By Larry Jorash —    As superhero stories, few are as as unique as The Umbrella Academy. The satirically bleak tone, subtle humor, and raw emotion have put Umbrella Academy in a rare niche of mainstream indies. Now, renowned rock-and-roller Gerard Way returns once more to the comic book stage to deliver us back unto the world where it all began….with a flying elbow.

Our beloved friend Klaus (the Seance) has been kicked out of the house as a teenager (who can’t relate?) and is about to head out on his own adventures. In this comic we get brief cameos from the other members of the Umbrella family, and a very bizarre new introduction to a vampiric business-mogul Chimpanzee; who is a far cry from the beloved Pogo series vets will be familiar with. Within the misadventures of a now homeless youth, we find brilliantly dry-comedic scenes as Klaus attempts to establish roots elsewhere.

The art in this book is admirable for a number of reasons. For starters, Gabriel Ba (and original creator) returns for the main cover-art. His cover is both comedically grounded and nostalgic. Taking the reins for interior art is I.N.J. Culbard, who does a brilliant job displaying various color palettes, while also keeping the linework exceptionally close to Gabriel Ba’s own style. And finally as always, Nate Piekos whips in to splash about his notoriously genius fonts for the onomatopoeia that is so crucial for this medium to succeed. A sudden, “tok,” on page three comes to mind particularly.

Overall: A damn good time. You Look Like Death - Tales from the Umbrella Academy #1 is only set up as a two-parter, but fans of the original series and show alike will laugh out loud and smile while watching Klaus meander through a day in his life. 8.0/10

You Look Like Death - Tales From The Umbrella Academy #1

You Look Like Death - Tales From the Umbrella Academy #1
Writers: Gerard Way & Shaun Simon
Artist: I.N.J. Culbard
Letterer: Nate Piekos of Blambot
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Price: $3.99
The first Umbrella Academy spin off series! When 18-year-old Seance gets himself kicked out of the Umbrella Academy, and his allowance discontinued by Hargreeves, he takes to a place where his ghoulish talents will be appreciated--Hollywood. After a magical high on a vampire-drug-lord's stash, Klaus needs help, and doesn't have his siblings there to save him.
Release Date: September 16, 2020
Buy It Digitally: You Look Like Death - Tales From The Umbrella Academy #1

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Larry Jorash resides in Central Florida managing a comic book shop and coaching youth sports. In his spare time he enjoys watching ice hockey and reading. You will almost never find his hand vacant of coffee. Find him on twitter: (@theREALlarbear)