Interview: Artist Gabriel Bá on making and adapting The Umbrella Academy

The Umbrella Academy has already become a hit series on Netflix. With a second season underway, we caught up with artist Gabriel Bá at TCAF to discuss the series.

Gabriel Bá is one half of the Brazilian “Wonder Twins,” along with his brother, Fábio Moon. To many, however, Bá is most famous for being the artist on the Eisner Award-winning The Umbrella Academy, the comic series created and written by Gerard Way. With The Umbrella Academy now a hit live-action series on Netflix, Bá was one of the most sought-after guests at the Toronto Comic Arts Festival 2019.

Much of what Bá talked about centered around The Umbrella Academy, and his insight was a delight to hear. He seemed as in awe of the cinematic process as any fan, explaining to audiences how there were giant rooms full of costumes and that whenever he doubted the textures and colors of the costumes or sets, he was amazed at how brilliantly they translated on screen.

Gabriel Bá at TCAF 2019

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The success of the show has led to a new deal between Dark Horse and Netflix, which gives the streaming platform a first look at all Dark Horse comics.

When I finally caught up with Bá, he was exhausted after a long weekend of signings, panels, and innumerable fan encounters. He still agreed to do a brief interview with me, during which he spoke about The Umbrella Academy and his love for comics.

The Umbrella Academy has taken everyone by storm. Can you tell us how you feel about people’s reaction to the show? How different is it to people’s reaction to the comic series?

Gabriel Bá: I love the reaction of people for the show. They’re liking it, enjoying it. I think it’s similar to the reaction to the comic, but just millions of more people. So it’s kind of overwhelming.

How much input did you have in making the adaptation?

Bá: Well, Gerard and I, we were consulted on some things, and we had access to every step of the process. We read the scripts, we saw the character designs, [and] we saw the set designs. We were shown the dailies – the footage. And we could give our opinions on everything. They took that in consideration even though they didn’t need to do what we wanted. And so that was kind of our involvement in the series.

Photo Credit: The Umbrella Academy/Netflix Image Acquired from Netflix Media Center

What was your process when working on the comic series? How did you and Gerard Way create the world of The Umbrella Academy?

Bá: Well, The Umbrella Academy is nothing like any other comic. I’d get the scripts from Gerard; it’s very visual the way he writes. There’s a lot of details that he wants. He’d make sketches sometimes, so I had to take that and make the layout and send it to him, and then draw the pages afterwards. But we’ve been doing this for 10 years, so we have talked a lot and I understand the universe of the series more now so we can create new characters together and see where the story goes.

You’ve finished The Umbrella Academy Volume 3 – Hotel Oblivion; is there anything you can tell us about the next volume?

Bá: We will see what happens with them [the characters] fighting all those villains. That’s where the story’s heading.

What is your one favorite part of the show?

Bá: I think I really like the kids in uniforms. Every time they appear, it just feels right. And I like Hazel and Cha-Cha, the way they were done in the show. The characters are so well-developed, and the actors [Cameron Britton and Mary J. Blige, respectively] are great, so I really like those parts.

Photo Credit: The Umbrella Academy/Netflix Image Acquired from Netflix Media Center

Is there anything from the comics you wish they had included in the show?

Bá: Not really. And you know, if the show is successful, we can have more seasons, and we can always include something in the future. So I want to let them tell the story the way they want to and, if it’s best for the story, I’m okay with that.

Can you tell us about the second season?

Bá: I am involved. I can’t say anything about the second season.

Are there any of your other comics that you’d love to see adapted for the screen?

Bá: Not really. We love comics, we love the language of comics and what we are able to do with that. And I think that’s the highest that we want to get, telling stories through comics because we love the language and we feel it’s better than anything.

What are you working on currently?

Bá: More The Umbrella Academy comics, and Fabio is working on another novel.

The Umbrella Academy Volume 3: Hotel Oblivion TPB is out on September 17, 2019, while the first season of The Umbrella Academy is currently streaming on Netflix.