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jenpaul13's review against another edition
4.0
The world is often called a strange place and it's never been a more accurate description than for the world presented in The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite written by Gerard Way and illustrated by Gabriel Bá.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
In an unexplained worldwide event, forty-three babies are born to women who weren't previously pregnant. Seven of these babies were found and adopted by millionaire Reginald Hargreeves, aka Mr. Monocle, under the pretense that doing so would save the world. The seven children each have particular abilities that Hargreeves helps to develop in their dysfunctional family where the group is known as the Umbrella Academy. With plots needing foiling throughout the group's childhood and adulthood, the volume follows the development and dissolution of the team throughout the years, but most especially after the death of their pseudo-father and the impending end of the world that the disgruntled group are trying to prevent.
An intriguing world and group of characters are brought to life within the darkly colorful pages of this graphic novel. The various characters are reasonably well depicted with abbreviated development in the short span provided by the six chapters of this collection; however, some of their abilities and characteristics aren't adequately addressed and knowledge is assumed - the one that primarily tripped me up initially was Rumor, but after reading the short that had been chronologically offered prior to the first chapter as promotion for the series, it made far more sense. There are numerous storylines and they all move quite rapidly, making it a bit of a struggle to keep up as not all pieces are provided to connect the threads, but with further development and installations in the series, this fascinating world could become far more cohesive.
Overall, I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
*I won't lie, the impetus for me to read this is the upcoming Netflix series (dropping tomorrow, February 15) based upon it and I'm quite interested to see how this world will be adapted from the page to the screen.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
In an unexplained worldwide event, forty-three babies are born to women who weren't previously pregnant. Seven of these babies were found and adopted by millionaire Reginald Hargreeves, aka Mr. Monocle, under the pretense that doing so would save the world. The seven children each have particular abilities that Hargreeves helps to develop in their dysfunctional family where the group is known as the Umbrella Academy. With plots needing foiling throughout the group's childhood and adulthood, the volume follows the development and dissolution of the team throughout the years, but most especially after the death of their pseudo-father and the impending end of the world that the disgruntled group are trying to prevent.
An intriguing world and group of characters are brought to life within the darkly colorful pages of this graphic novel. The various characters are reasonably well depicted with abbreviated development in the short span provided by the six chapters of this collection; however, some of their abilities and characteristics aren't adequately addressed and knowledge is assumed - the one that primarily tripped me up initially was Rumor, but after reading the short that had been chronologically offered prior to the first chapter as promotion for the series, it made far more sense. There are numerous storylines and they all move quite rapidly, making it a bit of a struggle to keep up as not all pieces are provided to connect the threads, but with further development and installations in the series, this fascinating world could become far more cohesive.
Overall, I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
*I won't lie, the impetus for me to read this is the upcoming Netflix series (dropping tomorrow, February 15) based upon it and I'm quite interested to see how this world will be adapted from the page to the screen.
samuel_kane_horrigan's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
elicemarie's review against another edition
3.0
Somehow this is even more chaotic than the show. So much happened in such a short amount of time. Vanya's arc was really awesome though. I wish it was in the show, but considering how this went verses the adaptation, it would not have fit or make sense. Klaus remains my favorite even if he barely has dialogue. Every time he opens his mouth is gold.
jasperwrites87's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
elindseyr190's review against another edition
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
thekimberlyann's review against another edition
3.0
A fun and unique read, especially in the heavily saturated super hero genre, but still lacking in the character nuance the show was able to provide. Perhaps the next entries in the series will help to rectify that.
diabolicalwaffle's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
doctorwithoutboundaries's review against another edition
3.0
I’m always amazed when artists dare to tell stories across different media. It’s no small feat to be able to write songs as well as comic scripts, and to somehow be successful at both (though I’m not a fan of his music). To write is difficult enough, heaven knows, but to do it with such versatility is a rare gift. For that alone, Gerard Way’s comic is worth checking out.
The Umbrella Academy is a fun concept that’s executed decently. It has a compelling plot, though I wish the characters and backstory had been better developed. Gabriel Bá’s drawing is as superb as I remember it being in his most famous collaboration with twin brother, Fabio Moon. I’ve resolved to locate more of his artwork. Another aesthetic treat here is the cover art by multiple Eisner award-winning James Jean.
And yet, something is amiss. The comic lacks an emotional quotient; it’s smart and entertaining, but Way failed to make me care about any of these characters. It’s full of wacky ideas but ultimately directionless: a story that feels both thin and messy. I will probably continue with the rest of the series (because OCD), but I hope Way returned to this “Once More, With Feeling!”
The Umbrella Academy is a fun concept that’s executed decently. It has a compelling plot, though I wish the characters and backstory had been better developed. Gabriel Bá’s drawing is as superb as I remember it being in his most famous collaboration with twin brother, Fabio Moon. I’ve resolved to locate more of his artwork. Another aesthetic treat here is the cover art by multiple Eisner award-winning James Jean.
And yet, something is amiss. The comic lacks an emotional quotient; it’s smart and entertaining, but Way failed to make me care about any of these characters. It’s full of wacky ideas but ultimately directionless: a story that feels both thin and messy. I will probably continue with the rest of the series (because OCD), but I hope Way returned to this “Once More, With Feeling!”
sofiaaalves's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
ashleyguiro's review against another edition
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75