‘Spy x Family‘ is an espionage action comedy anime produced by Japanese animation studios Wit Studios and CloverWorks. It is based on the manga by author Tatsuya Endo. It is directed and written by Kazuhiro Furuhashi.

As tensions rise between the nations of Westalis and Ostania, Westalis Intelligence (WISE) sends their top spy Agent Twilight (Alex Organ) to eliminate a top general in the Ostania military. Twilight, his handler Sylvia Sherwood (Stephanie Young), and informant Franky Franklin (Anthony Bowling) decide the best way to do this is to infiltrate Eden College, a prep school where the target sends his son Damian (Caitlin Glass). Taking the identity of psychiatrist Loid Forger, Twilight adopts a little girl named Anya (Megan Shipman), who unbeknown to him, can read minds. She uses this and her love of a popular spy show, to ingratiate herself to him, but one thing is missing, a wife. Loid and Anya are dress shopping when they run into Yor (Natalie Van Sistine). She appears to be a government clerk, but in reality, she is the “Thorn Princess,” one of the greatest Ostania assassins. Anya learns of this by reading her mind and sets her up with Loid. She agrees to marry Loid because her nosy brother Yuri (Dallas Reid), is concerned about her singleness. All no they are a pretend family, but for varying reasons. As Twilight works to get close to his target, he finds himself growing fond of his family, even if it is unconventional.

If I could compare this anime to another spy comedy, it would be the Hanna-Barbara classic cartoon Secret Squirell. Loid is a fierce secret agent, but this mission of having a family is melting his cold heart. It is actually kind of sweet seeing how he starts to care for Anya and Yor.

Also, Yor is an awesome mom. She can normally keep her skills as an assassin a secret, but when someone dares to harm Anya, she goes full John Wick. I thought those were some of the funniest moments.

Anya as the little girl is one of the best parts of the show. At times, her secret telepathy allow her to secretly help Loid and Yor with their missions. This provided a lot of “sinister cuteness,” especially when she starts attending school. The animators definitely had fun with her expressions and that was one of the best parts of the show.

Honestly, I had a good time. The showrunners do a good job of parodying the “east versus west” humor of many spy films and television shows. Every episode had something to enjoy, especially with Loid trying to exploit his fake family to get close to his target. I had a great time with it and laughed all the way through it. I am excited about part two and cannot wait for it.

Check out the clip below:

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Action violence, Some foul language

This review is based on the dub produced by Crunchyroll.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or novel you would like me to review. While you are at it, check out my reviews of Kotaro Lives Alone and Aharen-san wa Hakarenai. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more posts like this one.

Connect with me on social media.