Dib and Zim's Relationship

Dib and Zim are usually portrayed as mortal enemies, sometimes as rivals, and occasionally reluctant allies. As the series progresses, they both develop a grudging respect for the other. It is important to note that Dib, like Zim, does not know that Zim's mission is just something to keep him out of the way, and that he is a disgrace to the Irken population. Because he thinks Zim is actually a respected Irken, he is known to question how intelligent the species as a whole may be (i.e. "If Irkens are so advanced, why is your robot such a loser?").

However, it is interesting to note that they both need each other: Zim needs Dib to be motivated to finish his mission, and Dib needs Zim to prove that he is not insane, specifically in the unfinished episode "Mopiness of Doom". Both seem to be the only ones in the series who take the other seriously.

Dib

Dib and Zim (Lunch Room, Bolognius Maxiumus)

Self-proclaimed 'Savior of the Earth', Dib has made it his sole mission to make sure that Zim doesn't take over Earth.

During the first few episodes, Dib views Zim as a real threat, and refers to his being on Earth as a "reign of terror". However, he relaxes somewhat after it becomes apparent that Zim is quite incompetent. He still attempts to stop Zim, but does it more for the sake of capturing Zim to prove that he's not insane.

Besides the fact that one is trying to destroy the other's homeworld, like Zim and Gaz they do have a surprising amount of things in common, such as their being both outcasts in their societies, as well as their height and intellect. But irrespective of those qualities, however, the series' finale would have have Zim banish Dib to the remote corners of Saturn for attempted genocide of the Irkens.

In "Return of Keef", Dib destroys a recording of Zim saying he's an alien because it also captured the two of them hugging, to their mutual horror.

Zim

Egotistical and self-centered, Zim will stop at nothing to take over the Earth, in the hopes of impressing his Tallest. Since he ruined the first Operation Impending Doom, Zim is twice as determined to earn the respect of the Almighty Tallest.

On Zim's very first day of Skool, Dib immediately spotted him as an alien, causing Zim to panic. However, when the other skoolchildren did not believe Dib, he calms down.

Throughout the series, Zim views Dib as nothing more than an annoyance, never regarding him as an actual threat to the mission until late in the series. At times, he does acknowledge Dib's genius, however, this is usually followed by an insult, degrading him for constantly being caught.

Later in the series, Zim begins to associate taking over the Earth with Dib's defeat, with good reason; Dib is the only one defending the Earth. In vice versa, he sees getting rid of the child as a ticket to the quick conquering of Earth.

In the cancelled episode "Mopiness of Doom", it would have been revealed that without Dib to try and stop him, Zim would become bored and lethargic, losing all motivation for taking over the Earth.

Facts of Doom

Despite being rivals, many fans support Zim and Dib as a couple, nicknamed ZADR. It should be noted that Jhonen Vasquez, the show's creator, has stated that he strongly disapproves of ZADR.

Dib and Zim's Relationship

Contents

Dib

Zim

Facts of Doom

See also

Fan Feed