Summertime has always been an interesting time period for new shows. However, the Summer of 2022 has proven to be great for new anime shows. Some are full of action and others tell great stories. Off and on though, you get one show that just works in spite of being a little far-fetched. The show is called Spy x Family and it is essentially a spy drama.
While spy dramas aren’t new for anime, this show seems like it is not supposed to work. Yet the chemistry is amazing and the show feels like it should have been around years ago. This show offers a slice of life we did not know we needed, but we’re glad it is around.
Recently, Spy x Family has been making waves on social media and has been warming people’s hearts. At first glance, you’d think it is another typical spy anime. However, this show is anything but typical. Visually stunning, with great character development, and a unique story, Spy x Family is a tale that will make you want more.
Based on the manga series by Tatsuya Endo, it follows the tale of a spy codenamed Twilight. He is tasked by his agency to take on the guise of a caring and respected family man in order to get close to another man that could end a war between two nations.
This ends up becoming a rather funny situation when his fake family members consist of a psychic and an assassin, with all three of them trying to keep their secrets from each other. Let’s examine why you need to check this anime out pronto!
Who Are The Characters?
[Image via VIZ Media]
It’s almost funny seeing him getting easily stressed out all in the hopes of being the perfect husband and father.
Anya Forger is a young child with an interesting past. She ends up being adopted by Loid as part of his mission, though it turns out she’s a psychic! Being the subject of an experiment, Anya is able to read minds. Yet she tries to keep it hidden as best she can.
Even though she found out Loid is a spy, she’s determined to help him complete his mission. However, this is only done because it’s just like the spy cartoons she watches.
Finally, there’s Yor Forger, a woman who is a city worker by day. At night though, she’s an undercover assassin who enjoys killing. She keeps her life as an assassin a secret from everyone, including her brother. She’s socially quiet and usually lonely until she and Loid come to an arrangement to pretend to be a married couple.
In spite of her crazy life, she is also a caring mother to Anya.
What Is The Setting?
[Image via Crunchyroll]
The Ostanian government, for instance, has secret police that goes around looking for said spies. They resort to interrogation tactics that are cruel and torturous. Very similar to Gestapo or Soviet soldiers who are mainly trying to make their country perfect. Spy x Family isn’t as dark, but they acknowledge the situation that the two nations are suffering from.
The whole setting we’re given with this series has a very art deco feeling. This is likely due to the show having influences from the 1940s and 1950s while still somehow feeling modern. Spy x Family literally feels like it was pulled straight out of a golden age comic book.
What Makes This Series Great?
[Image via Crunchyroll]
Loid often comes off as a no-nonsense spy. Yet when it comes to being ‘normal’ and dealing with Yor and Anya, he ends up being a bit of a mess. This becomes obvious early when he barely attempts to connect with Anya. However, after saving her and then meeting Yor for the first time, he starts to slowly soften up.
Yor is very awkward in some situations. She can’t even cook or hold her liquor! The whole marriage was just to keep her co-workers and brother off her back.
The Perfect Blend Of Comedy & Action
[Image via Crunchyroll]
The real suspense comes from waiting to see who is going to spill their secret first. The Forgers hide who they really are from each other. This is not done to a point where they’re distrusting each other though. Anya is the only one who knows what Loid and Yor really are, yet she hasn’t told them what she is.
Watching Loid perform some amazing takedowns really breaks the monotony from how he’s trying to be normal. Even seeing how Yor starts getting scary after getting angry can really be interesting to see. Thus, the question remains, when do we get to see both Loid and Yor fight each other?
A Functional Family:
The whole appeal of this series is that each of these troublemakers is lying to each other, they still genuinely care for each other. Loid and Yor struggle to be great parents, but both really care for Anya. Enough to buy Anya all the peanuts in the world and give her the best spy rescue of her life.
It may seem weird that a normal caring family is the biggest highlight. Yet considering neither of these three are normal people, it’s a luxury. Watching the Forgers genuinely smile even after going through a long day and seeing them console one another is really heartwarming.
Anya Is The Real Star of the Show
[Image via Crunchyroll]
Meaning she’d rather watch her shows and draw, all while Loid and Yor save her like it was part of her show.
Seeing Anya go through Loid’s mission, really determined to help him obtain world peace, is both sweet and funny. She’s terrible in a lot of things, and even Loid can’t help but remark about that. What she lacks in common sense, she makes up for it with determination and spunk.
Her reactions and facial expressions are the stuff of memes. Anya’s iconic smug look practically floods every social media platform. Seriously, you can’t pass Twitter or TikTok without seeing Anya’s smirk once.
Where & How To Experience Spy x Family
[Image via Crunchyroll]
Spy x Family has something for everyone wanting an anime to watch. The corny and silliness of the jokes mixed with espionage and spy drama works so well. In a world where fans are waiting on the next best shonen series, Spy x Family is a great break from the typical action anime.
This is a show that is perfect for those who need a smile in their day. Something a little more wholesome and funny while waiting for the next best show. Grab some peanuts, get your suit and hat, and strap on for a wild ride.
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