The Umbrella Academy

[janradder]

might be my favorite comic right now.  Of course, it could completely fall apart with the next and final issue.  But I really do like it.  The writing is really good, which is kind of surprising given that the writer is Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance.  Not that I know anything about My Chemical Romance except that they're a band, given my complete lack of awareness for anything even remotely current in today's music scene, but when you think of some guy in a band deciding to write a comic it doesn't really inspire confidence.  It really is very good though.  It starts off in the middle of the story, dropping hints and clues about the past as you are introduced to the characters and the current story.  There are episodes and events in the characters' lives that are mentioned but there are no details given.  It's one of those stories where, as much as you are trying to figure out what's happening currently, you are also trying to piece together what has already transpired and figure out what the motives are of each person in the story.  The art is very beautifully done and really adds to the story.  Like I said, it might completely fall apart next issue as you realize the writer has painted himself into a corner sort of like Chris Carter did with The X Files but for now, I'm enjoying it.

Comments

[dryadjuna.livejournal.com]

online link?

[snurri.livejournal.com]

I'm hoping they'll collect it when it's done, 'cause I totally missed the beginning of it. How many issues is it?

[janradder.livejournal.com]

It's six issues, total, plus a preview issue from free comic day. It probably wouldn't be hard to get back issues but I would also think that based on reader response (which has been pretty favorable) they'll eventually collect it in a trade.

[janradder.livejournal.com]

There's no link to the comic but here is a link to the publisher, Dark Horse, with a preview of the current issue:

http://www.darkhorse.com/profile/profile.php?sku=14-486

If you're interested, here's a couple links to free online comics:

http://www.myspace.com/darkhorsepresents

http://www.freakangels.com/