Spy X Family has been a beloved staple in Shonen Jump+ for over five years, captivating readers with its unique blend of action and comedy. The anime adaptation, which has already spanned two seasons and a feature film, continues to draw in fans worldwide. The series’ vibrant energy and distinctive charm reflect the creative quirks of its creator, Tatsuya Endo—a sentiment deeply shared by the cast involved in bringing the story to life.
Since its debut on April 9, 2022, the Spy X Family anime has garnered critical acclaim for its expert animation, memorable characters like Anya, and a fully realized world that expands on Endo’s vision of a Cold War-inspired Ostanian city of Berlint. This collaborative effort between WIT Studio and CloverWorks is so polished that it would make even the strict Henry Henderson blush.
In a recent behind-the-scenes look, Endo expressed his heartfelt reaction to the adaptation. He shared that he was moved by how well the anime captured the essence of his work, echoing the sentiments of the voice actors who brought the characters to life.
In an interview promoting the first cour of Spy X Family season 1, Endo discussed his impressions of the anime. His thoughts were compiled in VIZ Media’s Spy X Family: The Official Anime Guide—Mission Report: 220409-0625. Reflecting on the first twelve episodes, Endo shared a touching anecdote involving Takuya Eguchi, the voice actor for Loid Forger. Endo revealed, “Maybe it’s because the anime has both voices and music, but certain scenes from the anime—even ones that are straight from the manga—get me a little emotional. I remember Mr. Eguchi, who plays Loid, told me, ‘Even though I’m listening to my own voice, when I watch the episodes as a viewer, I still tear up.’ I sort of feel the same way.”
This reaction highlights the emotional connection both creators and actors have with their work. For Endo and Eguchi, watching the anime is not just about seeing their work on screen; it’s about experiencing it as part of the audience. This dual perspective offers a powerful and affirming experience, reinforcing the quality and impact of the adaptation.
Atsumi Tanezaki, the voice actor for Anya Forger, also demonstrated her deep respect for the source material. Tanezaki meticulously studied the manga, paying special attention to Endo’s use of onomatopoeia—details that might be overlooked by many. In her own words, she shared, “When I read that scene in the manga, I thought, ‘I want to actually say the baan sound effect [“ta-da” in the English version] that’s on the page.’ I really love the sound effects you use in the manga, especially the dotanko dotanko [“trot trot”] when Bond is running. [laughs] And the sowawa sowawa [“fidget fidget”] when Anya is waiting for Bond, and so on. I thought it would be fun to get a bit of the flavor of the manga pages into the dialogue.”
Tanezaki’s attention to these minute details significantly enhances her portrayal of Anya, ensuring that the character’s most beloved traits—the outrageous, boisterous, and hilarious mannerisms—are faithfully brought to life in the anime. This commitment to capturing the essence of the manga not only reassures Endo but also solidifies Spy X Family as an anime adaptation created with deep love and respect for the original work.