The much awaited "The Umbrella Academy" is set to launch globally on Netflix in February. This is the streaming service's spin on "My Chemical Romance's" Gerard Way's quirky superhero series. Way serves as one of the executive producers on the series.
As with the comic book, forty-three babies are born to unsuspecting women all around the world on the same day. These women have no connection and also had not shown any signs of being pregnant the day prior to or even on the morning of the births.
Netflix series is set in 1989
While that original premise remains the same comic book fans will notice that the show is set in 1989 instead of 1977.
Seven of those infants are adopted by a billionaire who is determined to save the world. He creates The Umbrella Academy, where these “gifted kids” are trained to do so.
Years later when their adopted father dies, six of the surviving estranged family members must unite to solve the mystery surrounding his death. But things get a little bumpy because they all have such unique and divergent personalities plus the added pressure of needing to prevent an imminent global apocalypse in only eight short days.
Series comes with 10 episodes
Polygon notes that the 10-episode first season will star Ellen Page (Vanya Hargreeves/The White Violin, the only child without superpowers), singer Mary J. Blige (Cha Cha) and Tom Hopper ( Luther Hargreaves/Spaceboy) of "Game of Thrones." Plus there's Aidan Gallagher as Number Five/The Boy, Robert Sheehan as Klaus Hargreeves/The Séance, Emmy Raver-Lampman as Allison Hargreeves/The Rumor, David Castañeda as Diego Hargreeves/The Kraken, Cameron Britton as Hazel, Colm Feore as Sir Reginald Hargreeves/The Monocle; John Magaro as Leonard Peabody and Adam Godley as Pog.
The original comic book series which debuted in 2007 was created and written by Way with illustrations by Gabriel Bá, and published by Dark Horse Comics. It took a bit of a hiatus as of 2009 with only two volumes produced and a third is said to have been in the works since at least 2013.
Steve Blackman, who is best known as a writer for shows like "Fargo," "Altered Carbon," and "Outsiders" created the series for television.
Expect some quirky humor
If the teaser trailer which is soundtracked by Tiffany's 1987 cover hit "I Think We're Alone Now," is any indication of what the viewer should expect then get ready for quirky humor. The world ends in eight days, and I don't know how to stop it," The Boy says. I'll put on a pot of coffee," Vanya Hargreeves responds.
Start binge watching this series on Netflix on February 15.
