Hey comic book enthusiasts and Umbrella Academy fans! Ever wondered about diving into the wonderfully weird world of Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá's Umbrella Academy comics? If you're only familiar with the Netflix series, you're in for a treat – the comics offer a deeper, often darker, and sometimes stranger take on our favorite dysfunctional superhero family. So, if you're ready to explore the source material, let's break down the Umbrella Academy comics in the order you should read them, ensuring you don't miss a single bizarre twist or emotional beat. Get ready, because this is going to be one wild ride!

Umbrella Academy: The Premise

Before we get into the reading order, let's quickly recap what Umbrella Academy is all about. On October 1, 1989, 43 women around the world simultaneously give birth, despite not being pregnant when the day began. Sir Reginald Hargreeves, an eccentric billionaire and inventor, adopts seven of these extraordinary children. Instead of raising them as a family, he trains them to become a superhero team known as the Umbrella Academy. Each child possesses unique abilities, which Hargreeves intends to mold for the betterment of humanity – or at least, that’s the idea. The reality, however, is far more complicated.

The children, designated by number rather than name for much of their early lives, grow up in a cold and detached environment. Their adoptive father is emotionally distant, and their training is rigorous and often traumatic. As a result, they develop deep-seated issues and strained relationships with one another. The Umbrella Academy eventually disbands, and the siblings go their separate ways. However, they are brought back together by Hargreeves' mysterious death and an impending apocalypse. This sets the stage for a series of chaotic adventures filled with time travel, supervillains, and plenty of family drama.

The comics delve into each sibling's backstory, exploring their individual struggles and how their upbringing has shaped them. We see Number One (Luther), with his super strength and ape-like physique; Number Two (Diego), the skilled marksman; Number Three (Allison), who can manipulate reality with her lies; Number Four (Klaus), who communicates with the dead; Number Five, the time-traveling strategist; Number Six (Ben), who possesses monstrous creatures from another dimension under his skin; and Number Seven (Vanya), whose powers are initially suppressed but prove to be the most destructive of them all. Each sibling's journey is fraught with personal demons and unresolved trauma, making them complex and compelling characters. The overarching narrative explores themes of family, identity, trauma, and redemption, making the Umbrella Academy a truly unique and thought-provoking series. As you dive into the comics, you'll discover even more layers to these characters and the bizarre world they inhabit.

The Umbrella Academy Comic Books in Order

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s the correct order to read the Umbrella Academy comics, ensuring you experience the story as Gerard Way intended. Grab your reading glasses, and let's jump in!

1. The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite

Apocalypse Suite is where it all begins, guys! This first volume introduces us to the Hargreeves siblings, their troubled past, and the imminent apocalypse they must prevent. It's a rollercoaster of action, mystery, and dysfunctional family dynamics. The artwork is fantastic, setting the tone for the entire series. Be prepared for some shocking twists and turns right from the get-go!

The Apocalypse Suite sets the stage for the entire series by introducing the core characters and their complex relationships. We meet the seven Hargreeves siblings: Luther (Number One), Diego (Number Two), Allison (Number Three), Klaus (Number Four), Number Five, Ben (Number Six), and Vanya (Number Seven). Each sibling possesses unique abilities, but their dysfunctional upbringing under the cold and detached Sir Reginald Hargreeves has left them deeply scarred. The story begins with the mysterious death of Sir Reginald, which reunites the estranged siblings. As they gather, they quickly realize that the world is on the brink of destruction, and it's up to them to stop it. However, their personal issues and lack of teamwork make this task incredibly difficult.

Throughout Apocalypse Suite, we delve into each sibling's backstory, exploring their individual struggles and how their powers have affected their lives. Luther, for example, is physically transformed after an experiment gone wrong, leaving him with an ape-like physique. Diego struggles with his vigilante tendencies, while Allison grapples with the consequences of using her reality-altering powers. Klaus battles his drug addiction and his ability to communicate with the dead, and Number Five returns from the future with a dire warning. Ben, who is already deceased, appears as a ghost, and Vanya, initially believed to be powerless, harbors a dangerous secret. The narrative is filled with flashbacks that provide context to the siblings' relationships and their tumultuous upbringing. We see glimpses of their training sessions, their interactions with Sir Reginald, and the events that led to the Umbrella Academy's disbandment. These flashbacks add depth to the characters and help us understand their motivations and flaws. As the apocalypse looms closer, the siblings must overcome their personal issues and learn to work together if they hope to save the world. However, their past traumas and unresolved conflicts threaten to tear them apart. The Apocalypse Suite is a thrilling and emotional introduction to the Umbrella Academy universe, setting the stage for the bizarre and captivating stories to come.

2. The Umbrella Academy: Dallas

Next up is Dallas, where things get even weirder – if that's even possible! Number Five's time-traveling antics send the siblings scattering through time, and they find themselves embroiled in various historical events, including the assassination of JFK. Expect alternate timelines, bizarre conspiracies, and even more family drama. Dallas expands the Umbrella Academy universe and delves deeper into the characters' individual struggles. Buckle up; it's a wild ride through history!

Dallas picks up where Apocalypse Suite left off, with the Umbrella Academy scattered and struggling to cope with the aftermath of their near-apocalyptic experience. Number Five's time-traveling abilities once again play a central role, as he becomes entangled in a plot to assassinate President John F. Kennedy. The other siblings find themselves in various points in time, each facing their own unique challenges. Luther, still grappling with his physical transformation, seeks solace in a circus, while Diego continues his vigilante activities. Allison's powers lead her down a dangerous path, and Klaus's connection to the dead becomes increasingly complex. Vanya, now aware of her destructive abilities, struggles to control her powers and find her place in the world. Throughout Dallas, the siblings' individual journeys intersect and diverge, creating a complex and interwoven narrative. The assassination plot serves as a backdrop for exploring themes of fate, free will, and the consequences of altering history. Number Five's involvement with a shadowy organization adds a layer of intrigue and danger, as he navigates the treacherous world of time travel. The alternate timelines and bizarre conspiracies introduced in Dallas expand the Umbrella Academy universe, showcasing Gerard Way's creative imagination and Gabriel Bá's distinctive artwork. The characters' emotional struggles are also highlighted, as they grapple with their past traumas and try to forge their own identities. The strained relationships between the siblings are further explored, with alliances shifting and betrayals occurring. Dallas is a thrilling and mind-bending continuation of the Umbrella Academy saga, delving deeper into the characters' psyches and expanding the scope of their adventures. The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. As the siblings navigate their individual paths, they must confront their inner demons and decide whether they can truly overcome their past and work together to face the challenges that lie ahead.

3. The Umbrella Academy: Hotel Oblivion

Hotel Oblivion is the third installment, and it’s a real game-changer. After the chaotic events of Dallas, the supervillains imprisoned by the Umbrella Academy have been released, causing mayhem around the globe. The siblings must reunite to face this new threat, all while dealing with their personal demons. Expect intense action, bizarre villains, and some major revelations about the Hargreeves family. This volume really kicks things up a notch!

Hotel Oblivion marks a significant shift in the Umbrella Academy narrative, as the focus expands beyond the immediate threats facing the siblings and delves deeper into the overarching mythology of the series. The story begins with the release of numerous supervillains who had been imprisoned by the Umbrella Academy in a mysterious extradimensional prison known as the Hotel Oblivion. These villains, each with their own unique powers and motivations, wreak havoc across the globe, creating chaos and destruction. The Hargreeves siblings, who have been scattered and pursuing their individual paths, must once again come together to confront this new and formidable threat. However, their personal issues and strained relationships continue to plague them, making it difficult for them to function as a cohesive team. Luther grapples with his physical transformation and his leadership role, while Diego struggles with his vigilante tendencies and his complicated relationship with his father. Allison's powers continue to be a source of both strength and conflict, and Klaus battles his addiction and his connection to the spirit world. Number Five remains enigmatic and strategic, but his past actions continue to haunt him. Vanya, now fully embracing her powers, seeks to find her place in the world and atone for her past mistakes. As the siblings confront the escaped villains, they also uncover new secrets about their upbringing and the true nature of Sir Reginald Hargreeves. The Hotel Oblivion itself becomes a central mystery, with its origins and purpose gradually revealed. The story explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the consequences of unchecked power. The characters are forced to confront their own flaws and make difficult choices that will determine the fate of the world. Hotel Oblivion is a thrilling and complex addition to the Umbrella Academy series, expanding the universe and deepening the characters' emotional journeys. The artwork is stunning, capturing the bizarre and fantastical elements of the story. The narrative is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers engaged and invested in the fate of the Hargreeves siblings. As they battle their personal demons and confront the escaped villains, they must ultimately decide whether they can overcome their past and work together to create a better future.

4. The Umbrella Academy: You Look Like Death (Klaus Spinoff)

While not strictly part of the main storyline, You Look Like Death is a fantastic Klaus-centric spinoff. It delves into Klaus's wild adventures after being kicked out of the Umbrella Academy. Expect drug-fueled escapades, ghostly encounters, and plenty of dark humor. This spinoff offers a deeper understanding of Klaus's character and his unique perspective on the world. Plus, it's just a whole lot of fun!

You Look Like Death: Six Tales from the Umbrella Academy offers a unique and immersive exploration into the chaotic and often bizarre world of Klaus Hargreeves, also known as Number Four. This collection of stories delves deep into Klaus's personal struggles, his unique abilities, and his often-unconventional approach to life. Unlike the main Umbrella Academy series, which focuses on the collective adventures of the Hargreeves siblings, You Look Like Death provides an intimate and character-driven narrative centered solely on Klaus. The stories explore his drug addiction, his ability to communicate with the dead, and his constant battle with his inner demons. Each tale offers a glimpse into Klaus's past, his present, and his potential future, revealing the complexities and contradictions that make him such a compelling character. The artwork is stunning, capturing the dark humor and surreal atmosphere of Klaus's world. The narrative is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers engaged and invested in Klaus's journey. As he navigates his personal struggles and confronts the challenges that come his way, he remains true to himself, embracing his flaws and celebrating his unique perspective. You Look Like Death is a must-read for fans of the Umbrella Academy who want to delve deeper into the psyche of one of its most intriguing characters. It offers a refreshing and unconventional take on the superhero genre, exploring themes of addiction, mental health, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels chaotic and absurd. Through Klaus's eyes, readers gain a new appreciation for the power of resilience, the importance of self-acceptance, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Why Read the Comics?

So, why should you dive into the Umbrella Academy comics when there's already a successful Netflix series? Well, guys, the comics offer a different experience. The Netflix series is based on the comics, but it's not a direct adaptation. The comics have their own unique storylines, character developments, and visual style. They often delve deeper into the characters' backstories and explore more complex themes. Plus, reading the comics allows you to experience Gerard Way's original vision for the Umbrella Academy. It's a fantastic complement to the TV show and offers a richer understanding of this extraordinary world.

The Umbrella Academy comics provide a depth and nuance to the characters and storylines that may not be fully captured in the Netflix adaptation. The visual style of the comics, with Gabriel Bá's distinctive artwork, creates a unique and immersive reading experience. The comics often delve deeper into the characters' inner thoughts and motivations, providing a richer understanding of their personalities and struggles. The storylines in the comics can differ significantly from those in the TV show, offering new and unexpected twists and turns. The comics also explore more complex themes, such as the nature of family, the impact of trauma, and the search for identity. Reading the comics allows fans to experience Gerard Way's original vision for the Umbrella Academy, unfiltered and unconstrained by the limitations of a television adaptation. The comics offer a level of detail and complexity that may not be possible to achieve in a visual medium. The comics also provide a sense of closure and resolution to certain storylines that may be left open-ended in the TV show. Reading the comics can enhance your appreciation for the Netflix series, providing a deeper understanding of the characters and their relationships. The comics and the TV show can be seen as complementary experiences, each offering its own unique perspective on the Umbrella Academy universe. Ultimately, reading the comics is a rewarding and enriching experience for any fan of the Umbrella Academy, providing a deeper understanding of the characters, storylines, and themes that make this series so captivating.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it – the Umbrella Academy comics in order! Whether you're a die-hard fan of the Netflix series or a newcomer to this bizarre world, the comics offer a thrilling and unique experience. So, grab your copies, settle in, and prepare to be amazed by the Umbrella Academy's extraordinary adventures. Happy reading, folks!