No ordinary family can have a spy father, an assassin mother, and a telepathic daughter, but the Forgers aren’t really ordinary people.Spy × Familyis a 2022 spy action-comedy anime that introduces the world to the Forgers, the most uniquely dysfunctional family ever.Consisting of a spy father, an assassin mother, and a telepathic daughter, no criminal can escape from their sight.Directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi, this 12-episode series is an adaptation of the award-winning ongoing manga series written and illustrated by Tatsuya Endo. Prior to its release, there was considerable hype surrounding the anime, from speculations on the cast, to the soundtrack. The weekly ratings have continued to attest to this hype, makingSpy x Familythe second-highest rated animeof all time on the charts.
The story begins with Twilight (Takuya Eguchi), an unnamed spy for Westalis, who is assigned the task of gaining information on a target. The catch is, he will have to go undercover as a family man, with a wife and a child. He ends up going to a shady orphanage and adopts Anya (Atsumi Tanezaki), an intelligent young girl who recently escaped from an experimental facility, and has the gift of telepathy. Completing the family is Yor Briar (Saori Hayami), a 27-year-old woman, who is an ordinary city hall employee by day, and a calculative, trained assassin called Thorn Princess by night. This unlikely trio should be a recipe for disaster, but together they make even the most unlikely situations work out with near perfect teamwork and support.
As shonen protagonists go, Twilight or Loid Forger, is the classic handsomeJames Bond style spy, who is an ace at his job and despises forming attachments, whether they’re with his targets or coworkers. However, in spite of his cool guy demeanor, he is deep down, an absolute sweetheart, a great father and a loving husband. His character is a refreshing subversion of the cold, aloof male lead trope, and it’s a delight to see him interact with his family.
Anya is hands down the best character on the show. At times appearing smarter than both of her parents, this little girl is the glue that holds the family together. Not only is she intelligent and very charismatic, her telepathy skills make her an invaluable asset to the missions that both her parents go on. Anya is also incredibly precocious for children her age and does not let anyone bully her or her family.
Despite being the last one to join the family, Yor does not hesitate to settle in immediately, forming an instant bond with both Loid and Anya. Although she is a ruthless assassin obsessed with knives and blades, Yor is the gentlest soul one can ever hope to meet. This makes her an extremely lovable and adorable character, and the slightly awkward chemistry between her and Loid is a delight to see.
Related:The Most Anticipated Anime Releasing In 2022
What Worked?
The greatest triumph forSpy x Familyis the dynamic between the three main characters. Each of them has their own eccentric quirks, but they all try their best to compromise for the other two. This wholesome, healthy depiction of a family is something that can be beneficial even from a viewer’s standpoint, signifying teamwork and support.
Adapting manga for the screen can be a challenge, especially when it comes to animating the clean and sharp lines that are part of the original artwork. The animation forSpy x Familyis one of the best in quality, with stunning visuals and a bright color palette. Each character has a unique design suited to their personality and depending on the situation they’re in, minor details are added to accentuate the overall quality of the anime.
Great music is a staple for any high quality anime and the soundtrack here does not disappoint. The opening track calledMixed Nutsby HIGE DANdism is an upbeat, rock banger with a mixture of instruments that feels just like each of our characters' unique personalities. The ending track calledComedyby Gen Hoshino, is a groovy, relaxed song with a jazzy beat that makes the viewer feel a sense of comfort and calmness upon listening, just like how the characters find comfort in each other.
Related:The Most Visually Stunning Anime, Ranked
What Didn’t Work?
For an anime adapted from ashonen manga, the series veers more in a slice-of-life setting, with the focus remaining on the family’s daily life and dynamics with each other. Even most of the action sequences shown are surrounding the family’s dynamic, like the elaborate showdown between Loid and hundreds of other spies in the castle, all for Anya’s entertainment. The time dedicated to showing both Loid and Yor’s secret duties is little in comparison to scenes that focus on the development of the family dynamic. Therefore, those who watch the anime expecting serious violence, action and espionage might not be satisfied with the viewing experience.
Despite these shortcomings,Spy x Familychecks all the boxes as an action-packed nugget of entertainment that will warm hearts and make life a tad more enjoyable. With layered, wholesome protagonists, a plot that balances the sweet with the savory, and a seamless animation that makes every fight scene have twice the impact; this anime is not to be missed. What’s more,Spy x Familyis a collaboration between two industry giants: Wit Studio (Attack on Titan) and CloverWorks Inc. (The Promised Neverland). The popularity of the anime upon its release in spring 2022 has been so monumental that there are alleged reports of a season 2 being slated for release in October 2022.
If this doesn’t sound convincing, the first episode of the anime surely will. It’s not easy to find a heart within stories centered around espionage, yetSpy xFamilyhas created a fusion genre that tugs at the viewer’s heartstrings. It makes one realize the importance of fighting crime while managing to make it home in time for a snack of peanuts and tea with loved ones.
