Invader Zim Vol. 1 – The Return of DOOM!
𧏠Genre
Science Fiction đž | Dark Comedy đ€Ą | Satirical Supervillainy đ„ | Alien Invasion đœ | All-Ages (with a twisted streak)
đŸ Main Characters
-
Zim – A delusional, loud-mouthed Irken invader obsessed with conquering Earth—despite being exiled by his own species.
-
Dib Membrane – A human paranormal investigator and Zim’s self-proclaimed archenemy. Determined, awkward, and always watching.
-
GIR – Zim’s malfunctioning and hilariously unpredictable robot companion. A chaos gremlin in a dog suit.
-
Gaz – Dib’s cynical sister, who mostly wants to play video games and be left alone—but always ends up dragged into alien nonsense.
-
The Almighty Tallest – The lazy leaders of the Irken Empire, more concerned with snacks than interstellar conquest.
đ️ Writer
Jhonen Vasquez – Creator of the original Invader Zim TV series, Vasquez brings his iconic mix of biting humor, manic energy, and social satire to the comic revival. His voice remains razor-sharp and unmistakably ZIM.
đš Artist
Aaron Alexovich – A longtime collaborator with Vasquez and veteran of the original TV series’ design team. His art captures the show's exaggerated expressions and chaotic aesthetic with pitch-perfect fidelity.
✏️ Editor Details
Robin Herrera (Editor) – Oversaw the adaptation of the show’s distinct tone into comic format while preserving its weird charm. Editorial input ensured tight pacing and authentic character voices.
đą Publisher and Brand
Published by Oni Press under the official Invader Zim license. The series remains true to its Nickelodeon roots while catering to long-time fans and new readers alike.
đ Release Year
2015
đ Brief Plot Summary
Zim has been missing for ages… or so it seems. In reality, he’s been lurking in a toilet or something equally gross. But Dib, Earth’s most obsessive alien watchdog, has never let his guard down. When Zim finally resurfaces to resume his idiotic quest for world domination, the two rivals clash once more in a series of absurd, galaxy-threatening misadventures. Featuring rogue science, interdimensional mayhem, and breakfast-related treason, this first volume collects Invader Zim issues #1–5 and sets the stage for a gloriously stupid war of wits.
đ Notable Arcs or Storylines
-
"The Return of Zim" – Zim’s grand comeback is so underwhelming it’s almost brilliant. A low-key invasion plan becomes a high-stakes disaster.
-
"Battle Dib" – Dib prepares his body (and surveillance room) for the eventual reappearance of Zim, which turns into an unhealthy obsession.
-
"GIR’s Pizza Obsession" – GIR’s side story turns into a deranged journey involving pizza, chaos, and poorly functioning AI.
đ§ Fan Theories or Interpretations
-
Zim is a Distraction: Some fans theorize that the Tallest sent Zim to Earth not just to get rid of him, but to distract him from uncovering some deeper galactic conspiracy.
-
GIR’s Randomness = Hidden Code: A growing fan theory suggests GIR’s erratic behavior may be part of an undiscovered failsafe protocol from the Irken Empire.
-
Dib's Descent into Madness: The comic subtly hints at Dib’s obsessive tendencies leading to a slow psychological decline, making him less of a hero and more of a tragic character.
đ Review Summary
The comic perfectly captures the unhinged spirit of the cult TV show, thanks to Vasquez’s wicked writing and Alexovich’s twisted visuals. Every panel is dripping with absurdity and dark humor, making it a feast for fans of subversive storytelling. Zim’s deranged antics and Dib’s obsessive paranoia fuel the comic's manic energy, while the supporting cast adds flavor to every scene. Visually chaotic but narratively tight, Invader Zim Vol. 1 is a must-read for lovers of weird science fiction and biting satire.
⭐ Art Style: 9/10
⭐ Story Quality: 8.5/10
⭐ Character Depth: 7/10 (on purpose—it’s Zim after all đ)
đ Whether you're a longtime Zim fan or just love delightfully deranged comics, this volume is your gateway to DOOM.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
