Invader Zim: Season 1 (2001)

Dib, GIR and the maniacal Invader Zim! GIR is definitely everyone's fav

Genre: Sci-Fi Family Animation Comedy Series (USA, Philippines)

Starring: Richard Steven Horvitz, Rosearik Rikki Simons

Created By: Johnen Vasquez

Overview: This is the story of Zim the Urkin Space Invader on his plot to conquer Earth, his insane robot GIR, and Dib, the boy who knows his plan and will do anything to stop him.

Acting: There's a couple big names in this: namely Kevin McDonald of "Kids in The Hall" fame. I don't know what's up with cartoons these days but this one beats them all in the realm of the voice. Often the joke is mediocre, however the delivery will kill you. This show would be nowhere near as good without Zim's over-dramatic zeal and GIR's whacked-out self. Tremendous stuff.
Rating: 9

Cinematography: There's a nice few scenes that have computer CGI animation with 3D rendering and all that cool stuff, but overall the common places like the SKOOL and the 'secret home base' have their own little neat flair. It's good, you'll like to watch.
Rating: 7

Script: The writing is awesome. Just for your information, I'm a 30 year old guy, and kids cartoons tend to suck... big time. This is different. It's for adults too, because of the writing. Talk of defeat and conquer are violent ideas, and easily half the jokes are wit based and not slapstick. It's witty, really a lot.
Rating: 8

Plot: Let me tell you nothing beats that pilot episode, but the show does certainly have lasting value. A couple of episodes made me wonder where the show was going, being somewhat disjointed and presuming a lot, but I've settled into that now and I'm looking forward to Season 2. If it's this good, I'm hooked for life.
Rating: 8

Mood: This is what keeps you coming back for more. Little things like the creepy nihilist teacher, Zim's different world conquering attempts, his house with a toilet in the kitchen, there's just so many strange things going on, it's like a whole other type of show. This is very original stuff and the comedy will often make you raise an eyebrow and laugh at the disconnectedness of it all.
Rating: 9

Zim plots to hypnotize the world with his puss-filled zit... Seriously not kidding.

Overall Rating: 82% (It'll Hold You Hostage, in a Good Way.)

Aftertaste: The friend of mine who recommended this is cooler for making me watch the whole thing, rather than be satisfied with the one little episode I did see many moons ago. Do I suggest that everyone else see this? Are Urkins green? (That's a yes :P)