Gnu v vê-se ed

What a fantastic story! So good it should've been an official episode. Of course, if only we had Tak as a recurring character. When we get time travel technology working we'll have you go back in time and be a writer on the show so you can assassinate Jhonen and take over as de facto showrunner. It's a brilliant idea, we'll talk about it later, I'll call you, we'll have lunch, don't worry.

Where do I start...I love that this is another Tak centric chapter, but more importantly I love seeing Tak and Gaz interact so much again. I was hoping for another Tak/Gaz confrontation ever since 'The Silent Treatment' chapter and you didn't disappoint. It was so awesome how you made Tak unafraid of Gaz's dark disposition, and how that aspect more than the gameslave inspired the fight. Their nonchalant nature in the time leading up to it was also a great contrast to Dib and Zim's normal bluster. Their respective personalities rightly would be far more straightforward and to-the-point rather than obsessively dramatic. It was also a great opportunity to show a different side of Tak, where she almost sounded like Zim in her self assuredness and stubbornness. All in all, this whole situation was an inversion of what normally goes on with Zim, Tak, Dib, and Gaz. The boys being the voices of reason? Pssshhhhh.

Tak is definitely my favorite IZ girl, but even I have to admit I thought she was going to be a goner against Gaz. Tak is strong and can definitely be threatening in the right context, but Gaz oozes evil and malevolence. But then the twist ending! Damn, now I don't know what to think about who would really win at the end of the day; you actually made a convincing dynamic fight. It was described with enough vivid choreography and personality in its location that I could actually picture it in my head extremely well. Once again, it's the kind of description that fits in perfectly with the show's style: cool but silly at the same time.

Yknow, I thought I'd retire pointing out my favorite lines, but there were so many unbelievably hilarious ones I couldn't help but mention them.

'Well, here we are. The...Chicken Lickin'.'

'Look, I brought the stupid beaver fairy book!...'

'I'm NOT passing up the opportunity to beat up a child!'

'Um...shalomHoly shit I died here)

'Oh, sharp pain in your REAR.'

A very quality episodic style chapter. I have to say, especially with you having recently written the 'Top of the Line' story (which I still want a sequel to pleeaaasssseeee) you have an exceptional mind for structuring an animated episode. They're always very economical, but well paced and hilarious. You have a keen ability for good structure, and I can't wait to see what's coming up next. Til next time!

What a fantastic story! So good it should've been an official episode. Of course, if only we had Tak as a recurring character. When we get time travel technology working we'll have you go back in time and be a writer on the show so you can assassinate Jhonen and take over as de facto showrunner. It's a brilliant idea, we'll talk about it later, I'll call you, we'll have lunch, don't worry.

Where do I start...I love that this is another Tak centric chapter, but more importantly I love seeing Tak and Gaz interact so much again. I was hoping for another Tak/Gaz confrontation ever since "The Silent Treatment" chapter and you didn't disappoint. It was so awesome how you made Tak unafraid of Gaz's dark disposition, and how that aspect more than the gameslave inspired the fight. Their nonchalant nature in the time leading up to it was also a great contrast to Dib and Zim's normal bluster. Their respective personalities rightly would be far more straightforward and to-the-point rather than obsessively dramatic. It was also a great opportunity to show a different side of Tak, where she almost sounded like Zim in her self assuredness and stubbornness. All in all, this whole situation was an inversion of what normally goes on with Zim, Tak, Dib, and Gaz. The boys being the voices of reason? Pssshhhhh.

Tak is definitely my favorite IZ girl, but even I have to admit I thought she was going to be a goner against Gaz. Tak is strong and can definitely be threatening in the right context, but Gaz oozes evil and malevolence. But then the twist ending! Damn, now I don't know what to think about who would really win at the end of the day; you actually made a convincing dynamic fight. It was described with enough vivid choreography and personality in its location that I could actually picture it in my head extremely well. Once again, it's the kind of description that fits in perfectly with the show's style: cool but silly at the same time.

Yknow, I thought I'd retire pointing out my favorite lines, but there were so many unbelievably hilarious ones I couldn't help but mention them.

"Well, here we are. The...Chicken Lickin'."

"Look, I brought the stupid beaver fairy book!..."

"I'm NOT passing up the opportunity to beat up a child!"

"Um...shalom" (Holy shit I died here)

"Oh, sharp pain in your REAR."

A very quality episodic style chapter. I have to say, especially with you having recently written the "Top of the Line" story (which I still want a sequel to pleeaaasssseeee) you have an exceptional mind for structuring an animated episode. They're always very economical, but well paced and hilarious. You have a keen ability for good structure, and I can't wait to see what's coming up next. Til next time!

Quite good work.

Well Tak certainly gave Gaz wn offer she couldn't refuse, they gave quite the fight (so to speak) and figure ls that Dib would get the short end of the stick, heh heh, nicely done!

Invader Johnny Signing Off.

Quite good work.

You are back! I was worried the last chapters of this series would be stretched out across increasingly longer intervals. Although to be fair, you did write that really hilarious birthday party one-off the other day. Speaking of which I should really get around to posting a review of that, but first things first.

When you said this was going to be shorter in style, I was thinking it was going to be along the lines of the beginning chapters of the series in their brevity. However, after reading all the way through I can see why you would've preferred to keep the execution tighter and punchier in regards to comedic opportunities. I know you're more pro-comedy than pro-fluff, but I'm going to have to be honest here...this is the fluffiest thing you've written for the series so far and I LOVE IT.

This whole thing was sweet, hilarious, and filled with fluff-galore. Basically having a whole chapter dedicated to Tak gussying up for Zim and having him fawn over her unwittingly is just endlessly adorable. Little moments like him admitting he thought she was attractive from the first time he saw her and trying to play the sympathy card for affection was just so goddamn cute ahHHH. All I can say is bravo EB; you were able to bring a chapter to the boiling point of fluffiness but still have comedy put throughout it without breaking the flow. And I have to commend you in particular for the dialogue you wrote for the roboparents: it felt authentically borderline insanity where you understand where they're coming from in terms of a parental angle but it gets mangled through shitty programming (not too unlike Gir.) Very funny stuff.

Also I noticed how this story has echoes of the Tak is Back chapter where Zim tried to woo Tak by being a homemaker, except now it's reversed (and actually totally works.) It's fun to see how the same basic idea can be turned around into a completely new story by simply telling it from a different perspective. And you've really grown as a writer with structure and pacing since then, although I do have nostalgia for a lot of your past ZATR writings.

Another fantastic chapter, and all I have to say is don't downplay the fluff of future chapters because I live for that shit yo. And goddamn there's still a request spot still open! I'm going to work furiously to polish my request prompt over the next day, but I'm hoping it'll be my magnum opus and a good opportunity for you to put in all your magic into the writing and execution. TTFN my dude.

The robo sure got on Tak's nerve but technically speaking they won since she and Zim despite their less than stellar appearances had a weird yet touching moment, especially since Zim told the Roboparents that they should obey Tak.

Gotta love that because basically he was telling them to respect her.

Invader Johnny Signing Off.

Quite good work.

Aww yeeeeee. When you said you were gonna update this series with a new chapter, I was hoping it'd be one of my requests. Looks like it's my lucky day, and what an amazing chapter it was. Whenever I write out requests for you, I have no idea how you're gonna spin it into your own story. But hot damn, I just love how your unique authorial voice interprets various prompts: you always make it especially 'you' with the dialogue, humor, and just the right amount of people-pleasing to keep the reader coming back.

It's worth pointing out that even though I know where the story is going in these request chapters, you still know how to throw me for a loop with all these hilarious descriptions and lines. I feel like I can approach it with fresh eyes simply because of how transformative your voice is to the material, and having that unique interpretive lens is what can turn a very by-the-numbers story into something fun and novel. It's honestly true that there's really nothing new under the sun and only so many stories you can tell, so having an identifiable voice that people can clearly associate with you is the most important thing there is in the arts. You got it in spades, and you're only improving every time you sit down to write a complete story.

Every recent chapter you've posted, whether it's this series or another, has a great sense of balance with clear beginning-middle-end. You take reliable and time-tested story structures that serve as a great foundation and allow you to freely experiment with dialogue, wordplay, and various scenarios. This way your work is never too out-there or formulaic. Also, specifically as a fanfiction writer, you always know how to sneak in that bit of fanservice without going overboard or having it steal the spotlight for the main storyline. You show a great deal of restraint by letting it play out realistically rather than having Zim and Tak be perpetually in their honeymoon-phase. It honestly feels tailor made for me as a reader because just when I'm wanting a bit of that gooey lurvey-durvey stuff, the story anticipates it and delivers. Speaking of tailoring the story, I also have a sneaking suspicion that you included a bit more Skoodge and Dib insulting than usual on account of my tastes. To which I say, either way, it was perfect.

Now for THEM BEST LINESMY FOONS!'

'IT IS DOGFISH-SIZED AT MOST!'

'MIMI! A PIG!'

'Who's a peel?'

'They didn't break your legs in space prison, did they?'

This chapter was sooooooooo good, you did a fantastic job. I can’t wait to read more. Also don't be too harsh on yourself as a writer; there's still a special place in my heart for a lot of your early IZ work. Honestly, the best part of following you for so long has been witnessing the process of an author finding their voice. It's just like that artwork you posted comparing the Bowser/Peach drawing from 2014 to 2019: you expanded from a very rounded style similar to a lot of young artists, and ended up with your own style that keeps the playful round qualities but adds squashing and stretching to give your characters unique anatomy. There's an apt analogy in there somewhere, but the point is you've become a very idiosyncratic writer with style and flair all your own. You're one of the most unique writers I've found on this site, and thank god you don't fall into the tropes of most writers: flowery, clinical, grimdark, inept, derivative, self insert, pornographic, etc. You have a wide variety of uncommon inspirations that flow into your work, and I think that's just so refreshing. Keep up the great work boye!

Aww yeeeeee. When you said you were gonna update this series with a new chapter, I was hoping it'd be one of my requests. Looks like it's my lucky day, and what an amazing chapter it was. Whenever I write out requests for you, I have no idea how you're gonna spin it into your own story. But hot damn, I just love how your unique authorial voice interprets various prompts: you always make it especially 'you' with the dialogue, humor, and just the right amount of people-pleasing to keep the reader coming back.

It's worth pointing out that even though I know where the story is going in these request chapters, you still know how to throw me for a loop with all these hilarious descriptions and lines. I feel like I can approach it with fresh eyes simply because of how transformative your voice is to the material, and having that unique interpretive lens is what can turn a very by-the-numbers story into something fun and novel. It's honestly true that there's really nothing new under the sun and only so many stories you can tell, so having an identifiable voice that people can clearly associate with you is the most important thing there is in the arts. You got it in spades, and you're only improving every time you sit down to write a complete story.

Every recent chapter you've posted, whether it's this series or another, has a great sense of balance with clear beginning-middle-end. You take reliable and time-tested story structures that serve as a great foundation and allow you to freely experiment with dialogue, wordplay, and various scenarios. This way your work is never too out-there or formulaic. Also, specifically as a fanfiction writer, you always know how to sneak in that bit of fanservice without going overboard or having it steal the spotlight for the main storyline. You show a great deal of restraint by letting it play out realistically rather than having Zim and Tak be perpetually in their honeymoon-phase. It honestly feels tailor made for me as a reader because just when I'm wanting a bit of that gooey lurvey-durvey stuff, the story anticipates it and delivers. Speaking of tailoring the story, I also have a sneaking suspicion that you included a bit more Skoodge and Dib insulting than usual on account of my tastes. To which I say, either way, it was perfect.

Now for THEM BEST LINES:

"MY FOONS!"

"IT IS DOGFISH-SIZED AT MOST!"

"MIMI! A PIG!"

"Who's a peel?"

"They didn't break your legs in space prison, did they?"

This chapter was sooooooooo good, you did a fantastic job. I can’t wait to read more. Also don't be too harsh on yourself as a writer; there's still a special place in my heart for a lot of your early IZ work. Honestly, the best part of following you for so long has been witnessing the process of an author finding their voice. It's just like that artwork you posted comparing the Bowser/Peach drawing from 2014 to 2019: you expanded from a very rounded style similar to a lot of young artists, and ended up with your own style that keeps the playful round qualities but adds squashing and stretching to give your characters unique anatomy. There's an apt analogy in there somewhere, but the point is you've become a very idiosyncratic writer with style and flair all your own. You're one of the most unique writers I've found on this site, and thank god you don't fall into the tropes of most writers: flowery, clinical, grimdark, inept, derivative, self insert, pornographic, etc. You have a wide variety of uncommon inspirations that flow into your work, and I think that's just so refreshing. Keep up the great work boye!

Heh well Dib had the right to fear Tak but at least Zim came back and of course he left mayhem in his trail, XD.

Invader Johnny Signing Off.

Yooooooo, new story is up! It's not fair though because I didn't get a notification, so I'm late to the party. People are always beating me to being the first to comment on a new E-bug story, and that's just whack. Maybe if I was briefer in my responses but oh well, onto the review.

This chapter took an interesting turn in that it introduced an entirely new character to interact with Zim. It reminded me of your one-shot stories like The Power of Friendship and Protiferole where you have foreign elements mixed in with the canon IZ universe, and frankly it works extremely well for your style of writing. I associate your style with a strong and humorous narration voice more than anything, so it makes it easier to introduce things that would otherwise clash with the original aesthetic. It's like you're mixing characters and story elements into *your* narrative world rather than trying to make it strictly like the original show's tone, which is exactly what makes mixed-media stories like this work. A lot of other fan authors mess up by trying to be like Jhonen but nevertheless introduce things that he would never write in; it's a strong and unique authorial voice that makes you stand out and allows you to play with scenarios as much as your imagination desires. I'm glad you're still looking to incorporate new chapter ideas and experiment this deep into the series.

Halfway through reading this I was like "is there a chance Tak might not show up at all?" and then when I got to the end I was like "oh god, no Tak!" and right before I was gonna down that gallon of bleach, I was like "wait that's actually a great thing for this story." My favorite parts of previous chapters have often been when Zim exposits on all the things he loves about Tak, and this is basically an entire chapter dedicated to that! I couldn't be happier seeing Zim articulate their relationship. Normally my favorite lines are all the ones that make me laugh, but this time it's the ones that make me d'aww from sweetness. Not to say that this chapter wasn't hilarious ("Normal offense makes me want to jab someone with a pastry fork until they cry.") but you've really spoiled me with all this mushy stuff called love. I guess it's fitting since Valentine's day is on the horizon, eh?

For a story about getting the perfect gift, it ended up to be more like a therapy session with Zim playing the patient and Cara the psychologist. You really need a good reason to bring out the emotions in Zim, and you did it wonderfully here by utilizing a new character instead of Dib or Skoodge or whatever: it allows her to be a more believable as the therapist surrogate. And I imagine if it was a real therapy session, it would end up very much the same way: with Zim holding them hostage over a vat of acid. I love it when Zim gets duped into revealing more about his feelings by those more clever than him.

But hot damn, I have to say you show the perfect amount of restraint when incorporating romantic moments in these stories. Instead of breaking character with an over-the-top proclamation of love, you interpret the emotions through the lenses of Zim and Tak with a nod to the fact they are aliens from a militaristic world. I love that romance is still a relatively novel concept for them, and that their appreciation for it is far more innocent and simple than human romance (God have mercy on those poor souls that ship HYOOMANS in IZ). Sometimes not giving the audience an "I love you" or an explicit kiss gives opportunities to show love in a more rewarding way.

Finally, my favorite heartwarming lines:

“Tak is like...more...like another part of me.”

“Mimi! She’s like a better me!”

“I told you preserving Tak’s smile is my top priority, so why would there be an ‘and’?!”

Once again, another great chapter from a great author. I can't wait to see the next chapter, as well as the eventual conclusion to this saga. Since there's one more spot left in the requests, I might send you a new prompt soon. I've been having this complicated idea kicking around in my head for awhile, but I don't want it to be so over-the-top as to make you struggle to write it. Gotta keep it simple. Anyways, thanks again!

Quite good.

I'm surprised Zim wanted to give Tak jewellery since Irkens don't use them, guess he was trying to think outside the box.

And technically he did by kidnapping an unpaid intern to get Tak a gift, Cara may not remember what she went through but the deja Vu will be there, heh.

Invader Johnny Signing Off.