DOOM DOOM DOOM: The Art of Invader Zim

by Chris McDonnell

The official behind-the-scenes guide to Nickelodeon’s cult-classic animated series and Enter the Florpus
 
Created by indie comics artist Jhonen Vasquez, Invader Zim tells the story of extraterrestrial outcast Zim, from the planet Irk. With the assistance of his malfunctioning robot GIR, Zim repeatedly tries (and fails) to execute his dastardly plan to conquer Earth, all while masquerading as an average elementary school student.
 
DOOM DOOM DOOM: The Art of Invader Zim is the definitive history of both the fan-favorite series and Enter the Florpus. A fully authorized, all-access compendium of never-before-published production art, storyboards, behind-the-scenes photos, and ephemera, the book will feature exclusive, interviews with Vasquez and other key crewmembers that reveal the origins, art, and imagination behind one of Nickelodeon’s most beloved turn-of-the-millennium series.
 

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

240 pages, Hardcover

Published July 28, 2020

Reviews

[Rebeca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yo aprovecho cualquier oportunidad para hurgar en el cerebro de alguien a quien admiro tanto como Jhonen Vasquez. Lectura indispensable para todos los fans de Invader Zim y del trabajo de Jhonen, así como para los que no son fans pero les interesa el mundo de la animación.

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spent most of my mid-2000s adolescence in a hot topic so obviously Zim is something that is integral to my being. Lots of great stories and insight from various people who worked on the show, along with a bunch of fantastic storyboards, character sheets, and background layouts.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. It's a mix of article writing and interviews. Takes you through Jhonen's beginnings, how Zim came to be and details of the show, into the comics, and finally the movie. It was really interesting to see the sketches and notes for all the people who would be drawing for the series. Lots and lots of thumbnails, beautiful backgrounds, and other images. So much work and detail went into this short-lived series.

If you're not a fan of the show, but interested in animation, I think this would still be enjoyable. But of course if you are a fan of the show, you should definitely read this.

[Errrrrrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a coffee table book. Lots of cool artwork, some interviews with key Invader Zim people, facts about the show, etc. Your enjoyment probably equals how much you would enjoy flipping through a book about the tv show and movie for a while.

[AnnaMaria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best art book ever? The amount of detail they go into about each the design process of the show was incredible, even for the unreleased episodes. They have screen shots of the show but they enhance what's being said on the page rather than fill up space like in other art books

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh, the Invader Zim nostalgia train keeps on coming! This was a fascinating insight into the world of animation at large, and I really enjoyed getting to see the nuances of the artwork done throughout the show, comic, and movie. As a hardcore Zim fan, this was a fun addition to my collection and just getting to read the names of all the minor characters had me laughing hysterically. Definitely recommend to anyone who loves Zim like they love the little tacos...good!!!

[David Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Invader Zim was as formative for you as it was for me, this is a must-read. It's a treasure trove of behind the scenes stuff like storyboards and a peek at some episodes that were never finished. It covers the whole gamut, from Jhonen's early work like JTHM and goes all the way up to the present with the Netflix movie and the comics.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The passion and excitement of everyone involved in this series still shows 20 years later. One of my favourite things I've read recently, super inspiring!