Summary
Spy X Familyis categorized as an action shonen, but is largelyconsidered comedy or slice-of-life, since both of these themes are everpresent in the series. Although spy missions, conflict, and war are at the core of the overall story, many fans, including myself, also deeply appreciatethe tender family relationships and silly jokesthat break up the action sequences. In my opinion, the series has definitely proven that it doesn’t have to choose between action and comedy, both can coexist.
Spy X Familyblends darker, violent occurrences with adorable, slice-of-life family moments, creating a unique blend.In an interview translated by a fan on Reddit, creator Tatsuya Endo discussed how this way of framing the series was completely intentional, and he set out tohighlight both sides of life.
“Hmm, I wonder if the worldview in this series isn’t one where laughter (comedy) and people dying are two inseparable parts of the whole. Perhaps the existence of a harsh reality is what makes a peaceful everyday life possible. In the cruise arc, I depicted Yor’s work in a relatively entertaining way, but I don’t personally want to portray taking a life as something to laugh about, and I hope to also properly portray the harsh, matter-of-fact side of it.” - Tatsuya Endo,Nemshi on Reddit
He didn’t want to create a series that was either completely lighthearted and comedic or completely gory and depressing.He hoped to blend the two, and thus, depict an accurate reflection of life and the real world. This is certainly present inSpy x Family, as the Forgers switch between family bonding and intense fights.
Spy X Family’sDarker Moments Surprised Me
Since It’s Often Branded as a Comedy, I Wasn’t Anticipating the Serious Topics Explored in the Series
Endo is quick to warn thatthe seriesshould not be categorized as purely a comedy. There are hilarious elements and running gags present in the series, such as Anya’s obsession with peanuts, antics with the family pet, Bond, outings with the Forger family to places like the aquarium, and Yor’s terrible cooking. Almost every episode has at least one scene to laugh at, but this is only one component of the multifaceted story. Based on the way people describedSpy X Family,I expected it not to be very serious, but the series regularly coversimportant and deep topics.
At its core,Spy X Familyisa story about a cold war between two countries in oppositionwith one another. Loid, also known as Agent Twilight, is carrying out a mission in an attempt to foster peace. In the same interview, Endo discusses the harsh conditions war brings and how unfortunate casualties often occur in such an environment. At some points in the series, such as Anya almost getting kidnapped, Yor slashing and kicking bad guys, and Loid nearly dying a handful of times, I was shocked at how dark of a turn the series could take.
Spy x Family Just Gave Its Fans a Surprising Real-Life Lesson in Politics
Martha’s unexpected encounter with a woman from Westalis forced her to confront the propaganda her country fed her.
The Series’ Humor Is Excellent, but That Is Not the Only Part of the Story
Endo Explores Deeper Subjects Like War and Death inSpy X Family
Since the series is framed as a comedy or slice-of-life, many fans such as myself have found some of the story’s grim content surprising. Endo explains that he hopes public perception ofSpy X Familychanges to reflect the true story and all of its many facets. Jokes abound in the series and it isone I often turn on when I need a laughorbright moment in an otherwise tough day, butSpy X Familyoffers more to viewers than a quick chuckle. Endo’s exploration of ethical dilemmas and darker plot points is an equally valuable aspect of the story.
Spy X Familyreveals Endo’s point that joy and pain are not mutually exclusive, and you must have one to have the other. An interestingduality is present in the series, allowing it to portray a realistic picture of the world and all its good and bad parts. This is why the series resonates with me, because it includes happy, relaxing moments, but at the same time, doesn’t shy away from the harder and more upsetting aspects of life like war and death. It has been difficult for me to find an anime series that blends these two sides of the human experience.
Spy x Family Season 3 Story, Latest News, & Everything We Know so Far
Spy x Family returns with thrilling new episodes, blending espionage and family drama, promising fans even more action and heartfelt moments.
Silliness and Seriousness Are Fairly Balanced inSpy X Family
Endo Has Proven His Talent at Writing Both Types of Scenes
Most animes I’ve seen are either mostly optimistic and happy or mostly dismal and sad. Different series serve different purposes and I don’t expect every show to include both emotions equally, but this is what makesSpy X Familytruly unique. The action shonen can spark laughter in one moment and tears in the next,portraying life with unabashed honesty.Spy X Familyresonates with me so much because it blends more difficult elements of the human experience along with happy moments too, and that realistic approach really shows an accurate picture of life, rather than just a picture-perfect fantasy.
I hope that as viewers watch the series, they realize thatSpy X Familyismore than just an amusing comedywith adorable animation. It is that, but it also offers commentary on war and sheds light on life’s less enjoyable experiences. Endo has truly struckthe perfect balance of humor and seriousness, which is quite difficult to do. He mentioned how he made sure not to “portray taking a life as something to laugh about,” such as in Yor’s Cruise Arc, and the story proves that he knows when to dial back the silliness and approach a situation solemnly.
The Series Surprised Me With Its Well-Rounded and Thoughtful Approach
Endo Hopes Fans Will SeeSpy X Familyas More Than Just a Comedy
Spy X Familyhonestly surprised me and surpassed my expectations. The adventures of the Forger family are lovable and hysterical, but touching and gloomier scenes are peppered throughout. The variety present in the series keeps it interesting and realistic. The world ofSpy X Family,in spite of its adventurous spy missions, is quite similar to the real world, with many of the same struggles like war and conflict, but conversely, many of the same joys like loving family relationships and simple daily pleasures like a favorite food or beloved pet. For these reasons,Spy X Familymay be the most well-rounded animeever.
Spy x Family
Cast
Created by Tatsuya Endo, Spy X Family is an action-adventure comedy anime that follows the misadventures of a found family with unique quirks. The story follows spy Twilight (known as Loid Forger), who, while on assignment, builds a fake family to get closer to his target. Unbeknownst to him, his new family carries their quirks. His wife, Yor, is a kind but deadly assassin, while his daughter, Anya, has telepathic powers - and is the only one who knows their secrets.
