Solid return to form for classic cartoon

Photo courtesy Nickelodeon Animation Studios
Photo courtesy Nickelodeon Animation Studios

Invader Zim returns to Netflix in the newest special “Enter the Florpus” and doesn’t lose a beat in doing so.

By Juan Ibarra/editor-in-chief

The rise of streaming services has opened a door for many classic TV shows and movies to return, and this time it is Zim’s turn.

Mostly a success, “Invader Zim: Enter the Florpus” brings back the charm of the original, while also bringing the story limitations of classic 22-minute cartoons with it.

Originally airing on Nickelodeon from 2001-2006, “Enter the Florpus” sees the return of the titular character alien invader Zim as he comes up with a new plan to take over the world.

Foil to Zim, Dib tries to thwart all of Zim’s plans while unsuccessfully trying to prove an alien has invaded Earth, and this time is no different.

The loud and irreverent humor is a highlight for fans of the original series and it is back in “Enter the Florpus.”

While the humor was funny more than a decade ago, its age has started to show as the “random humor” era of comedy died with the original series in 2006.

With that being said, most jokes that have a traditional set up and punch line work rather well, and even surprise at times.

The plot does a successful job of expanding upon the original series while also crafting a new and original story.

The problem with the story is not in the execution, but in the finality.

Even when things might look like their going to end on a new status quo, things get solved within minutes.

For fans of the classic show this is a success, but be warned it is more of the same, for better and for worse.