Originally airing on Nickelodeon in 2001, Invader Zim is a brilliantly hilarious animated science fiction series concocted by alternative comic creator Jhonen Vasquez, (Johnny the Homicidal Maniac, Squee!, I Feel Sick). Notorious for his dark and depraved satirical portrayal of society and his ingenious ability to make even the most heinous of situations hilarious, you can expect the same classic Vasquez feels in Invader Zim as his prior works but with the big network censorship and child-like appeal. Featuring Earth-invading aliens, robots, intergalactic battles and the everyday perils of processed ‘Murican school lunches in the public school systems, this series is as humorous as it is wonderfully outlandish.

Invader Zim is an alien from the planet Irk – a civilization of extraterrestrials whose sole importance, apart from becoming an Invader, is to be taller than the other Irkens. Already one of the absolute shortest of the Irkens and probably the most maniacal, Zim seeks to redeem himself as an Irken warrior and is in turn banished — I mean sent — to Earth on a “very important mission,” in hopes to be eternally free of Zim’s inept ability to destroy everything he touches. Delusional and convinced that he is the elite of all the Irken Invaders, Zim sets out with his [un]trusty robot Gir to infiltrate and take over the world.

Already a long time fan of Vasquez I can tell you that although there is a significant difference in the explicit material of his past narratives compared to the whimsical nature of Invader Zim, he certainly did not fail to deliver his signature cynical and warped humor. Whether or not you are a longtime fan of the show or a total noob to Invader Zim, this series is witty and packed with laughs for all ages. As for myself, Invader Zim remains a binge-out as well as late-night classic in my home and I fully recommend you give this goofy animated show a shot.

Invader Zim is currently streaming on Hulu and although it has dark undertones, it is both goofy and light-hearted, making it a great comedy and science fiction selection for most ages – specifically crafted for those 11 years of age and older, so there’s plenty of fun to be had for the whole family in this one.

– Rachael Rumancek

Follow me on Twitter @RachaelRumancek