Invader Zim merchandise facts for kids
Invader Zim is a popular animated TV show from Nickelodeon. Just like other Nickelodeon shows, its characters and stories have been used to create lots of cool stuff! This includes toys, clothes, and many other items. For example, a company called Palisades Toys made collectible figures of the characters. Also, Media Blasters released the show's episodes on DVDs.
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Awesome Invader Zim Toys and Figures
Palisades Toys was the company that made the official Invader Zim toys and collectible figures. Even though Palisades Toys isn't around anymore, you can still find many of their original toys. They even sold their Invader Zim license to other companies.
Palisades Toys released two main series of Invader Zim figures in 2005. These figures were about 4 to 8 inches (10–20 cm) tall. Each figure came with cool accessories and a display stand. Stores like Hot Topic also sold special versions of these sets with different figures and even more accessories. People really liked the Invader Zim toys from Palisades Toys because they looked so much like the characters from the show!
Meet the Figures: Series 1
The first set of Invader Zim figures came out in late 2004. This set included main characters like the alien Zim, GIR in his robot form (with the Voot Carrier disguised as a pig!), Dib, Ms. Bitters, and Almighty Tallest Purple.
Hot Topic had special versions of Series 1 figures. These included a "Duty Mode" GIR, a screaming Zim, a sneering Almighty Tallest Purple, a frustrated Dib, and a snarling Ms. Bitters. The Zim figure could even fit into the Voot Carrier's cockpit, and the GIR figure could attach behind it. This let you act out the "Ride the Pig" scene from the episode Attack of the Saucer Morons!
Because the first series was so popular, Palisades Toys also released a smaller set called Invader Zim Miniature Figurine Set… of DOOM!. These were smaller figures that couldn't move. They featured Zim in his human disguise, GIR as a dog riding a pig, Gaz in her beaver disguise, and Dib turning into bologna. After Palisades Toys closed, some stores even turned these smaller figures into keychains.
Other cool toys included a large 12-inch "Mega GIR" with a removable dog costume. There was also a Voot Cruiser vehicle that came with Zim and GIR figures. Palisades Toys also made three special two-packs for conventions:
- Undisguised Zim (looking very angry) with GIR (with his tongue out and one eye half-closed). This set was inspired by the episode Backseat Drivers from Beyond the Stars.
- Germ-Fighting Zim and Germy GIR (from the episode "Germs").
- Zim in his Old Man disguise with Doggy Suit GIR (from Walk of Doom).
Meet the Figures: Series 2
On October 19, 2005, Palisades Toys released the second series of Invader Zim figures. This set included Zim in his human disguise, GIR in his dog disguise, Gaz, Almighty Tallest Red (looking angry), and Zim's Roboparents.
In Series 2, the Gaz, GIR, and Zim figures came with a piece of Zim's house. When you put these pieces together, they formed a base that was the right size for the figures, even including Zim's lawn gnomes! Tallest Red's base could connect to Tallest Purple's base from Series 1. The Roboparents figures came with a couch and parts of the living room from Zim's house.
Palisades Toys also made an Invader Zim Special Edition set of Doom!. This set was released after the company closed. It was based on Series 1 but had the characters in different poses and styles. These included Screaming Human Zim, Doggie Suit Duty Mode GIR, Neutral-Faced Almighty Tallest Red, Hypnotized Dib, and “Shadow” Ms. Bitters.
Hot Topic's Exclusive Figures
Before the first series of figures came out, Hot Topic released its own special versions. These figures had new head designs. They included a screaming Zim, Duty Mode GIR, a sneering Tallest Purple, an angry Dib, and a snarling Ms. Bitters.
Hot Topic also released a special version of Series 2 figures in early 2006. These included Zim with Pustulio, Roboparents with a glitch, a screaming costumed GIR (with his hood down), an angry Gaz, and a sneering Almighty Tallest Red. Hot Topic also had an exclusive set with Zim in his germ-fighting gear and a germ-covered Doggy Suit GIR.
Other Fun Invader Zim Toys
There are also 8 different Invader Zim plush toys (soft, cuddly toys) available. These include alien Zim, Zim in his germ-prevention suit, GIR in his robot form, GIR in his dog suit (with 4 different versions), and even GIR's Piggy!
Invader Zim on DVD
You can watch Invader Zim episodes on DVD!
Early DVD Releases
In 2003, Walmart started selling DVDs that included episodes from different Nickelodeon cartoons. The Invader Zim episode "The Nightmare Begins" was part of one of these collections.
Later, Media Blasters decided to release official Invader Zim DVDs. On October 13, 2003, they announced they would release three double-DVD sets starting in Spring 2004, plus a special limited edition box set.
On May 11, 2004, Nickelodeon and Media Blasters released the first official Invader Zim DVD set. It was called Volume 1: Doom Doom Doom. This set had two discs with nine half-hour episodes. It also included cool "extras" like the Zim pilot episode and special audio tracks with comments from the show's creator, Jhonen Vasquez, and other cast and crew members.
The second volume, called Volume 2: Progressive Stupidity, came out on August 31, 2004. It also had two discs. The original cover art for this volume was rejected by Nickelodeon because it didn't fit the show's style. Jhonen Vasquez explained that his show isn't about characters "having fun."
The third and final volume, Volume 3: Horrible Holiday Cheer, was released on October 12, 2004. These DVD sets had special features like animatics (early animated storyboards), accurate Irken subtitles, and improved picture and sound. They also included a Spanish language track and comments from the actors, writers, and production team.
The Zim House Box Set
A special box set shaped like Zim's house was released on April 12, 2005. The door of the house opens to show the DVDs, and the top opens to reveal a "Duty Mode" GIR figure! This figure was the same size as the GIR figures from Palisades Toys. This box set also included an extra disc with an interview, a sound design feature, a sample soundtrack, the full version of The Most Horrible X-Mas Ever, and vocal recordings from unfinished Zim episodes. This special item is no longer made.
The Complete Invasion Box Set
Another box set, called Complete Invasion, was released. It included all three DVD volumes together, with the same art as Volume 1 on the cover. The only change was that Volume 3 in this set had the full, uncut version of The Most Horrible X-Mas Ever, which had been accidentally left out of the earlier release.
Newer Nickelodeon DVDs
The original Zim's House and Complete Invasion box sets are no longer being made. However, as of April 2, 2010, new Invader Zim DVDs became available to order online through Amazon.
Amazon CreateSpace Release (2010)
The series was split into two different DVD cases for this release. The first DVD set covers Season One and shows a close-up of Zim's face without his disguise. The background is gray with skulls, like the one Gaz wears. The second DVD set covers Season Two and features a close-up of GIR's face in his dog costume. The background is purple with bones.
While these DVDs have the episodes in order, they don't include the special features from the older DVD releases, like commentary tracks or interviews. These DVDs are made on demand, which means they might not play on all DVD or Blu-ray players.
Operation Doom (2011)
A DVD called Invader Zim: Operation Doom was released in February 2011. This set included the most popular episodes that aired on Nicktoons Network in 2010. The DVD sold very well! This release happened after fans sent greeting cards to encourage the show's creator, Jhonen Vasquez, to bring the series back.
| DVD Title | Season(s) | Episode Count | Release Date | Episodes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operation Doom | 1, 2 | 8 | February 2011 | 1 ("The Nightmare Begins") • 6a ("Career Day") • 6b ("Battle-Dib") • 10a ("Plague of Babies") • 10b ("Bloaty's Pizza Hog") • 15a ("Mysterious Mysteries") • 15b ("Future Dib") • 16a ("Hobo 13") • 16b ("Walk For Your Lives") • 24b ("Vindicated!") – 26 ("The Frycook What Came from All That Space") | |
Cool Invader Zim Clothes and Accessories
Nickelodeon has also allowed the Invader Zim name and images to be used on many different clothing items and accessories. You can find T-shirts, hoodies (sweatshirts with hoods), wristbands, iron-on patches, sticker sheets, slippers, notebooks, messenger bags, keychains, wallets, and hats. These items are often available at stores like Hot Topic and other specialty shops.
