English with "The Umbrella Academy"

Super powers and something else...

STREAMING

6/17/20242 min read

Not a Marvel thing- and that's the charm of this adaptation. The comic book (which I also recommend) was created by Gerard Way, the lead singer of the band My Chemical Romance, and illustrated by Gabriel Bá, first published by Dark Horse Comics in 2007.

Plot Summary (beware of spoilers in case you know NOTHING about it):

The Umbrella Academy follows the story of a dysfunctional family of adopted siblings, each of whom has extraordinary abilities. The story begins with the mysterious birth of 43 children around the world, all born on the same day in 1989 to women who had not previously shown any signs of pregnancy. Sir Reginald Hargreeves, an eccentric billionaire, adopts seven of these children and forms the Umbrella Academy, intending to train them to save the world.

Main Characters:

1. Luther Hargreeves (Number One): Super strength.

2. Diego Hargreeves (Number Two): Expert knife-thrower with the ability to curve the trajectory of anything he throws.

3. Allison Hargreeves (Number Three): The ability to alter reality by lying, using the phrase "I heard a rumor...".

4. Klaus Hargreeves (Number Four): Communicates with the dead and can channel their powers.

5. Number Five: Has the ability to teleport through space and time.

6. Ben Hargreeves (Number Six): Has a monstrous, tentacled horror living inside him, which he can unleash.

7. Vanya Hargreeves (Number Seven): Initially believed to be ordinary but later revealed to have destructive sound-manipulating abilities.

Storyline:

The series begins years after the siblings have grown apart, having been estranged due to their difficult upbringing and the death of their adoptive father, Sir Reginald Hargreeves. They reunite upon his death, only to discover that the world faces an impending apocalypse. Throughout the series, they must confront their past, mend their relationships, and work together to prevent the end of the world.

The show blends elements of superhero fiction, family drama, and dark comedy, with a distinctive aesthetic that has made it popular among fans of both comics and television.

The series explores themes of family dysfunction, trauma, the burden of expectation, and the challenges of living up to one's potential. Despite their superpowers, the characters are deeply flawed and struggle with their own personal issues, making them relatable and complex.

The Umbrella Academy is relatable especially for its unique style and engaging characters, not to mention the inventive storytelling.

If you're interested in a mix of superhero action, quirky humor, and emotional depth, The Umbrella Academy might be right up your alley, and that's why you'll love the vocabulary that I've selected for you. (In case you want to know IN DEPTH everything that is to be learned vocabulary-wise, please wait for the Case Study Book that I am preparing for fans and curious students alike.)