Spy x Family from mangaka Tatsuya Endo has been my action-packed comedy escape since it debuted serialized in Shonen Jump. Now, Spy x Family Volume 2 is coming out in English from VIZ Media and if you haven’t picked up this story about a fake family made up of a spy, an assassin, and a telepath now is the time to jump in. Last volume, we saw Loid (code name Midnight) try to complete his mission by beginning a fake family. After adopting young telepathic Anya from an orphanage and marrying Yor, a shy woman with a murderous night job, the family attempted the first test of their mission: Get Anya into the prestigious private school. Putting their facade to the test, the volume ends with a disastrous admissions interview and uncertainty.
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In Spy x Family Volume 2 we learn that the family’s admissions interview was the opposite of disastrous, mainly because of how well their love for each other showed through. After a short time on the waitlist, Anya has finally made it to school but instead of following her Papa’s request and befriending Damian, she follows her mom’s advice and sticks up to herself by punching the bratty kid instead. The rest of this volume’s story is focused on following Anya as she tries to make friends, be a good student, and make her Papa happy by apologizing to Damian.
The funniest parts of Spy x Family Volume 2 come from the Loid and Anya’s interactions. These are wholesome moments and when Loid uses his spy skills to infiltrate Eden Academy and keep reminding his daughter to apologize, it adds just the level of comedy that is both absurd and heartfelt. Additionally, Anya’s telepathy is used to great effect as she tries to read the minds around her to figure out how to act in situations and in the process opens herself up to everyone’s thoughts and feelings about her – including bullying.
But while the comedic elements shine in this volume, its the way that the family is bonding and connecting to each other that really makes this a manga worth reading. This is best shown by Loid taking the time to teach Anya. What begins as a necessary step to complete his mission morphs into father-daughter bonding. This volume is charming and funny in the beginning. That said, at the end of the last chapter offers up action and intrigue as Yor’s brother comes into the picture.
Spy x Family Volume 2 is a great series and Endo shows that he understands the fine balance between spy thriller, family comedy, and even a little rom-com. Each character’s personality shines through their dialogue and none of the comedic elements feel forced or ill-gotten. Additionally, now that Yor and Loid’s relationships are being put the test of passing her brother’s snooping, I’m hoping for at least a little bit of romance to come crashing in.
Overall, Spy x Family Volume 2 is a great second volume of the series and Endo does a lot of work to craft a light-hearted narrative with just enough action punch to make it dynamic and one of Jump’s stronger titles. This is translated through the dialogue but more importantly through the illustrations. In one panel, there are adorable chibi versions of characters and on the next page you see a detailed action panel. The duality of the book is why it succeeds and why you pre-order your copy now.
Spy x Family Volume 2 will be available from booksellers September 1, 2020.
Spy x Family Volume 2
TL;DR
Spy x Family Volume 2 is a great second volume of the series and Endo does a lot of work to craft a light-hearted narrative with just enough action punch to make it dynamic and one of Jump’s stronger titles. This is translated through the dialogue but more importantly through the illustrations.
