Spy × Family (Japanese: スパイファミリー, Supai Famirī), stylized as SPY×FAMILY, is a manga series written and illustrated by Tatsuya Endō. It has been published biweekly since March 2019 on Shueisha’s Shōnen Jump+ platform, and Kurokawa has released the French edition since September 2020.
The story follows a spy with the codename Twilight, tasked with carrying out the crucial mission known as “Operation Strix.” To succeed, he must create a family in an enemy nation—unaware that the girl he adopts is a telepath and that his arranged wife is secretly an assassin.
The manga’s immense popularity led to an anime adaptation co-produced by CloverWorks and Wit Studio. The first season aired in two parts: from April to June 2022 and from October to December 2022. A second season of twelve episodes ran from October to December 2023, followed by an animated film based on an original story by Ichirō Ōkouchi in December 2023.
A highly anticipated third season has been officially announced for October 2025, continuing the adventures of this unique and unconventional family.
Spy x Family: The Ultimate Guide to Tatsuya Endo’s Masterpiece
Spy x Family is one of the most popular manga and anime series of the past decade. Blending espionage, comedy, action, and heartwarming family drama, it has carved out a unique space in modern Japanese pop culture. Written and illustrated by Tatsuya Endo, the manga debuted on Shonen Jump+ in 2019 and quickly rose to global acclaim.
What makes this series stand out from other shōnen titles is its balance: a spy thriller packed with action, an assassin subplot filled with danger, a telepathic child bringing humor and chaos, and a loyal dog with precognitive powers. Brought to life in anime form by Wit Studio & CloverWorks, the show has become a cultural phenomenon, ranking among the most-watched titles on streaming platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the origins of the manga, its anime adaptation, the unforgettable characters—Loid Forger, Yor Forger, Anya Forger, Bond Forger, and more—and the cultural impact through seasons, movies, and music.
The Origins of Spy x Family: From Manga to Worldwide Sensation
Creation by Tatsuya Endo
Tatsuya Endo, a mangaka with a history of one-shots and short series, found his breakout success with this title. Published digitally on the Shonen Jump+ platform under Jump Comics, the story combines classic espionage with slice-of-life comedy, appealing to a wide audience.
The first chapters quickly gained traction for witty writing, a unique art style, and endearing characters. Unlike typical battle-focused shōnen, the manga centers on relationships and psychological dynamics—while keeping the action thrilling and fast-paced.
The Premise: A Family Built on Lies
- Loid Forger (Twilight): A master spy working for the intelligence agency WISE, tasked with infiltrating Ostania’s elite circles to prevent war.
- Yor Forger (Thorn Princess): A deadly assassin who hides her profession behind the guise of a civil servant and housewife.
- Anya Forger: A telepathic child who secretly knows her parents’ identities, fueling both comedy and heart.
- Bond Forger: A large white dog with precognitive powers, rescued from an enemy plot and welcomed into the family.
The twist? Each family member hides their true identity, yet their bonds grow into genuine love despite the lies—half spy thriller, half family sitcom.
Spy x Family Anime Adaptation: Wit Studio & CloverWorks’ Triumph
Production and Animation Quality
When Wit Studio (Attack on Titan seasons 1–3) and CloverWorks (The Promised Neverland, Horimiya) announced the adaptation, expectations soared. Premiering in April 2022, the anime delivered striking visuals, smooth animation, and faithful storytelling—blending Wit’s dynamic action with CloverWorks’ expressive character work.
Opening and Ending Themes
Music played a key role in the show’s success. Each cour introduced standout opening and ending themes by popular Japanese artists, mixing energetic jazz touches with emotional ballads that perfectly matched the series’ tone.
Spy x Family Anime Seasons
Season 1 (2022)
Aired in two cours. Introduces Loid’s mission, Anya’s adoption, and Yor’s entry into the family, plus Anya’s enrollment at Eden Academy and her hilarious rivalry with Damian Desmond, son of Loid’s target, Donovan Desmond.
Season 2 (2023)
Dives deeper into political intrigue, Yor’s double life, and Loid’s growing attachment to his makeshift family, while expanding supporting roles like Franky Franklin and Yuri Briar.
Movie — Spy x Family Code: White (2023)
The franchise’s first theatrical film features an original story supervised by Tatsuya Endo, blending humor, family warmth, and high-stakes action. Strong box-office results in Japan and abroad cemented its mainstream success.
The Characters of Spy x Family: The Forgers and Beyond
Loid Forger / Twilight
- Role: Spy for WISE
- Strengths: Intelligence, disguise, combat
- Arc: Balances duty with genuine affection for his new family
Yor Forger / Thorn Princess
- Role: Assassin working under Garden
- Strengths: Superhuman agility, deadly precision
- Arc: Struggles between her profession and being a caring wife/mother
Anya Forger
- Role: Telepathic child adopted to help Loid’s mission at Eden Academy
- Strengths: Mind-reading, irresistible charm, comedic timing
- Arc: Serves as the family’s emotional glue; forms a complicated bond with Damian Desmond
Bond Forger
- Role: The Forgers’ loyal dog
- Strengths: Precognition, bravery, loyalty
- Arc: Frequently saves the family thanks to his unique ability
Supporting Characters
- Franky Franklin: Loid’s informant and comedic partner.
- Damian Desmond: Anya’s rival and potential friend.
- Donovan Desmond: Influential politician and Loid’s main mission target.
- Yuri Briar: Yor’s overprotective brother, secretly an Ostanian security officer.
Themes and Appeal of Spy x Family
Comedy Meets Espionage
The humor arises from situational irony—Anya knows her parents’ secrets while they remain blissfully unaware. Moreover, her misunderstandings add layers of comedy.
Family and Connection
Though “fake” at first, the Forgers’ relationships evolve into something real. As a result, the series highlights trust, love, and belonging.
Political Intrigue
The looming Westalis–Ostania conflict grounds the story in serious stakes. At the same time, the balance of tension and lighthearted moments makes it unique.
Spy x Family Global Reception and Streaming Availability
Since its debut, the anime has dominated streaming charts. Crunchyroll simulcasts the show worldwide, while Netflix and Hulu carry it in select regions. The manga continues to rank among top sellers, with millions of copies in circulation.
Spy x Family FAQs
- Is the manga finished?
- No, the manga is ongoing on Shonen Jump+, with new chapters released regularly.
- Where can I watch the anime?
- It streams globally on Crunchyroll and in select regions on Netflix here and Hulu.
- How many seasons exist?
- As of 2025, there are two anime seasons plus the theatrical film Spy x Family Code: White.
- Who voices Anya Forger?
- Japanese: Atsumi Tanezaki. English: Megan Shipman.
- Is it connected to Shonen Jump?
- Yes. It’s published digitally on Shonen Jump+ and physically by Jump Comics.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Spy x Family
Spy x Family is more than a spy thriller or slice-of-life comedy—it’s a story about connection, trust, and the meaning of family. With unforgettable characters and a masterful anime adaptation by Wit Studio & CloverWorks, it has become a cornerstone of modern anime culture.
As the manga continues and the anime expands with new seasons and films, fans eagerly await more Forger adventures.