Get a look at “The Commission Handbook.” Plus, showrunner Steve Blackman says creators Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá are working on more stories.
The Umbrella Academy Universe Expands Beyond the Show
After four seasons, The Umbrella Academy has concluded its Netflix journey, but fans of the offbeat superhero series have more to look forward to. While the show may have ended, the original comic series by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá is still ongoing and is expected to explore new directions that may differ from the television adaptation.
Showrunner Steve Blackman recently shared with Entertainment Weekly that the creators are far from done with the Umbrella Academy universe. “The truth is, Gerard and Gabriel are still working on the next volume of comics and they’ve told me about them,” Blackman revealed. Although the show wrapped up after four seasons, the comic series is set to continue, offering fresh content and possibly expanding beyond the number of seasons that aired.
Blackman also noted the collaborative relationship between the show’s production and the comic series. “Many moments in season 4 came out of their brains,” he said, highlighting how ideas from Way and Bá were incorporated into the show.
New Tie-In Books for The Umbrella Academy Fans
In addition to the ongoing comic series, 2024 has seen the release of two new Umbrella Academy tie-in books. These text-based volumes dive deeper into the universe, providing fans with even more content to enjoy.
The first is Young Blood, a YA novel written by Alyssa Sheinmel. This story takes readers back to the days when the Umbrella Academy members were actual teenagers, navigating the challenges of being a superhero team while also dealing with typical adolescent issues. Set between the disappearance of Number Five and the death of Ben, the novel follows the young Umbrellas as they seek a break from the control of their adoptive father, Sir Reginald Hargreeves. Their adventure leads them to a college town where they hope to blend in, but instead, they encounter strange earthquakes, odd partygoers, and a possible new enemy.
The second book, Umbrella Academy: The Commission Handbook, was released just this week. Written by Matt Epstein with art by Jon Kutt, this in-universe reference guide offers a deep dive into the inner workings of The Commission, the time-manipulating agency featured prominently in the series. The book includes profiles of agents like Hazel and Cha-Cha, as well as analyses of other characters, such as the Sparrow Academy from season 3.
The Future of The Umbrella Academy Comics
For those eagerly awaiting new installments of the Umbrella Academy comic series, there’s good news: Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá are still hard at work on the next volume. Although there is no official release date yet, fans can rest assured that more stories from the world of The Umbrella Academy are on the way.
As the comic series continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly bring new twists and turns to the story, offering a fresh perspective for those who have followed the characters from the pages to the screen. In the meantime, Young Blood and The Commission Handbook provide ample material for fans to explore the intricate and fascinating world of The Umbrella Academy.