Written by guest contributor Lance Lambert

If you’ve been anticipating an Invader Zim reboot, well, I am sorry to say there isn’t one. However, Oni Press is here to keep you from putting your head through the wall. All your favorite characters and that cute robot pup, Gir, have all returned. I must add I was really excited going into this issue and highly skeptical. Many short-lived shows like Invader Zim hold a special place in the hearts of fans and normally reboot with the lead in “Be careful what you wish for”. After they brought back Thundercats, the atrocity became reality and nihilism became my outlook of choice. Harsh, I know, but that’s the kind of stakes Jhonen Vasquez and the team are facing.

The issue opens with a recap from a minor character in the TV show. If you’ve never watched Invader Zim, no worries, this little shit will have you laughing and informed. The new story begins with Dib locked away in his room, all the while searching for Zim on his surveillance monitors. What’s great is after all these years on not knowing what has happened to Zim, the savior of humanity has been sitting at a computer and forgotten all aspects of human hygiene. Suddenly, Zim appears and his having a nice yoga session in his front yard. Stinky Dib confronts him and it’s like they never left. Dib’s paranoia, Zim’s pride and ignorance, and Gir’s cute, funny, unaware personality are all still intact.  After some altercations Zim looks to fulfill his plan which includes some super space weapon, which he eventually leaves earth to find. Meanwhile, Dib gets back into shape and manages to write himself a nice montage.

I really only have praise for this book.  Vasquez did a great job keeping the essence of the show and moving it to the comic medium. Each character in the comic continues to be hilarious. Vasquez does a great job of tying loose ends in the first half, then blasts off the new story arc on the second half. For those who have never watched Invader Zim before, there is nothing to worry about, the comic holds its own and doesn’t cheat on the humor. Aaron Alexovich did the pencils and it is very close to the original. For the diehard fans, you won’t be disappointed.

Invader Zim may have found a new platform to grow. I can’t think of a better way to keep such an eccentric show alive. It never occurred to me before its publishing, Invader Zim would be a great addition to the comic world. Invader Zim #1 shows the potential. For new readers and longtime fans, this comics is worth a pick up. While you’re at it, make sure to pull those old episodes out of the vault. Even Zim enjoys binge watching, as long as it doesn’t distract him from world domination.

Score: 4/5

Invader Zim #1 Writer: Jason Vasquez Artist: Aaron Alexovich Colorist: Simon “Hutt” Troussellier Publisher: Oni Press Price: $3.99 Release Date: 7/8/15 Format: Ongoing/Print Digital