigned planet and become an invader for Operation Impending Doom II. But someone comes in to crash the party. It is none other than Zim, an ex-invader from Operation Impending doom I (where Zim accidentally destroys his own planet). So in order to get rid of him once and for all, the Allmighty Tallest (the leaders of Irk) send him on a "secret mission" to an unknown planet, thinking he'd die in the process. But Zim makes it there alive and the planet he lands on is Earth. So he and is dopey robot slave Gir try to take over the planet, all while avoiding Dib,a smart (if not somewhat creepy)10 year old "paranormal investigator," from exposing him for what he really is.
Zim was a very good show filled with laughter, suspense, and all that jazz. With very talented voice actors such as Richard Horvitz and Melissa Fahn you'll always be laughing. Nick did did harm to a huge fan-base by canceling the show. Well, bye Zim. We will all miss you.
It starts out on the planet Conventia (the convention hall planet) where the Great Assignment is being held. There many great soldiers from the planet Irk will get an assigned planet and become an invader for Operation Impending Doom II. But someone comes in to crash the party. It is none other than Zim, an ex-invader from Operation Impending doom I (where Zim accidentally destroys his own planet). So in order to get rid of him once and for all, the Allmighty Tallest (the leaders of Irk) send him on a "secret mission" to an unknown planet, thinking he'd die in the process. But Zim makes it there alive and the planet he lands on is Earth. So he and is dopey robot slave Gir try to take over the planet, all while avoiding Dib,a smart (if not somewhat creepy)10 year old "paranormal investigator," from exposing him for what he really is.
Zim was a very good show filled with laughter, suspense, and all that jazz. With very talented voice actors such as Richard Horvitz and Melissa Fahn you'll always be laughing. Nick did did harm to a huge fan-base by canceling the show. Well, bye Zim. We will all miss you.
We require m0ar!
max-k-hansen20 November 2012
We require more Zim. And Gir. Let us not forget the Gir.
(Should be all upper case, but it wont let me, also, this site is very P.C., obviously, and it's kind of annoying).
Apparently I am shouting in my review, so I'll write more. This show is great it if funny as all hell. I personally love it. Makes fun of many things, including the rising obesity epidemic (which is somewhat close to me). No only that, but it has much darker humor than many 'kids' shows and I love the randomness. Plus, all the characters seem to be pretty well developed, but I may be talking out my butt (can I swear on this site? Seems to be very P.C. oriented). Anywho, good show. Funny, and all that stuff.
There. Is that long enough for you? Is it enough for you snobs to realize that Gir is all powerful, and that the mighty Zim is the greatest, and should be re-aired.
(Should be all upper case, but it wont let me, also, this site is very P.C., obviously, and it's kind of annoying).
Apparently I am shouting in my review, so I'll write more. This show is great it if funny as all hell. I personally love it. Makes fun of many things, including the rising obesity epidemic (which is somewhat close to me). No only that, but it has much darker humor than many 'kids' shows and I love the randomness. Plus, all the characters seem to be pretty well developed, but I may be talking out my butt (can I swear on this site? Seems to be very P.C. oriented). Anywho, good show. Funny, and all that stuff.
There. Is that long enough for you? Is it enough for you snobs to realize that Gir is all powerful, and that the mighty Zim is the greatest, and should be re-aired.
Great Show But Episodes Get Old Fast
emplordxiii18 January 2008
Warning: Spoilers
"Invader Zim" is so far one of the greatest shows of this century. With great characters in a even greater stories, this show is highly recommended to everyone. Sadly, there is one problem with the show, it gets old fast.
Most episodes get old after seeing them in the first time because the story is not fully develop, manly it gives out obvious hints to viewers on the actions characters make that lead to their downfall. For example in the "NanoZim" short, Dib takes a photograph of Zim's alien form and plans to send it to Mysterious Mysteries to prove Zim is an alien, unfortunately, Dib waits until the next day to send it, which gives Zim enough time to enter Dib's body to erase Dib's memory on where he left the photograph then proceeds to destroy Dib's brain. This could have been made to two different shorts, one where Zim chases Dib to get the photograph before Dibs gives it to Mysterious Mysteries and Zim entering Dib's body to destroy his brain to get rid of Dib once and for all.
The second best cartoon created by Nickelodeon, behind "Spongebob Squarepants." With many episodes getting old fast, people can see why it received low ratings, which led to the show's cancellation.
Most episodes get old after seeing them in the first time because the story is not fully develop, manly it gives out obvious hints to viewers on the actions characters make that lead to their downfall. For example in the "NanoZim" short, Dib takes a photograph of Zim's alien form and plans to send it to Mysterious Mysteries to prove Zim is an alien, unfortunately, Dib waits until the next day to send it, which gives Zim enough time to enter Dib's body to erase Dib's memory on where he left the photograph then proceeds to destroy Dib's brain. This could have been made to two different shorts, one where Zim chases Dib to get the photograph before Dibs gives it to Mysterious Mysteries and Zim entering Dib's body to destroy his brain to get rid of Dib once and for all.
The second best cartoon created by Nickelodeon, behind "Spongebob Squarepants." With many episodes getting old fast, people can see why it received low ratings, which led to the show's cancellation.
I loved it as a kid, now I can't stand it.
prestonwardcondra6 September 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Extremely surprised by the praise this show gets. It's not horrendous or anything. I even bought Season 2 of this show back when I was in 6th Grade (2006)
Now it seems this show doesn't age very well. Number one reason being that only about 20 or so episodes of Invader Zim were ever made and seeing the same episodes on rotate, again and again really gets annoying after awhile.
The plot is this. Zim and Gir are sent on a mission by the Irks (a race of aliens) to take over Planet Earth. A very simple premise, fine and dandy.
Zim (the main character) doesn't know how to keep his damn mouth shut for more than five seconds and his arch-rival Dib, isn't that much better with trying to the prove the existence of aliens in...oh I don't know in EVERY SINGLE EPISODE. It's a washed out formula that gets on my nerves.
The only episode I honestly I ever really cared for was the "Mysterious Mysteries" episode with Kevin Michael Ricardson trying to bring some life in his dying TV program and the flying squirrel eating Dib's head (in Gir's imagination) was hilarious.
But that's my ten cents as far as I'm concerned with this cartoon and I'm sticking with it.
Now it seems this show doesn't age very well. Number one reason being that only about 20 or so episodes of Invader Zim were ever made and seeing the same episodes on rotate, again and again really gets annoying after awhile.
The plot is this. Zim and Gir are sent on a mission by the Irks (a race of aliens) to take over Planet Earth. A very simple premise, fine and dandy.
Zim (the main character) doesn't know how to keep his damn mouth shut for more than five seconds and his arch-rival Dib, isn't that much better with trying to the prove the existence of aliens in...oh I don't know in EVERY SINGLE EPISODE. It's a washed out formula that gets on my nerves.
The only episode I honestly I ever really cared for was the "Mysterious Mysteries" episode with Kevin Michael Ricardson trying to bring some life in his dying TV program and the flying squirrel eating Dib's head (in Gir's imagination) was hilarious.
But that's my ten cents as far as I'm concerned with this cartoon and I'm sticking with it.
Invader Zim: Original, Funny, and Unparalleled
mattbowyer_8430 April 2005
In 2001, children television network Nickelodeon released a cartoon called Invader Zim, created by comic book writer Jhonen Vasquez. It had a brief two season run, and developed a cult following before Nick canceled it in 2003. It involves the adventures of an outcast Irken alien named Zim (Voiced by Richard Steven Horvitz), who "quit being banished" when he heard about Operation Impending Doom II (Impending Doom I was ruined when Zim destroyed the Irken home world). His leaders, The Tallest, send Zim to a "secret planet", hoping that Zim will be lost forever and meet his death, thereby no longer being a pain in the Tallest's butts. He's also given an insane robot named Gir("What does the G stand for?").
Well, Zim doesn't get lost or die. Instead, he finds Earth (Our planet, in case you don't know), and sets up a base of operations, and disguises himself as a human school boy, and Gir receives a dog get-up that is both ridiculous and cute in a weird way. He goes to "Skool" (That's how it's spelled), to gain knowledge on humanity, and nobody even suspects that he's an alien. Everyone, that is, except Dib (Voice by Andy Berman), a self-proclaimed "Paranormal investigator", who develops a heated rivalry with Zim, the two even trying to kill one another on several occasions.
Now that I've got the show's premise out of the way, here is my opinion. When the show premiered in 2001, I was instantly hooked. With original plots, some that seem to be pulled from classic 50's sci-fi, memorable characters, and an effective mix of cell-shading, CGI, and traditional animation techniques, Invader Zim was an instant classic. I'd tune in every week to see what Zim and his dysfunctional robot Gir would get into, whether it was exterminating germs or Gir merging himself with the house.
The voice actors deserve credit where credit is due. Richard Steven Horvitz turns in a spectacular performance as Zim. Horvitz can make Zim from the nicest guy to the biggest a-hole. Andy Berman is right on the money as Dib. He has just the right kind of voice for a Mulder-wannabe. But those two take a back seat to Rosearik Rikki Simons, who brilliantly voices the robot Gir. He is very effective at making Gir such a hilarious and unforgettable character.
Like many fans, I was shocked and angry when I learned that Invader Zim had been canceled. By that point, a lot of Nickelodeon's best cartoons (Like Rocko's Modern Life and Angry Beavers), had been taken off the air, and replaced by all the Jimmy Newtron and Spongebob crap. Invader Zim wasn't spared either.
Overall, Invader Zim excelled in it's sick (Though toned down for kids) humor, and outrageous plots, even though it was short-lived. Never before was there a cartoon quite like it, and there probably never will be.
The Final Verdict: 10/10: The last of the great Nickelodeon cartoons, and one of the funniest, most creative shows ever conceived. In Zim's words...IT'S GENIUS!!!
Well, Zim doesn't get lost or die. Instead, he finds Earth (Our planet, in case you don't know), and sets up a base of operations, and disguises himself as a human school boy, and Gir receives a dog get-up that is both ridiculous and cute in a weird way. He goes to "Skool" (That's how it's spelled), to gain knowledge on humanity, and nobody even suspects that he's an alien. Everyone, that is, except Dib (Voice by Andy Berman), a self-proclaimed "Paranormal investigator", who develops a heated rivalry with Zim, the two even trying to kill one another on several occasions.
Now that I've got the show's premise out of the way, here is my opinion. When the show premiered in 2001, I was instantly hooked. With original plots, some that seem to be pulled from classic 50's sci-fi, memorable characters, and an effective mix of cell-shading, CGI, and traditional animation techniques, Invader Zim was an instant classic. I'd tune in every week to see what Zim and his dysfunctional robot Gir would get into, whether it was exterminating germs or Gir merging himself with the house.
The voice actors deserve credit where credit is due. Richard Steven Horvitz turns in a spectacular performance as Zim. Horvitz can make Zim from the nicest guy to the biggest a-hole. Andy Berman is right on the money as Dib. He has just the right kind of voice for a Mulder-wannabe. But those two take a back seat to Rosearik Rikki Simons, who brilliantly voices the robot Gir. He is very effective at making Gir such a hilarious and unforgettable character.
Like many fans, I was shocked and angry when I learned that Invader Zim had been canceled. By that point, a lot of Nickelodeon's best cartoons (Like Rocko's Modern Life and Angry Beavers), had been taken off the air, and replaced by all the Jimmy Newtron and Spongebob crap. Invader Zim wasn't spared either.
Overall, Invader Zim excelled in it's sick (Though toned down for kids) humor, and outrageous plots, even though it was short-lived. Never before was there a cartoon quite like it, and there probably never will be.
The Final Verdict: 10/10: The last of the great Nickelodeon cartoons, and one of the funniest, most creative shows ever conceived. In Zim's words...IT'S GENIUS!!!
Us Older Guys Can Watch this and laugh
Rabh1726 April 2007
I downloaded ZIM from iTunes while I was snagging a bunch of other stuff, thinking it would be a light laugh.
My sides HURT from the laughing.
Beyond GIR the robot, ZIM is really for Teens and Up. And by Up, I mean past 30. Only an Adult can laugh at the way the other adults in this cartoon are behaving. 'Miss Bitters' hits you where only an Adult remembering First Grade can be hit.
"Oh you poor doomed child!" She says, and us older people just nod in Knowledgeable sympathy and wipe the tears of hilarity from our eyes. Listen and attempt to catch the tidbits and satirical sideswipes at American Culture when you're not screaming along with ZIM.
If I had a rough day-- a ZIM episode put the rest of my evening aright.
My sides HURT from the laughing.
Beyond GIR the robot, ZIM is really for Teens and Up. And by Up, I mean past 30. Only an Adult can laugh at the way the other adults in this cartoon are behaving. 'Miss Bitters' hits you where only an Adult remembering First Grade can be hit.
"Oh you poor doomed child!" She says, and us older people just nod in Knowledgeable sympathy and wipe the tears of hilarity from our eyes. Listen and attempt to catch the tidbits and satirical sideswipes at American Culture when you're not screaming along with ZIM.
If I had a rough day-- a ZIM episode put the rest of my evening aright.
One heck of a show, one wrong network
casto-4428 July 2008
Great show, great actors, humor, animation, everything! From the wild antics of GIR, to the plots of Zims to conquer Earth. This show was the top of the line, it still remains as my favorite show on Nick, even though I was pretty young when it was in its prime, I loved the humor then, too! But this show had dark times coming, darker than the show itself. Nickelodeon is a kid-oriented network, and when they take ratings, they take them from kids 5-11, so where do the teens fit in? The ratings would have skyrocketed had Nick taken the ratings from teenagers. Even some adults I know love it! It wasn't because Zim cursed in an episode, not because Nick found out of all the images Jhonen had hidden. Nick had just been doing their job, making shows for kids, and kids only. CN however, that's a different story. They have afternoon shows for kids, nightly shows for adults, and early-evening shows for teens (i.e. Courage the Cowardly Dog, etc.) many of which are pretty dark. This would have been the perfect network for Invader Zim to continue throughout its hilarious storyline. So all it was was a poorly chosen network... Well, its over, and the creators and actors said they wouldn't ever do it again, possibly to spite Nick. One things for sure, no other show can mimic the voice of GIR, the natural darkness of everything. I love it, if you haven't seen it, its available in many places. many places.
I love this show
smokiekittycat8 April 2006
What to say about this show how about that it is the best in the world. The characters are great there's Gir the emotional robot who loves tacos and dib the kid that no one believes gaz the scary sister the tallest are jerks that love snacks and hate anyone who small. I love all the characters and the quotes. The best episode's are Boluisous Maximus,Gaz taster of pork,the most horrible Xmas ever and walk of doom. Me and my sister love it when Pro.Mem. as a child is about to open a present and said ( Oh boy I asked Santa to give me 12 cases of uranium 238 yahoo(then he flails his cute little arms opens the box and socks come pouring out! and he said( No Santa has let me down I will hereby turn my back on him and dedicate a proportion of my life to destroying Santa( then he screams and gets buried in socks . Oh bad Nick for canceling it just because they thought it was inappropriate humph. Thats a lot of bull my 10 yr old cousin loved it and so does my 7 yr old sister. I have the 3rd DVD with the deleted episode's and there all so wonderful maybe this wonderful show will come back someday. Oh and I don't blame other shows that nick made I BLAME THEM. I like IZ and SS/FO/JN/ INVADER ZIM RULES OBEY HIS FIST!!
Delightfully dark
briancham199413 November 2020
This animated series was a key part of my childhood. The style of humour is quite unique as it is dark and nihilistic yet also absurd and surreal. The visual style also matches as everything is angular and distorted. This was full of very memorable characters and catch phrases. The series was always very creative. A great cartoon.
Invader Zim
themonkeyman71718 February 2012
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of the best Television shows that Nickelodeon ever did. It's a shame that the show did not last for very long. It is 100x better than most of the new garbage shows that are out now a days. This is funny for kids of all ages and there is sometimes even some adult humor thrown in. From the first episode to the last, this show will be sure to give you thousands of laughs, while maintaining a very interesting and well written story line throughout the entire series. The Dib and Zim rivalry from the moment they meet keeps everyone's attention as well all the zany and odd characters that are met along the way. Gr really keeps the funny aspect alive in the show with all of the antics that the little robot pulls that interfere with all of Zim's plans. This show is definitely worth a shot if you not already seen it, and if you have, go back and relive the memories.
The greatest show ever made on Nickelodeon
dussaultjulien19 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
In my humble opinion, this show was absolutely the greatest animated series I have ever seen. There was never an episode that was not funny, and all the original episodes are rewatchable and still funny even after all of these years.
The writing, animation and insanity were way ahead of its time for the show and I think that's why it got canceled. Luckily enough, if the movie that's good we might be getting a reboot of the series.
The writing, animation and insanity were way ahead of its time for the show and I think that's why it got canceled. Luckily enough, if the movie that's good we might be getting a reboot of the series.
This is a Great show but it was too Dark for Nickelodeon.
GravityLoudHouseLover13 July 2015
Hello Again and Today I'm going to write a review on Invader ZIM a Show that was great but Too dark for Nickelodeon. This show was about an Invader named ZIM who comes to conquer earth with a boy named Dib who is trying to convince people the he is alien from the planet Irk. There is also GIR who is ZIM's crazy robot who loves pigs. Then there Dib's sister GAZ who is very angry when Dib bother her and she gets very cynical with Dib when he is trying to tell her that ZIM is alien. Then there is Mrs. Bitters Who ZIM's and Dib's teacher. This show weird but funny at times. BOTTOM LINE this was great but too dark for Nickelodeon but It was a great show in my opinion. I'm giving this show a 10 out 10 stars. See You Later.
A pointless mound of toxic waste...
Theshapeshifter26 July 2005
I really don't see why people like this program if it makes absolutely no sense and absolutely everything about it is dark and foreboding. This show is humorous only to those who enjoy the dark comedies and evil feelings that Zim projects. Absolutely nothing about this is interesting to those with more...refined taste. I watched this program and felt that Zim's character has no niceties about his character, and everything about him and the rest of the cast is evil and foreboding. It appears that everything on this show is evil and there are never any blue skies or any feelings of positive emotion that is not stemmed to some evil victory for the villain or the so called "hero", Dib.
Simply put, this show is a waste because apart from there being no good within any of the characters in the show, it seems to bring absolutely nothing to the table. It seems that this show consists of an alien from the "Irken" race of aliens sent out to conquer a planet and make the inhabitants of said planet slaves to the Irken race. Zim only got where he is in the story lines because he was a pest to the race's leaders.
This show has no appeal to those of us with a refined sense of humor and I thus spit on it and all who enjoy it, for the simple reason that it only conveys dark humor and insanity of the most vulgar variety.
My personal critique: Invader Zim is the show which the forsaken dark humored fellows have eked out.
Simply put, this show is a waste because apart from there being no good within any of the characters in the show, it seems to bring absolutely nothing to the table. It seems that this show consists of an alien from the "Irken" race of aliens sent out to conquer a planet and make the inhabitants of said planet slaves to the Irken race. Zim only got where he is in the story lines because he was a pest to the race's leaders.
This show has no appeal to those of us with a refined sense of humor and I thus spit on it and all who enjoy it, for the simple reason that it only conveys dark humor and insanity of the most vulgar variety.
My personal critique: Invader Zim is the show which the forsaken dark humored fellows have eked out.
Utter insanity...I LOVE IT!
rdatsun6 January 2005
Like most, I was shocked and extremely disappointed with Nick when they pulled the plug on this show. Not that I have anything against them, they're an alright company (though I loathe Rugrats, they seriously overplay that toon). But you think that a network that wants as many good shows as it can get would hang on to something this unique. Alas they wanted save face and keep their kiddie image. So when they went to the creator to tone down its...aggressive nature. He refused on most accounts and well, you know the rest. Still in its aftermath, the show has gained a tons of fans, merchandise and a huge effort to get it back on the air (though i doubt its possible due to the creator's statement about never working in animation again...quitter :P).
I've been with the show ever since its premiere and its taken awhile to grow on me but thats mainly due to extreme craziness this show belts out. Common sense is just thrown out the window in IZ though you can still make out the stories between the screaming and mayhem. And what a bunch of stories, I've never seen such creativeness crammed into thirty minutes. The writers take such simple concepts and really go nuts with them. Your always expecting one thing then something just jump out of nowhere to really make you head spin. And with characters as wired as Zim or as annoying as Dib, why wouldn't it. And the humor, oh it just got to be seen to believed. A perfect blend of sci-fi and dark humor. All I can tell you is by the time the credits roll, you be grasping for air due to all the laughing (considering you have a taste in this type of stuff). I can kinda see why Nick was a little uneasy with most of the content. Its not vulgar but it is a little disturbing now and then.
Artwise, its an very unique style. Cute yet creepy with a nice blend of colors and shading. The CGI parts aren't bad neither especially with its use of camera on action scenes. The only flaw I noticed about it is that the lips can't keep up with the words half the time. But that a usual problem most cartoons have, so it can be overlooked.
Music, well done with dramatic beats that really enhance the craziness of the situations. Ditto on the voice acting as they match up to the characters really well. Even the background characters are worth listening too.
Overall, it was a fine series while it lasted and was unfairly canned due to the network not having it way (and mean seriously Nick, "buget problems". If you can't admit you had personal problems with the show. Then your not the network I watched as a kid). I doubt we'll ever get a show like this again but at least fans can enjoy it on the rightly deserved DVDs. VICTORY! VICTORY FOR THE ZIM FANS!
I've been with the show ever since its premiere and its taken awhile to grow on me but thats mainly due to extreme craziness this show belts out. Common sense is just thrown out the window in IZ though you can still make out the stories between the screaming and mayhem. And what a bunch of stories, I've never seen such creativeness crammed into thirty minutes. The writers take such simple concepts and really go nuts with them. Your always expecting one thing then something just jump out of nowhere to really make you head spin. And with characters as wired as Zim or as annoying as Dib, why wouldn't it. And the humor, oh it just got to be seen to believed. A perfect blend of sci-fi and dark humor. All I can tell you is by the time the credits roll, you be grasping for air due to all the laughing (considering you have a taste in this type of stuff). I can kinda see why Nick was a little uneasy with most of the content. Its not vulgar but it is a little disturbing now and then.
Artwise, its an very unique style. Cute yet creepy with a nice blend of colors and shading. The CGI parts aren't bad neither especially with its use of camera on action scenes. The only flaw I noticed about it is that the lips can't keep up with the words half the time. But that a usual problem most cartoons have, so it can be overlooked.
Music, well done with dramatic beats that really enhance the craziness of the situations. Ditto on the voice acting as they match up to the characters really well. Even the background characters are worth listening too.
Overall, it was a fine series while it lasted and was unfairly canned due to the network not having it way (and mean seriously Nick, "buget problems". If you can't admit you had personal problems with the show. Then your not the network I watched as a kid). I doubt we'll ever get a show like this again but at least fans can enjoy it on the rightly deserved DVDs. VICTORY! VICTORY FOR THE ZIM FANS!
It was great, but don't watch after 'Backseat drivers...'
Jozxyqk4 November 2005
I loved Invader Zim back when I only saw the first lot of episodes. Practically anything Gir said was a riot, as well as Zim's computer and Professor Frink too.
The visual style was like an even more warped version of 'Nightmare before Christmas' (especially the Halloween episode), and the humour at times very surreal.
Unfortunately, like most shows, it really went downhill after a while. I'm not sure what category you would put it in at jumptheshark.com, but the first really bad episode was 'Zim Eats Waffles', and from that point on they just got worse.
A lot of people are complaining about how this was canceled before it's time, but I'm glad. Some series should've been axed when they were in their prime so we remember them better.
I'm not badmouthing the whole series just because of those last few episodes, I'm just saying watch the show up until and including 'Backseat drivers from Beyond the Stars'.
The visual style was like an even more warped version of 'Nightmare before Christmas' (especially the Halloween episode), and the humour at times very surreal.
Unfortunately, like most shows, it really went downhill after a while. I'm not sure what category you would put it in at jumptheshark.com, but the first really bad episode was 'Zim Eats Waffles', and from that point on they just got worse.
A lot of people are complaining about how this was canceled before it's time, but I'm glad. Some series should've been axed when they were in their prime so we remember them better.
I'm not badmouthing the whole series just because of those last few episodes, I'm just saying watch the show up until and including 'Backseat drivers from Beyond the Stars'.
Too bad it was canceled.
a051022674 July 2008
"Invader Zim" was one of the best shows of Nickelodeon. It was dark and the humor was sarcastic and sometimes mean, but that is what make it so special. Created by Johnen Vazquez, comic book artist and author of Johnny the Homicidal Maniac, came with this incredible show. Even when the show was intended to children, the style and the character are quite interesting for teenagers and adults as well.
Basically it follows the adventures of a little and destructive alien called Zim, in his attempt to conquer the planet Earth as a "mission" (when actually the leaders send him to earth just to get rid of him) accompanied by Gir, a stupid but adorable robot as his sidekick.
Invader Zim is not like the other Nicktoons, it is more original and mature. However, like many good shows, it was canceled, without giving it a chance. What a shame (Same thing happened with "Ren & Stimpy" another good show of Nickelodeon)
Basically it follows the adventures of a little and destructive alien called Zim, in his attempt to conquer the planet Earth as a "mission" (when actually the leaders send him to earth just to get rid of him) accompanied by Gir, a stupid but adorable robot as his sidekick.
Invader Zim is not like the other Nicktoons, it is more original and mature. However, like many good shows, it was canceled, without giving it a chance. What a shame (Same thing happened with "Ren & Stimpy" another good show of Nickelodeon)
I love this show.
sweetKLP420 January 2003
Invader Zim is a very funny cartoon to watch. It's really funny to know that an Irken Alien travels to earth with a stupid but funny robot named GIR. Zim thinks of stupid plans to destroy the humans. But those plans never work because of Dib stopping him. This show is also funny becaus of GIR. Every body loves GIR. because he is so darn funny. If you have never seen Invader Zim, you can watch it on Nickelodeon on the weekends.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
