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{{mergeto|Irken}}

[[Image:Zim.handsbehindback.jpg|thumb|Zim: physically typical Irken, possibly shorter then average though.]]  

Created by [[Jhonen Vasquez]], the '''Irkens''' are a fictional race of aliens who wished to conquer the universe. They are similar to the stereotypical [[Greys]], except for Irkens are [[humanoid]] in general shape, range widely in size, and havinge antennae, green skin and eyes that are typically red, but can also be purple or (rarely) green. Supposedly originating from planet [[Irk_%28Invader_Zim_location%29|Irk]]. The Irkens are seen on the [[Nicktoon]] show ''[[Invader Zim]]'', where the title character is an unsuccessful and mentally defectivpsychologically unstable Irken invader, a prestigious elite military class.

==Irken [[Morphology]]==
All Irkens are [[cyborg]]s, having '''Standard-Issue Irken Utlity Packs''', or '''PAKs''' installed directly after birth. The PAKs provide critical life support functions: critically augmenting several mental functions including an iIrken's personality, and memmory or even its [[soul]]. An Irken can only live for about 10 minutes when detached from its PAK, with rapidly degrading congnitive function: basically. PAKs seem to keep their brain in working order. A PAK also stores an endless variety of tools and robotic accessories,. The most often seen accessoryies are long extendaible spider laegs that allow an Irken to move about on walls, ceilings, and zero-gravity; laser like weapons can fire from the tip of the spider laegs as well as generate a force field for protection. Other items seen in use: include communication devices, teleporting organ harvesters and space helmets.

Irken's apparently have female and male [[sexes]], though it is not known if iIrkens can or do reproduce naturally anymore. (In a flashback sequence, Zim recalls that at his birth he was decanted from a fetus jar by a robot arm.) Female iIrkens appear to have different shaped [[Antenna_%28biology%29|antennae]] and some even have eye  lashes, but there does not seem to be any other physical distinctions between their sexes. Irken sex drive and/or courtship is not seen in the series (possibly removed to appeal to child audience), though [[fan fiction]]s do portray it.

Due to the lack of an [[Iris_%28anatomy%29|Iris]] or [[sclera]], alsond the insect  -like colours of their eyes and insect  -like antenna, it is believe by some [[Fandom|fans]] of the series that Irkens have [[compound eyes]]. ThoughHowever, this is not acknowledged by the series creator.

Irkens apparently burn in contact with relatively pure water, or with earth based [[protein]] matter (meat). Walthough water  -based pastes seem to have no effect,. [[fFatty acid]]s and oils seem to cause horrific [[acne]].

==Irken Society==

The Irken Empire is a height-based social [[hierarchy]], with the leaders being the tallest of the current generation. [[Almighty_Tallest|The Tallest]] presumably did more work in the past, though the current Tallest, Red and Purple, (named for the color of their eyes) tend to just eat snacks, give orders to their subjects [[hate]]fully, and be lazy, much to the chagrin of their predecessors before them, Almighty Tallest Miyuki (the first ever [[woman]] Tallest) and Almighty Tallest Spork (a rather height-obsessed Irken). The Tallest are more like "[[figurehead]]s" then actual [[monarch|ruler]]s, and the Irkens seem to rely on powerful [[supercomputers]] referred to as “Control Brains” to make their more critical decisions, as well as to reproduce more "Smeets" (which are very young Irkens) and choose their careers. The Control Brains carry all knownledge and memories aquired by irkens through the recycling of Irken PAKs.

It's a subject of debateunclear whether or not the Irkens ''really'' [[Slavery|enslave]] other alien species, i. In some instances [[Vassal|subjugation]] or even [[contract|contractual]] [[employment]] seem apparent, although mass genocide and extermination of some alien species is also seen. There are low ranking Irkens (usually very short Irkens), regarded as servants or even slaves, which are given menial and degrading tasks, such as food service and cleaning. Such servants may be paid 2 “monies” or moreas little as two “monies” per year, an ''extremely'' low salary, even by [[human]] standards. 

It whas also been revealed that they have a policy of irradiating all unintelligent alien life on conquered planets (typically when the leaders visit so that they don't have to come into contact with the "unsavory alien filth"). One such planet that was cleansed was the world of slaughtering rat people, planet Blorch.

Irkens appear to be [[immortality|immortal]] and they do not age. Even so, an Irken may undergo an “Existence Evaluation Trial” where its decided if it’s worth keeping it alive or not. If the trial fails its PAK will be forcibly removed, the Irken will die and its PAK will be re-assimilated by the “Control Brains”.

==See Also==
*[[Zim (Invader Zim character)]]
*[[Almighty Tallest]]
*[[Irk (Invader Zim location)]]

[[Category:Invader Zim]]
[[Category:Fictional alien species]]