I’ve been a massive fan of Gerard Way for most of my life, both as the frontman of my favourite band, and as a comic book writer. I’ve been waiting to see the Umbrella Academy on screen since I was at least 16, and it’s finally here! I re-read Apocalypse Suit, and Dallas before the show dropped on Netflix so I’d have a fresh idea of what the series is about. Here’s what I thought of the Umbrella Academy adaption on Netflix:
The plot
When 43 children are spontaneously born to women who weren’t pregnant, Sir Reginald Hargreeves, aka The Monocle, tracks down and adopts six of them. After his death, the kids are reunited.
The comics feel like a grittier version of X-Men, with a little Back to the Future, and I was curious to see how that would translate onto the screen. The great thing about the Umbrella Academy is that although it has concepts from other stories like I mentioned, it manages to be very unique is very much it’s own thing – if you were excepting an X-Men rip off you’re mistaken.
The first volume, Apocalypse Suite sees the Umbrella Academy try save the world from ending. While, the second volume, Dallas focuses more on time-travel and 5’s life in the apocalypse, which now effect his siblings. Netflx basically took the best from both volumes to create season 1. They also put their own spin on the plot. I’m concerned about what this means for season 2. I’d imagine they’ll have to take inspiration for the new third volume; Hotel Oblivion.
The Netflix version
I was worried I’d hyped the show up so much that it wouldn’t live up to my expectation but it exceeded it.
Each episode is an hour long and they fly by because they’re so captivating.
Adapting a comic to TV means some changes. Normally I get a bit picky when things are unnecessarily changed when books are adapted into movies, but any deviations from the comics worked well.
They dropped the superhero names so they all go by their number or first name. For example in the comics its; Number One, AKA Luther, AKA Space Boy. It would be too confused to keep that format in the show. However, they do reference it when Allison’s daughter calls Luther “Space Boy”.
Some characters who were difficult to like in the comics, like Diego, are much more likeable in the show, in fact Diego reminded me of Dean Winchester in this which is probably why I liked him so much. Klaus was my favourite character in the books, and he somehow managed to be even better in the show, I never imagined Robert Sheehan playing him when I read them but he’s absolutely perfect. They also could not have cast a better Five, Aiden Gallagher couldn’t have portrayed him more accurately.
I wondered how the tone would come across or if characters like Pogo or Luther would look stupid, but they look great.
The soundtrack is amazing, as are the visuals, it’s like a character of it’s own. The songs feel random and quirky, but they suit it so well. Gerard Way’s version of Hazy Shade of Winter is Amazing, as is Happy Together. We also got jams like Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now, and Tiffany’s I Think We’re Alone Now. Furthemore, the score is overlooked. They got Lindsey Stirling to cover the Phantom of the Opera and it’s amazing. The score compliments the mood so well. As well as that, Vanya’s orchestra is amazing.
Final Thoughts:
The comics are quite white-washed and hetero-normative. I think it was a welcome change to diversify the Academy. They weren’t all J.K Rowling about it i.e Gerard didn’t try pretend he never said Allison was white *cough* Hermoine *cough*. They just exist as they are, without trying to claim brownie points for it, so others should take note.
There are things that I’d love to talk about but I don’t want to spoil the show or comics, so go ahead and enjoy both!
Overall, I’m absolutely mind blown. Normally I try to find something to critique but I’m lost this time – it’s amazing!
Literally just now finished watching and love it!
I haven’t heard of this, but you’ve definitely sparked my interest!
I hope you enjoy it if you decide you watch it!
I must say I lived this series and binged it pretty much in one go. I got a heroes vibe from it. The sound track is awesome and what a great concept.
GR | https://www.thegreat.uk
I absolutely loved this show!! I read the comics after bingeing and they were great, but the show is definitely all the best parts and more!
I watch the Umbrella academy in one weekend and absolutely loved it, although I was a bit disappointed in the end and the treatment of number 7. I feel like we fall into the powerful woman’s trope that needs to hide her power (or have a man conceal them) to protect herself because a man can’t be bothered teaching her or is afraid of her… which makes it sounds like women and power together are the worst combination either. like when the siblings are like “we need to fix her”. No, you need to teach her. So i hope they correct that in season 2
And also Allison’s power is portrayed as manipulative, and Grace being the embodiement of a 1950s housewife, I’m hoping they built all the negative tropes associating with women to break them down in season 2. Otherwise I’ll be disappointed
I have been eyeing this up since seeing it pop up on my Netflix. I am deffo going to watch it now! I didn’t realise it was based on a comic either, so I have learnt something new today!
Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
https://www.aimsysantics.co.uk
Oh, these types of posts make me so sad because this sounds like such an amazing show but we don’t have Netflix! I know I’m missing out but I have still to persuade my husband to fork out, haha. I’m glad you’ve found something you enjoy this much though, that’s wonderful 🙂
Lisa | http://www.lisasnotebook.com
Thank you, I actually don’t have an account myself, so I watched it with someone who does
Thank you for sharing this review! I haven’t read them (although I loved Gerard Way from my MYC days – goodness, so much nostalgia) but I’ve been contemplating the series for a few days now. I started watching it earlier and got about 20 minutes in but then had stuff to do. But I did enjoy what I watched so far so definitely think I’ll continue. Robert Sheehan does it for me in this series! I absolutely ADORE him!
Jenny
http://www.jennyinneverland.com
Robert Sheehan is by far the best person in the show – but they’re all amazing
I keep hearing good things about this show, it’s definitely on my list to watch. I’m glad you loved it.
I haven’t seen this but I’ve seen so many people talking about this over the last few days. Not the thing that I’d usually go for but everything I’ve seen has been so positive, I might have to give it a go x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
I did not know that The Umbrella Academy was a comic. Now I’m definitely going to look for it.
Yvonne | https://yvonnewairimuwabai.weebly.com
Sounds interesting. I may need to have a look into it sometime. Good review to read.
I’ve been wavering on giving this a try for exactly the reasons you mentioned – I was worried that I had hyped it up so much that there is no way it would live up to my expectations. Maybe I should give it a try after all.
My son has just watched Stranger things and is looking for something new, this could be perfect for us both x
I’ve seen this show around, but never watched it because superheroes aren’t really my thing… now I’m feeling kinda tempted!