Originally a comic by Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance fame, the books have been turned into the first season of a TV series, mostly covering the story arc known as The Apocalypse Suite.
Years ago, in 1989, all around the world, 43 women gave birth on the same day. This might not sound strange, were it not for the fact that none of them had been pregnant at the start of the day. Seven of these children are adopted by Reginald Hargreeves, only to be treated to a cold life where nothing matters but becoming superheroes destined to ward off the apocalypse. Needless to say, this has left a mark on the children, now adults, and each has their own personal issues to overcome.
The Umbrella Academy feels gritty, almost like Watchmen, and has that same neo-noir feel to it. It’s full of diesel Cold War-era elements, such as old diners, pay phones and retro fashion.
Without saying too much about the series, if you like dark, at times desperate, storytelling and near-apocalyptic situations riddled with conspiracies and interesting characters, this is definitely worth checking out.
