“Reunited by their father’s death, estranged siblings with extraordinary powers uncover shocking family secrets — and a looming threat to humanity.”

In the past few years, we’ve seen a surplus of superhero related media. Marvel and DC have been pumping out movies and TV shows, not to mention comics, so much lately that it’s hard to not notice their prevalence everywhere. I’m certainly not complaining about it. Superheroes have always been fascinating to me, the extraordinary among the ordinary.

That’s why I was really excited by the concept of The Umbrella Academy. A family of superhero children who grew up with all the problems you would expect them to have, and more. It’s hilarious, it’s action-packed, and it’s got the best music. There’s heart, there are nuanced characters that you’ll love and hate at the same time, and there’s even a talking monkey. Perfect.

The Netflix show is based on the comic book series by Gerard Way, who some might recognize as the lead singer of the band My Chemical Romance. Suffice to say the man is talented. For those who have read the comic or are looking to do so after watching the show, be warned that it’s rather different. I enjoyed both, but I do appreciate the diverse cast of the TV show more.

I really enjoy that while the show has high stakes (just the end of the world, no big deal), it never takes itself too seriously. It knows it’s flaunting a talking monkey, and assassins dressed in silly masks, and an eccentric billionaire who buys seven children. That doesn’t mean it lacks emotional depth or near constant moral grayness. It gives realism to these figures that are often godlike in their stature in society.

I for one appreciate the fact that these people struggle as much as normal people in life. Like yeah, they would have a lot of problems and trauma to deal with by the time they reached eighteen. Please get them some therapy.

I’m currently watching season two, and enjoying that just as much, if not more. Do beware though: it gets pretty violent and bloody. But it definitely knows how to put fight scenes to music.

~~Lindsey, Library Aide