The Umbrella Academy: Dallas by Gerard Way

Title: The Umbrella Academy.
Story-arc: Dallas.
Volume: 2.

Writer(s): Gerard Way.
Illustrator(s): Gabriel Bá.
Colourist(s): Dave Stewart.
Letterer(s): Nate Piekos of Blambot.
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics.

Format: Paperback.
Release Date: September 16th 2009.
Pages: 192.
Genre(s): Comics, Science-Fiction.
ISBN13: 9781595823458.
My Overall Rating: ★★★★☆.

Previously on The Umbrella Academy:
The Umbrella Academy (Vol. 1): The Apocalypse Suite.

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Pursuing his career as a comic book writer, Gerard Way continues his foray within the world of The Umbrella Academy by pushing even further the boundaries of surrealism as he offers a sinister yet humourous story where his young heroes are launched into uncharted territory and are hit with adult responsibilities. While each issue isn’t necessarily sewed together to perfection, his storytelling still hooks you in with ambitious ideas and crazy characters who even surprise themselves with the things they are capable of doing. This second installment from the lead vocalist of the ex-band My Chemical Romance is treasurable as the characters’ backstories are well-established and the chaos they invite into their world, oddly satisfying.

What is The Umbrella Academy: Dallas about? Following the near apocalypse devised by one of their own as well as the death of a beloved one in their little family, The Umbrella Academy is now dismantled with each member dealing with their own personal problems. There’s no better moment for these heroes to reunite than another event that could only be solved by these heroes if they are to work together once again. With new threats sent to mercilessly eliminate their targets, the story unravels to offer an unforgettable and unthinkable plot involving the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Collecting issues #1-6 of The Umbrella Academy: Dallas, Gerard Way delivers a hectic and entertaining sequel to his series for fans to rejoice at the splendid creativity of this man.

Unlike the previous volume, the story is able to take on a life of its own with all of its characters and the universe thoroughly introduced. Now knowing that these heroes and the villains they face are quirky at their core, the reader is subconsciously warned and ready for the narrative to go in all kinds of crazy directions. While remaining minimally grounded, these heroes explode with energy and emotions that allow you to embrace the surrealism that envelops this series. With time-traveling at the core of this plot, Gerard Way does an excellent job in putting forth the precious and powerful bond between these heroes despite their tendency to be a dysfunctional family together.

The darker yet colourful tone of this volume also merits a round of applause for the creative team behind this series with their stunning demonstration of complex character development fit within an insane and ridiculous world while touching upon powerful themes of love and family. Gabriel Bà’s artwork also works wonderfully with this story, leaving no space for substitution, as his style is a match made in heaven with Gerard Way’s ideas. The introduction of two psychopaths (Hazel and Cha Cha) who inspire fear was brilliant as they both stole the show with their sense of humour. Leave it to Gerard Way and Gabriel Bà to redefine anarchy, destruction, and insanity with this second volume of their series.

The Umbrella Academy: Dallas is a chaotic and enjoyable sequel that continues its quirky yet dramatic exploration of a dysfunctional family and their heroic feats.

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Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for sending me a copy for review!

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Although the trailer isn’t out yet, how excited are you for season 2?

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