Gerard Way relates ideas of body image to ‘Umbrella Academy’ character

Gerard Way has shared on Instagram that he wants to explain the backgrounds of each of the seven main characters on The Umbrella Academy.

First, Way has decided to dive in and explore Luther, or Number One. Additionally, Way adds that he will likely go in chronological order of the characters.

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“I’d like to try and do series of posts where I discuss each of the main characters of The Umbrella Academy, since so many of you are watching it now,” Way says. “It seems fitting to go through them in numerical order so I’ll start with Number 1 AKA Luther Hargreeves.”

Following the introduction, Way immediately begins to describe “the leader” of the group, whilst comparing him to himself.

“To me he represents isolation and innocence,” Way continues. “There are bits of other people and me in him, sometimes finding myself in a leadership role, sometimes unsuited for the role, and always making tough and sometimes unpopular decisions. Trying to do what’s best not for a single individual but for the whole. I failed at this many times, and it’s not an easy gig.”

Additionally, Way admits that body image is another key factor to Luther’s character. Way says that he relates to Luther on this level as well. However, Way is starting to be confident and comfortable in who he is.

“Also a feeling that I have had, and I know some of us have had, where we aren’t comfortable in your own skin, or you are unhappy with your body or how it will be judged, or finding yourself covering up (I spent years doing this). But I’ve learned to let go of that over the years, and got more comfortable in my body. I think, with people in Luther’s role, the wish is that you can make everyone happy, but unfortunately the way you feel you can achieve that is if everyone does what you say, and that doesn’t always work out.”

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I’d like to try and do series of posts where I discuss each of the main characters of The Umbrella Academy, since so many of you are watching it now. It seems fitting to go through them in numerical order so I’ll start with Number 1 AKA Luther Hargreeves AKA Spaceboy (these characters have so many names, and it’s great fun to try and watch everyone, including the press, keep them straight). I feel like there is a real sadness to Luther that the show captures wonderfully. To me he represents isolation and innocence. There are bits of other people and me in him, sometimes finding myself in a leadership role, sometimes unsuited for the role, and always making tough and sometimes unpopular decisions. Trying to do what’s best not for a single individual but for the whole. I failed at this many times, and it’s not an easy gig. One of the things the show tackled more than the comic was body horror, and I think they did a great job with that. Also a feeling that I have had and I know some of us have had where we aren’t comfortable in your own skin, or you are unhappy with your body or how it will be judged, or finding yourself covering up (I spent years doing this). But I’ve learned to let go of that over the years, and got more comfortable in my body. I think, with people in Luther’s role, the wish is that you can make everyone happy, but unfortunately the way you feel you can achieve that is if everyone does what you say, and that doesn’t always work out. I think a good leader knows when to listen, and how to inspire, not manipulate. @tom.hopperhops did an amazing job with Luther, and like the others, added a lot to the character. I think my favorite scene with Luther is the surreal out of body dance he shares with Allison (the amazing @emmyraver) Choreographed by the incredible @emmaportner! #numberone #lutherhargreeves #spaceboy #umbrellaacademy #darkhorsecomics #ucp #netflix

A post shared by Gerard Way (@gerardway) on Feb 26, 2019 at 12:19pm PST

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Additionally, it has been uncovered that The Umbrella Academy is not the first comic Way pitched as a television series. In fact, Way attempted to create a show with Joe Boyle back in 2001 called The Breakfast Monkey.

While The Breakfast Monkey may never see TV, The Umbrella Academy is now streaming on Netflix. You can watch the trailer for the series below.

In other Gerard Way-related news, Way recently revealed his favorite comics of all time in a list with LouderSound. Way cites Grant Morrison’s Doom Patrol and Mike Mignola’s Hellboy as just a few of his Top 10. 

What do you think Gerard Way will say about the remaining characters? Sound off in the comments below.

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