Reviews

The Umbrella Academy, Vol. 1: Apocalypse Suite by Gerard Way

aceinit's review against another edition

2.0

Much like Saga, this is one of those comics that everyone seems to endlessly fawn over, but which I found completely underwhelming. Perhaps it's because 5 issues really isn't enough to explore the concept. The narrative feels threadbare and sets itself up with too many questions it is completely disinclined to answer. For example:

A bunch of babies are suddenly born to women who were not previously pregnant: Intriguing premise, literally never mentioned again. It happens. Who cares how or why? Might have something to do with a wrestling match. Might not. Just go with it.

Most of these babies die: Again... no big deal. Never mentioned again. This story isn't about them, so who cares? It's backstory. Moving on...

The entire

Spoiler

Vanya has no powers/Vanya is powerful enough to end the world single-handedly

thing needed a LOT more exposition. While he was screwing up the rest of the kids and trying to force them to maximum potential, why was this one ignored completely instead of equally cultivated/molded/tortured (again, we don't really know what happened here, because that might be useful information, only that thing were rough growing up in the household, mmm'kay)? And this is the one that really frustrates me. I mean, seriously,

Spoiler

why willfully ignore the child your all-seeing monocle knows to be the most powerful asset, while simultaneously keeping her underfoot and constantly belittling her? In case she might go bad? To ensure she goes bad? Again, this needs more exploration, as the Academy itself seems to be its own worst enemy in terms of destruction and Stuff Going Wrong in general.

There was so damn much that was lacking in terms of development, both in terms of characters and plot. Readers are left to fill in too many gaps, or to be frustrated by them. In my case, it was the latter.

I think I would have enjoyed this series more if it was given a chance to expand on its own world.... maybe 8-10 issues instead of trying to cram everything into 5. As things stand, Umbrella Academy feels barely pieced together, and I don't care enough to explore if any unanswered questions are addressed in future volumes.

readcharlotte's review against another edition

2.0

2.5 and I think that's due to loving the show. It was too fast and lacking, then again I rarely read or enjoy graphic novels so maybe I just didn't get it. Again, I'm biased due to the show, but knowing the characters from that, I feel like they would be strangers to all who solely read the comics. I will continue just to get more from a loved Netflix adaptation.

susanneverreads's review against another edition

2.0

I had started to watch the Netflix adaptation of this and decided to give the comic a try. While I did read it in one day, I was not a big fan. Now don't get me wrong, the plot was good but it was poorly done. The adaptation is better in this case.

This is definitely fast paced and can get confusing at times. I found myself rereading some parts to make sure I understood them correctly. That being said, I did like the pace AT TIMES and other times, we didn't get enough. Let's go back to the plot being good but poorly done. The story was great but it moved so fast I honestly thought maybe I missed something. I get not every little thing could be done but I do feel there could have been more explained at some parts.

I also feel we don't get a proper introduction to the characters. If I hadn't already seen the show, I would have been confused by what their powers were.

Will I read the rest? Maybe if I'm bored but I'm glad I borrowed this over buying it. If you like the show, sure read this but you aren't missing out if you don't.

thepetitepunk's review against another edition

4.0

Can't believe I first read this over five years ago. I don't think I can provide a helpful review because I'm too biased--I grew up with MCR and always appreciated Gerard Way's brain.

jess_mango's review against another edition

3.0

A rare case of when I read the book AFTER I watch the film version...In this case, in my opinion, the Netflix version of this is WAY better than the book. The book was kind of all over the place for me.

lovelysailboats's review against another edition

adventurous dark funny mysterious fast-paced

3.75

lillianeis_bored's review against another edition

emotional funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

katie_baker's review

adventurous dark 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? Yes

3.75

okevamae's review against another edition

3.0

3.5 only because I'm trying to judge it on its own merits, not in comparison to the Netflix series. The premise is fantastic and imaginative, but the TV series is a much better, well-rounded realization of both the basic idea and the characters.

licelotd's review

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5