7 reasons to binge Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy

Not a Marvel or DC comic series

While there is a lot to be said for a series based on a Marvel or DC comic, we like seeing other comics getting some of the spotlight. Smaller presses deserve attention, and thanks to The Umbrella Academy and Dark Horse Comics, we have new stories and characters to root for.

It is refreshing to get characters that we aren’t necessarily familiar with. We like to be introduced to new stories and ideas. And having a series that is not connected to DC or Marvel, but still giving us superheroes and their adventures means we are getting something fresh and unique.

And what makes Dark Horse Comics a contender in their own way is that this is not the first time we have met their characters. In fact, this is the same company that brought us Hellboy, and for that alone we know the stories are going to be quirky, but also quality.

This isn’t just some random, pop-up comics publisher. Instead, this is a publisher that has been around since 1986, and with both original series and licensed work under their belt, they may not be as big as the other two, but they are definitely a firm fixture in the world of comics.

Family dynamic

The family dynamic is perhaps one of the biggest reasons to watch The Umbrella Academy. Over the years, we have watched superhero teams like the Avengers, the Justice League, and the Defenders all come together to save the day. And while they have considered themselves a family and connected in a meaningful way, when it comes to the members of the Umbrella Academy, they really are a family.

Seven children, all born on the same day, of different mothers. All raised by the same man, Sir Reginald Hargreeves. These superheroes really are a family. And just like any other family, they have issues.

Considering the way these seven were raised, we completely understand their issues. These weren’t normal children to begin with, as the very circumstances of their birth was unique. And to have a father figure that showed very little love and affection, but rather trained them all to be superheroes, means that there is going to be a lot of dysfunction when it comes to this particular family dynamic.

Having this family brought back together because of the death of the man they considered to be a father means that they are all going to have to deal with their problems. And there are plenty of those to go around.