Who (or what) are the Umbrella Academy?

Credit: Gabriel Bá and Dave Stewart (Dark Horse Comics); from The Umbrella Academy: The Apocalypse Suite

Ben Hargreeves, a.k.a. The Horror, a.k.a Number Six

Yes, unlike what the trailer states, Sir Hargreeves adopted seven children instead of six. However, the Umbrella Academy comics have revealed very little about the member designed as Number Six. That’s because before the main story of The Umbrella Academy, Ben Hargreeves died. While the nature of his demise has yet to be revealed, there are enough hints which suggest that it’s what caused the team’s break-up.

As stated in various journals and dairy entries from The Umbrella Academy: The Apocalypse Suite, The Horror, as Ben was called, had the ability to summon extra-dimensional monsters from his stomach. He’s also described as the “kindest of the siblings” but also the most “easily manipulated.” It’s strongly suggested that, like Luther, he, too, fully embraced his role as a superhero to please his adoptive father. As a result, the Hargreeves siblings not only blame Sir Hargreeves for their brother’s death, but also Luther since Ben tried to emulate him.

In the comics, there’s a memorial statue of Ben, as The Horror, on the front lawn of the Academy. Likely, viewers will see this statue over the course of the series. As the trailer also shows the Umbrella Academy members as youngsters, it’s also likely we’ll be seeing Ben in flashback, as well.

Credit: Gabriel Bá and Dave Stewart (Dark Horse Comics); from The Umbrella Academy: The Apocalypse Suite

Vanya Hargreeves, a.k.a. The White Violin, a.k.a. Number Seven

In the comics, Vanya is the most estranged member of her adoptive family and the only one without any powers. Unless you consider her ability to play the violin really well as a super power, that is. Apparently, Sir Hargreeves did not and thus considered her lack of powers a useless liability. Thus, while the rest of the Umbrella Academy were fighting crime, monsters, and super villains, Vanya was either forced to watch from the sidelines or confined to her room.

When Vanya grows up, she writes a scathing tell-all book about her experiences at the Academy, with some very choice words towards her adoptive family. She’s so resentful towards them in the comics, she doesn’t even attend Sir Hargreeves’ funeral. Of course, with Ellen Paige playing her in the adaptation, it’s likely she’ll be much more open to reconciliation towards her siblings even while also feeling like the black sheep of the family. It also hints that, like her comic book counterpart, Vanya’s a much more important character than she seems.

As for what that is? Well…you’re going to have to read the comics or watch the series to find out.

Season One of The Umbrella Academy debuts Feb. 15, 2019 on Netflix. The Umbrella Academy: The Apocalypse Suite, The Umbrella Academy: Dallas, and The Umbrella Academy: Hotel Oblivion are written by Gerard Way, illustrated by Gabriel Bá, and published by Dark Horse comics.