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Spy x Familyis now a beloved global phenomenon that stands as an example of a creative idea with brilliant execution. Not only is the series a delight to watch, but it is also a testament to the importance of perseverance in the manga industry.
Tatsuya Endo’s creation blends aspects of espionage, espers, comedy, and a whole lot of heartfelt moments, captivating readers and viewers alike. Yet, behind this sweet success and seemingly innocent work lies a difficult journey for its creator.
Endo, a mangaka known for his signature character designs and ability to seamlessly shift between the scenes and genres, had endured years of disillusionment before finding his stride withSpy x Family. It can be called a terrible case of writer’s block that reached a decade.
Spy x Family is the light at the end of a long tunnel
In the newly releasedSpy x Family: The Official Anime Guide – Mission Report: 220409-0625, Endo opens up about the struggles and states that they almost led him toabandon his careeras a mangaka.
The series’ narrative revolves around the coincidentally ‘forged’ yet genuine bonds within the Forger family. It all starts with Operation Strix when Agent Twilight (Loid Forger) must create a fake family to broker peace between the two nations, Westalis and Ostania. The Forgers embark on thecreation of a familywith each having their own agenda.
Take Notes Goku: Spy x Family’s Loid Forger Is Better at Being a Fake Father Than Goku Is at Being a Real One
The father, Loid, wants to get close to a key politician through a kid’s school. The mother, Yor, is secretly a skilled assassin who wants to hide from the vetting of the government officials (and also make her brother happy).
The daughter, Anya, is an esper who can read minds and knows her parents’ true identities. The lighthearted atmosphere of the Forgers was the mask that covered the darker realities of Endo’s journey as a creator.
Endo’s Spy x Family is a massive global success
Endo reflected on his tumultuous career and stated that for over a decade, creating manga brought him little joy; he felt forced to create. To combat his burnout, he turned to self-motivation techniques and taping the words“Manga is fun!”to his wall as a reminder of his earlier passion.
Endo’s journey toSpy x Familytook a lot of effort; he serializedTistaandBlade of the Moon Princessalongside several one-shots. Despite this output, which can be called successful, Endo went into what he called a “rehabilitation period,” usingSpy x Familyas a therapeutic process to move beyond the psychological pressure he faced.
Even with the success ofSpy x Family, compromises shaped its creation. Endo adapted his style to include “generally cute and attractive characters,” acknowledging his interest in military themes but limiting their depth to maintain the series’ comedic essence.
At the end of the day, this is a comedy, so I have to remind myself not to create a deeper world than necessary.
As he admitted in theOfficial Guide—Eyes Only, Despite constraints like avoiding complex world-building, the series resonates with audiences for its clever writing and emotional depth.
Loid Could Have Almost Abandoned Spy x Family’s Main Mission for Selfish Reasons Until One Character Changed His Mind
Today,Spy x Familyboasts over 35 million copies sold worldwide, marking a monumental achievement for Endo after his difficult journey.
You can streamSpy x Familyon Netflix.
Chandra Shekhar
Anime Writer
Articles Published :856
Chandra Shekhar is an Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 800 published articles under his belt. A law student by training but a storyteller at heart, he blends his sharp analysis with a deep love for all things anime. From the old-school Yu Yu Hakusho to the eldritch horrors of Lord of the Mysteries, his knowledge spans decades and genres. When he’s not writing, he’s likely buried in webnovels, silently hoping his favorite ones get the anime adaptation they deserve.
