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Umbrella Academy #4
Posted 14 Mar 2008
Writer: Gerard Way
Artist: Gabriel Ba
Artist: James Jean (cover)
Letters: Blambot’s Nate Piekos
Colors: Dave Stewart
Publisher: Dark Horse
5.00 out of 5 Stars
Reviewed by Sara Michelle Kowalczyk
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“Baby, I'll Be Your Frankenstein”
Part four of six in the Apocalypse Suite
After the devastating events of Umbrella Academy #3, Vanya
has decided to take the Conductor up on his offer to join the
Orchestra Verdammten, “a collection of madmen and murderesses with
hearts and deeds as black as the very instruments they play.” Vanya
believes she is taking the chair of the first violinist, however, when
she arrives at the Icarus Theatre, the Conductor has sinister plans in
store for her.
The Conductor performs a musical transfusion on Vanya. He hooks
her up to a black IV; it courses through her veins as he plays a
violent refrain on an old Victrola. The high voltage melody
harmonizes with Vanya, and she transforms into The White Violin. As
The White Violin, Vanya has the ability to strike a deafening pitch
that causes listeners to burst. Vanya, “the world’s
greatest instrument of extermination,” is gunning for the demise
of her superhero siblings Spaceboy, Kraken, Rumor, Seance, and Number
5 (as well as their chimp caretaker Pogo) over at the Umbrella
Academy!
“Gerard’s writing is dark
and poetic and lends a unique perspective to both the music and comic
book industries.”
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Umbrella Academy is Gerard Way’s first series. Gerard
is the frontman and lead vocalist of My Chemical Romance. Gerard is
no stranger to the comic book world: before he became a rock star,
Gerard worked in a local comics shop. In an interview with Dark Horse
editor Scott Allie, Gerard expressed that his series is
“influenced by Richard Case of Doom Patrol as well as the
artist on ZombieWorld: Champion of the Worm (Pat
McEown).” Edvin Biukovic is Gerard’s all-time favorite
artist; Edvin’s Grendel Tales “are like [his] bible
to draw from, as well as anything Alex Toth has ever done.”
Gerard attended the School of Visual Arts in New York where he
majored in Cartooning/Illustration. Scott asked Gerard if he
considered providing the art for Umbrella Academy. Gerard
replied, “I realized pretty early on that it would be
unrealistic to do so, as much as I am close to it. Writing with a
laptop on a tour bus is so much easier than trying to draw. I knew if
I drew it I’d never finish it.”
I admit I’m a fangirl of Gerard and My Chem! Gerard is not
only a talented musician, he’s also a brilliant writer/creator.
I love how he incorporates his love of music in the Umbrella
Academy. Gerard’s idea for a villainess who can hammer a
single, murderous chord is ingenious! Gerard’s writing is dark
and poetic. He lends a unique perspective to both the music and comic
book industries. I’m really looking forward to the second
volume of Umbrella Academy as well as a new My Chem CD.
Eisner award-winning artist James Jean (Fables,
Batgirl) paints a beautiful, haunting portrait of Vanya as The
White Violin. James portrays Vanya as a soloist with an ominous
Victrola looming behind her. Red branch-like boughs provide an eerie
yet enchanting touch. James also illustrated the cover art for My
Chem’s latest album, The Black Parade.
Gabriel Ba does an amazing job on the interior art. His designs
are original, unusual, and abstract. My favorite layouts are
Vanya’s transformation and the ear-splitting finale of the
Maestro of Misery, the Conductor. During Vanya’s metamorphosis,
Gabriel draws a noisy score of notes in the background. I really like
this detail because it gives the reader insight into how loud the
music sounds in Vanya’s head. I also love the scene where Vanya
kills her homicidal creator with one blow to a violin.
Vanya’s costume is so creative! Gabriel depicts Vanya in a
four-stringed violin design that goes down her torso. He accessorizes
her with f-holes on her hips. Vanya’s violin-inspired look is
in tune with her weapon of choice. Finally, Dave Stewart’s
colorful hues enhance Gabriel’s work and accent the dramatic
tone of the comic. This comic rocks!
Visit darkhorse.com to read the interview with
Gerard!
—CCdC—
Cover image used without explicit permission in accordance with the "Fair Use" provision of US copyright law.
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