How to Read The Umbrella Academy Comics in Order
For the best experience, we recommend reading The Umbrella Academy in publication order. Because the narrative relies heavily on character development, evolving art styles, and major status-quo shifts, starting from the beginning is essential. Here is the recommended reading path for the core volumes:
- Volume 1: Apocalypse Suite (2007–2008) – Introduces the seven extraordinary siblings raised by Sir Reginald Hargreeves who reunite after their father's death to prevent an impending global apocalypse. This collection also features the early short stories "Mon Dieu!" and "...But the Past Ain't Through with You."
- Volume 2: Dallas (2008–2009) – Takes the team through a mind-bending time-travel plot centering around the assassination of John F. Kennedy, focusing heavily on Number Five and Allison.
- Volume 3: Hotel Oblivion (2018–2019) – Explores the bizarre, extra-dimensional prison built by Reginald Hargreeves to house the family's worst enemies, and the repercussions when the inmates break out.
- Volume 4: Plan B (2025–present) – The highly anticipated fourth installment of the main series that continues the core family storyline.
The Spin-Offs and Companion Stories
In addition to the main volumes, creators Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá have expanded the universe with side projects, often published under the banner Tales from the Umbrella Academy. These spin-offs provide valuable context for specific characters but can be read after you have finished the main volumes:
- Tales from the Umbrella Academy: Hazel and Cha Cha Save Christmas (2019) – A festive, action-packed one-shot featuring the universe's most notorious time-traveling assassins on a chaotic mission to save Santa. It is best read after finishing Dallas, where the duo is first introduced.
- Tales from the Umbrella Academy: You Look Like Death (2020–2021) – A six-issue spin-off miniseries focusing on Klaus Hargreeves (The Séance) during an early period in his life when he was kicked out of the Academy and ended up in Hollywood. This series is co-written by Gerard Way and Shaun Simon, with art by I.N.J. Culbard. Reading this after Hotel Oblivion is ideal.
- "Safe & Sound" (2007) – A brief but notable short story originally published in MySpace Dark Horse Presents Volume 2, showcasing Number Five and the Séance. It is typically included in collected editions of the first volume.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
Due to the time-travel mechanics orchestrated by Number Five and the Temps Aetennalis (known as the Commission in the Netflix adaptation), a strict chronological reading order is practically impossible to construct. Events loop back on themselves, characters exist in multiple timelines simultaneously, and flashbacks are heavily integrated into the narrative. Attempting to piece these together chronologically on a first read will only lead to confusion. Reading the series in publication order remains the cleanest and most rewarding path for fans.
What to Know Before You Start
If you are coming to the comics after watching the hit Netflix adaptation (2019–2024), you should prepare for a very different experience. The source material is far more surreal, experimental, and fast-paced than the television show. Many characters have different powers, appearances, and personality traits. For example, Klaus's telekinetic abilities are much more pronounced in the comics, and the overall tone channels the punk-rock, retro-futuristic aesthetic of Gerard Way's artistic influences, such as Grant Morrison's Doom Patrol.
We highly recommend reading the comics via the Trade Paperbacks (TPBs) or the deluxe oversized Library Editions published by Dark Horse Comics. These editions collect the individual issues along with valuable bonus content, including early character sketches, creator commentaries, and rare promotional short stories that expand the lore of the Hargreeves family.