Jhonen

Jhonen Vasquez is an American cartoonist and writer known for his darkly humorous comics and for creating the animated series Invader ZIM. Rising to prominence in the 1990s, he published Johnny the Homicidal Maniac (JTHM), a graphic novel about a disturbed young man, with Slave Labor Graphics. The JTHM universe was expanded by spinoffs such as Squee! and related collections, which helped establish Vasquez's reputation for combining macabre imagery with surreal humor.

In 2001, Vasquez created Invader ZIM for Nickelodeon. The series follows a conspiratorial and incompetent alien invader attempting to conquer Earth. Despite a short run on television, Invader ZIM developed a devoted cult following and generated additional material, including a Netflix film, Invader ZIM: Enter the Florpus, released in 2019. Vasquez has also produced and contributed to other comics and projects, maintaining a distinctive voice characterized by exaggerated expressions, grotesque creatures, and satirical takes on pop culture.

Scholars and fans note Vasquez's influence on alternative comics and animation, particularly in blending horror motifs with child-friendly formats and dark humor. His work remains a reference point for many contemporary indie creators and for fans of cult comics and animated series.