Gerard Way. Does this name sound familiar? Gerard is the lead singer for the band “My Chemical Romance”. I never knew this before but apparently he is also the writer for Dark Horse’s “The Umbrella Academy”.

So how did Gerard Way break into the comic industry? He got hooked up by Jim Krueger (Avengers/Invaders co-writer).

Gerard was interning @ DC when he randomly met Krueger on the train. Krueger caught a glimpse of Gerard’s sketchbook and was impressed. This was the beginning of a relationship that eventually launched Gerard’s comic book career. Jim Krueger liked Gerard’s work so much that he started paying him to work on comics such as, “Foot Soldiers”.

The final chapter of The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite by Gerard Way and Artist Gabriel B. goes on sale Feb. 20, 2008. It has unique art and I think its good, so if you have a chance pick it up.

Go here for a preview: Umbrella Academy

The news series begins with Cerebro detecting the birth of a new mutant.

The birth of a new mutant defies the laws of reality and is a monumental occasion. The X-Men scramble to find this new child but realize that they are too late. …the child is gone and only questions remain. The X-Men, Marauders and Purifiers are all vying for this child and more importantly the truth behind this mysterious birth.

The creative team behind the series has many acclaimed talents such as, Ed Brubaker, Marc Silvestri, David Finch and Nick Lowe. This 13 part series will span across the entire X-Men universe and will set the directions of the X-Men franchise for the next several years. I exchanged a few words with Editor Nick Lowe and he claimed the new child might be, “…the mutant race fighting back”.

I’m very impressed so far and eagerly await the next. The story engaging and Marc Silvestri’s art is amazing. I am curious about this new child because his/her mere existence defies Scarlet Witch’s reality bending powers. I highly recommend Messiah Complex and I think it will be a great story.

For a more in-depth Guide to this awesome X-Men story, please read, IGN’s Guide: http://comics.ign.com/articles/798/798610p1.html