Gerard Way

In an inexplicable worldwide event, forty-three extraordinary children were spontaneously born to women who'd previously shown no signs of pregnancy. Millionaire inventor Reginald Hargreeves adopted seven of the children; when asked why, his only explanation was, "To save the world."

These seven children form the Umbrella Academy, a dysfunctional family of superheroes with bizarre powers. Their first adventure at the age of ten pits them against an erratic and deadly Eiffel Tower, piloted by the fearsome zombie-robot Gustave Eiffel. Nearly a decade later, the team disbands, but when Hargreeves unexpectedly dies, these disgruntled siblings reunite just in time to save the world once again.

Collecting: The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite 1-6, as well as out-of-print short stories and an expanded sketchbook section featuring work by Gabriel Bá, James Jean, and Gerard Way

The Umbrella Academy, Vol. 1

A dysfunctional family of superheroes with bizarre powers, the seven members of the Umbrella Academy spent their childhoods fighting evil and honing their extraordinary gifts under the tutelage of their guardian and mentor, Dr. Reginald Hargreeves. Here is one story from their past where they learned a powerful lesson and fought a mysterious murderer_ Conceived and written by Gerard Way (of My Chemical Romance), _The Umbrella Academy_ features interior art by Gabriel B�� (_Casanova_) and Dave Stewart (_Hellboy_) and covers by multiple Eisner Award-winning artist James Jean (_Fables_). _The Umbrella Academy_ debuts with a twelve-page story set before the start of the ongoing series.

The Umbrella Academy #0

This was a free comic book day short, and it’s still free to this day on kindle. It is also included in the back of volume one on the 1-3 boxset I own, so I’m glad it’s far from hidden.

This is a prequel short to the series. It really helps set up the tone and art of the series, and I think it’s a fantastic place to start. I almost wish we saw this and some other events (like the Paris rescue) at the opening of the show. I know fans received some flashback scenes, but there was not much in the way of heroics. It could have worked as a brief bit or shorts like the opening “4 years” sequence in the latest Fantastic Four. It would have given some depth I think, and seeing some of their villains would help explain why the world needed 6 child superheroes…

The Murder Magician and his helper felt kind of like a nod to Joker and Harley Quinn but without being a rip. This short gives us a snapshot into the stylized art that we’ll see throughout the rest of the series, and even offers readers an important snippet into how the Rumor’s powers work, which is different from the show. The idea that her sowing lies would actually create altered realities is really neat. I can see how that would get awfully messy for the show though.

C. J. Daley 

This was a free comic book day short, and it’s still free to this day on kindle. It is also included in the back of volume one on the 1-3 boxset I own, so I’m glad it’s far from hidden.

This is a prequel short to the series. It really helps set up the tone and art of the series, and I think it’s a fantastic place to start. I almost wish we saw this and some other events (like the Paris rescue) at the opening of the show. I know fans received some flashback scenes, but there was not much in the way of heroics. It could have worked as a brief bit or shorts like the opening “4 years” sequence in the latest Fantastic Four. It would have given some depth I think, and seeing some of their villains would help explain why the world needed 6 child superheroes…

The Murder Magician and his helper felt kind of like a nod to Joker and Harley Quinn but without being a rip. This short gives us a snapshot into the stylized art that we’ll see throughout the rest of the series, and even offers readers an important snippet into how the Rumor’s powers work, which is different from the show. The idea that her sowing lies would actually create altered realities is really neat. I can see how that would get awfully messy for the show though.

Overall a swing-for-the-fences opener.

After recently finishing a rewatch of the show, I was once again inspired to crack into the boxset…this time I will read them all.

Finally popped open my box set of Vol 1-3. After finishing the show, I knew it was time to get to the source material finally.

If anything, this comic is more off the rails than the show! Which does make sense, but the show was pretty out there to begin with. A group of babies are all born at the same time, mostly to women that were not noticeably pregnant beforehand. For some reason, Reginald Hargreaves sets out to adopt as many of them as he can, eventually succeeding with 7. As he raises them, it’s apparent that he doesn’t do so out of the kindness of his heart, as each child is only bestowed with a number as a name. And eventually he launching them as their own children led superhero group. It’s apparent that they have their own rogues gallery, as well as some serious successes (and losses, aka Ben) but this is focusing on the adult versions of them.

00.05 has been stuck in the future, desperately trying to solve how to return. When he finally does, something wrong happens, and he is stuck inside his body from boyhood. His return is nothing if not timely, as they have just days to stop the end of the world.

While much of this is like season 1 of the show, it differs in some subtle ways, and in some major ways when it comes to 00.07. There are some absolutely explosive and brutal panels in this, with blood and gore that surprised even me, and it was really cool to see them in full color (reading through TWD had the volumes’ covers in color, but the panels in black and white). The main thing that stood out to me was how much more of the characters you get in the show. There beats and banter is clearly taken from the source material, but its format doesn’t allow for them to open up as much, and that’s where the show really shone for me. But that is the necessary differences when you are reading short form, so I cannot wait to get into vol2 so that I can get into more of who they are. It’s such a fun read.

Reread edit: Still agree with my comments and rating on a second read. This time I watched the show from start to finish and then got right into this, as opposed to watching the seasons as they aired, and it was interesting to see the budding of personalities here. Gerard Way even said himself (I believe in the back of Dallas) that this first volume even they weren’t sure what to do/what the Umbrellas would become and I think I get that vibe. It stands tall in its uniqueness and generally weird vibe, but the characters are shy personality wise. Obviously making Vanya pretty much a person sized violin was a wild choice. I can see how the show was directed by this set up though for sure.

I think the choice to age up Five a bit was a good one. Not only do I love Aiden Gallagher as Five in the cast, but I think to get his personality and delivery across you do need someone with a bit more age and depth. Luckily he was up for it.

After recently finishing a rewatch of the show, I was once again inspired to crack into the boxset…this time I will read them all.

Finally popped open my box set of Vol 1-3. After finishing the show, I knew it was time to get to the source material finally.

If anything, this comic is more off the rails than the show! Which does make sense, but the show was pretty out there to begin with. A group of babies are all born at the same time, mostly to women that were not noticeably pregnant beforehand. For some reason, Reginald Hargreaves sets out to adopt as many of them as he can, eventually succeeding with 7. As he raises them, it’s apparent that he doesn’t do so out of the kindness of his heart, as each child is only bestowed with a number as a name. And eventually he launching them as their own children led superhero group. It’s apparent that they have their own rogues gallery, as well as some serious successes (and losses, aka Ben) but this is focusing on the adult versions of them.

00.05 has been stuck in the future, desperately trying to solve how to return. When he finally does, something wrong happens, and he is stuck inside his body from boyhood. His return is nothing if not timely, as they have just days to stop the end of the world.

While much of this is like season 1 of the show, it differs in some subtle ways, and in some major ways when it comes to 00.07. There are some absolutely explosive and brutal panels in this, with blood and gore that surprised even me, and it was really cool to see them in full color (reading through TWD had the volumes’ covers in color, but the panels in black and white). The main thing that stood out to me was how much more of the characters you get in the show. There beats and banter is clearly taken from the source material, but its format doesn’t allow for them to open up as much, and that’s where the show really shone for me. But that is the necessary differences when you are reading short form, so I cannot wait to get into vol2 so that I can get into more of who they are. It’s such a fun read.

Reread edit: Still agree with my comments and rating on a second read. This time I watched the show from start to finish and then got right into this, as opposed to watching the seasons as they aired, and it was interesting to see the budding of personalities here. Gerard Way even said himself (I believe in the back of Dallas) that this first volume even they weren’t sure what to do/what the Umbrellas would become and I think I get that vibe. It stands tall in its uniqueness and generally weird vibe, but the characters are shy personality wise. Obviously making Vanya pretty much a person sized violin was a wild choice. I can see how the show was directed by this set up though for sure.

I think the choice to age up Five a bit was a good one. Not only do I love Aiden Gallagher as Five in the cast, but I think to get his personality and delivery across you do need someone with a bit more age and depth. Luckily he was up for it.

venus

i feel like the umbrella academy comics are kind of hard to understand? maybe i’m just not comprehending the information well but i just never understand what is going on when i read

Nick Truden

Mel 

This is another instance where I really love what they did with the Netflix adaptation and the changes they made. It was nice to see the author’s original execution of this story and the world. I would have like more explanation and to know more about the world that the Umbrella Academy lived in and space. I don’t think I had a deep connection with any of the characters but I’m still fascinated by their character arcs. Pogo is still my favorite character.

Ally

I read this after watching the Netflix show buttt I enjoyed it. it is fun to see the differences between the two media and what the directors/producers decided to keep and alter

edit: I just read some other reviews and I do agree; the storyline wouldn't be easy to follow had I not already watched. downside of the book is there is no epic soundtrack

Dimitris Papastergiou

I liked it!

Nice, interesting story and nice artwork! 

Read it (of course) now because I wanna jump onto the TV show next!

Nessa Luna

Susan 

I had started to watch the Netflix adaptation of this and decided to give the comic a try. While I did read it in one day, I was not a big fan. Now don't get me wrong, the plot was good but it was poorly done. The adaptation is better in this case.

This is definitely fast paced and can get confusing at times. I found myself rereading some parts to make sure I understood them correctly. That being said, I did like the pace AT TIMES and other times, we didn't get enough. Let's go back to the plot being good but poorly done. The story was great but it moved so fast I honestly thought maybe I missed something. I get not every little thing could be done but I do feel there could have been more explained at some parts.

I also feel we don't get a proper introduction to the characters. If I hadn't already seen the show, I would have been confused by what their powers were.

Will I read the rest? Maybe if I'm bored but I'm glad I borrowed this over buying it. If you like the show, sure read this but you aren't missing out if you don't.

In an inexplicable worldwide event, forty-seven extraordinary children were spontaneously born by women who had previously shown no signs of pregnancy. Millionaire inventor Reginald Hargreeves adopted seven of the children; when asked why, his only explanation was, 'To save the world.' These seven children form The Umbrella Academy, a dysfunctional family of superheroes with bizarre powers. Their first adventure at the age of ten pits them against an erratic and deadly Eiffel Tower, piloted by the fearsome zombie-robot Gustave Eiffel. Nearly a decade later, the team disbands, but when Hargreeves unexpectedly dies, these disgruntled siblings reunite just in time to save the world once again.

The Umbrella Academy: Dallas

I don't really read comic books. Ever. However I found I rather enjoyed this one.

This comic was actually mind blowing. So much that didn't occur in the series occurred here. 

The characters do not resemble those in the show AT ALL. While I love the characters in the show, the characters in the comic too are hella hot. 

Their sarcasm and humor is at its peak. I loved this and I can't wait to read the other two. 

Keira 💫

This comic was actually mind blowing. So much that didn't occur in the series occurred here. 

The characters do not resemble those in the show AT ALL. While I love the characters in the show, the characters in the comic too are hella hot. 

Their sarcasm and humor is at its peak. I loved this and I can't wait to read the other two. 

High Fidelity

This is really something to read. Characters maybe give you deja vu but they are unique in their own way.
Art is lovely,and storytelling is fun, full of action, troubles and family values.

Nicole

This was fun but the show is a lot better

Maggie Gordon

The Umbrella Academy is another addition to my weird-as-hell graphic novel collection. The premise is that mysterious children with powers were born and adopted by a man who turned them into a superhero team. However, that's the background to this story. The children are all grown up and the superhero team has separated. Now they are all reuniting because their adopted father is dead, and are suddenly thrown back into a team situation when the world is threatened with destruction... by their sister!

From that description, Umbrella Academy doesn't sound all that unique. However, it's strange and creative characters, brought to life with impressive art by Gabriel Ba. My favourite out of the seven children is Vanya, the supposedly normal child who ends up transforming into a living, white violin-woman. She was always the odd child out, lacking special powers and feeling neglected, but really she's the most powerful among them. 

While I do think the story feels a bit rushed and not all the characters are fleshed out particularly well, The Umbrella Academy gives me enough to get a sense of the world and leave me wanting more. It's odd, dark little book, but very creative with it's imagery and superheros.

In an inexplicable worldwide event, forty-three extraordinary children were spontaneously born by women who'd previously shown no signs of pregnancy. Millionaire inventor Reginald Hargreeves adopted seven of the children; when asked why, his only explanation was, 'To save the world.' These seven children form The Umbrella Academy, a dysfunctional family of superheroes with bizarre powers. Nearly a decade after their first mission, the team disbands, but when Hargreeves unexpectedly dies, these disgruntled siblings reunite just in time to save the world once again.

Apocalypse Suite

The Umbrella Academy

Fraser Simons

Seeing the show first really make this difficult. This feels really under developed and every major plot beat that’s interesting is superior in the show. Lots of things are hand waved in this, or else introduced and dropped. Thins grew to be more nonsensical even within the world. The ending was… a Deus ex machina that had no craft behind it. The art was uneven. 

Should have read it before the show. Completely different formats, but even within the confines of this one, this was extremely rushed, nonsensical, bad soft world building being deployed, and appears to not be interested in the aspects of the story I was.

As six superheroes unite to attend their adopted father's funeral, they must deal with their individual problems and team up to save the world from different foes.

The Umbrella Academy 1

alex arias

i got this bc i really enjoyed the show, and honestly? i much prefer the show. it has a lot more nuance and a well-fleshed out subplot and the graphic novel version just felt very surface level to me. i liked seeing the differences between the two, and the art is really well-done, but it felt really middle of the road to me, which is fine, i just didn’t love it.

The Apocalypse Suite

Kim Marie

2,5
Never thought I'd say this, but the series is way better than the comic in my opinion. It was just too fast-paced for me, no depth for the characters, and just not my kind of art style. I think I wouldn't have been able to follow at all, had I not seen the series before reading the comic.

Lucía RG

this is one of the rare occasions where the adaptation is better.. maybe 3.5 if i'm being generous

sydney 

this just made me want to watch the show again

Anne Sofie Stavad

Dallas

Kath Lau

The second volume somehow focuses more on Number Five but all the characters are still around. In the first volume, Vanya (Number Seven) is my only favorite character (maybe Pogo too) but here in the second volume, Séance and Number Five caught my attention. I also liked the addition of Hazel and Chacha even for a short period of time. In terms with the plot, it's still confusing for me. There were so many storylines and I couldn't follow them. I still want to read the third volume though.

I wanted to read the comics first before watching the tv series adaptation. The trailer caught my attention especially when I noticed that this was written by Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance. I was a fan during my younger years. Luckily, there are online copies available in the library so i borrowed Volume 1 & 2.

It was confusing for me to read because of the lack of character back stories and unclear background of the story itself. Why do they have superpowers? How do they get them? What happened to Number One and Number Six? So many questions.

As for the illustrations, I liked the gothic-like style but I'm not a huge fan of the art as a whole. This has a really intriguing story and unique characters. I loved the concept itself and I hope I'll get some answers on the second volume.

Mica

The Umbrella Academy #4

Este capítulo sin dudas fue mejor que los anteriores. Y Pogo es de los mejores :).

The Umbrella Academy, Vol. 1

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