Spy x Family Volume 1
Synopsis
Enter Agent Twilight, a spy and master of disguise for the fictional country of Westalis. There’s no mission that Twilight can’t handle until this latest assignment, possibly. Agent Twilight, now undercover as a Mr. Loid Forger, must procure a family to get close to Donovan Desmond, the leader of the National Unity Party, a recluse who only makes appearances at an elite private school. To gain admittance to this school, Twilight must find a child smart enough to pass the exam and a woman willing to pose as his wife and pretend they’re the perfect family in the interview process. After finding two willing participants, Twilight soon discovers that they may not be the best individuals for this mission.
Review and Recommendation
The introduction of the world, Westalis, in Volume 1 of Spy x Family, parallels the Cold War in a parodying style. The story is also mimicked through a spy TV show that Anya, the telepathic daughter, is obsessed with and often uses the show as a reference for her fake father’s actions. Although the plot follows a spy, an assassin, and a telepath, there is a comedic element that keeps the story fresh and entertaining. I loved the dynamic between the three main characters and how they all fit together as a family, even though they met in odd circumstances. I was on the edge of my seat each chapter, trying to figure out how they would pull off this disguise of a regular family trying to get their child into a prestigious private school. The combination of perfect comedic timing with action made this first volume an absolute joy to read.
Cautions
*Spoiler Alert* (A spoiler alert is being issued because there are mentions of specific plot points that relate to the rating of this review.)
This is the first manga series I’ve read with a parental advisory notice. Volume 1 of Spy x Family was given a Teen + (16 and up) rating for realistic violence. I don’t disagree with the rating because there is indeed realistic violence in volume one. This is, after all, a story about a spy and an assassin, so some panels will be dedicated to their previous and current escapades. However, I felt the violence wasn’t as intense as other manga series I’ve read. The panels depicted what you might see in a Marvel movie. There is also mild language and a few references to Yor, the assassin and fake mother/wife, being confused by others as a prostitute because she has to hide her work as an assassin. Overall, I agree that volume 1 of Spy x Family is best suited for a teen or older audience.
