This is the story of a spy pretending to live a normal life: it's not a serious tragedy, it definitively falls under the comedy genre but at the same time it has many serious aspects that make it very interesting.

First of all, the characters are all very likeable and their family life is the main reason why this manga is so attractive. It's cute, it's funny and it keeps you concerned about the fate of our protagonists, although as of now I feel like the wife is getting much less screen time than the father and daughter.

It has a nice touch of humaneness in it, using a protagonist that appears insensible at first but all of his actions are very kind, and his motives are understandable. Why he does his job, why he's that way… all of it makes sense, ultimately, and his aim for peace is very credible.

But adding to this slice of life / comedy aspect, the novel is set in a replica of the Western Bloc of Germany during the cold war, and I believe the author did an extremely nice job in this case. He's not trying to show an ideal world of happiness, but he's not painting a world of horror either, I think he got the atmosphere right and you find a perfect setting for spies and conspiracies, with a neutral depiction of an autocracy. Didn't people ultimately live, at those times too?

It's nice to see that the author is also willing to break a few taboos, such as people dying or main characters killing. There's no sweetener about that, the people we follow here might do cruel things and there'll be neither justification nor condemning.

I gotta say it just really great! Its very different from the standard shyt that normally pops up. It doesnt take itself too seriously and has a good balance with humor here and there. The art is quite appealing both character design and backgrounds. The story has a really good flow and pace. The characters themselves so far are quite likable. Its quite a refreshing read I just wish there were more chapters. Even though it's only at 2 chapters I'll give it a 10 for now that just how much I liked it.

update: Currently on chapter 16, verdict still great. However I have to make a reassessment in one area. This manga is absolutely hilarious, fu'kin laugh out loud to yourself hilarious. Every chapter so far has made me laugh. I honestly haven't laughed this much while reading a manga since I the 1st time I read Hinamatsuri and that was way before the anime was even announced. This manga is so enjoyable, heart warming and funny. This is one of those mangas that's going to be a awesome anime.

... Last updated on October 23rd, 2019, 5:44am

I live for the secret identity tag, and this series was 100% made for me. Excels in comedy, lovable characters, and art. Above average in drama, social commentary, and (slow burn)romance.

... Last updated on July 29th, 2020, 8:00pm

Came looking for copper, found gold.

... Last updated on September 13th, 2019, 6:14am

The premise of the story is refreshing, and the characters are interesting. The art style is clean and easy on the eyes. It's humorous and light-hearted, despite the potentially heavy topics involved (e.g. wars, political intrigue, murder, etc). Only five chapters in, so I'm not sure if it will take a turn for the dramatic later on. For now, it feels like slice-of-life with a dash of action and adventure.

It's about spies and there's a lot of fighting and undercover missions and all that good stuff, but those are all used to create an adorable story about a family. At first, each of them are trying to meet their own goals by becoming a "fake" family. But along the way, it's looking like they will come to truly care for each other and become a "real" family.

The daughter Anya is absolutely adorable. Again I repeat, SO CUTE. Just read it, you'll fall in love with her.

This is comedy gold! The whole family’s got secret identities and are living together as a fake family for one of Twilight’s (the spy) operations, and there are funny action-sequence missions, heartwarming family moments, friendships among school kids, and a (slow burn) romance 😀 I laughed out loud reading this! I think it’s mostly a pleasant, light read which I highly recommend 🙂 The art is also amazing 🤩

... Last updated on April 3rd, 2021, 11:43pm

Tatsuya Endo said that this series helped him out of his depression. I am grateful to him because this story helped me through the depression I’ve been facing the past few months. If it wasn’t for it, I’m not sure where my mental health would be today. I can’t imagine it’d be anywhere good.

(I’ve read up to latest chapter, 67.1, at the time this review is written)

What got me hooked is that this fictional cold war era world feels raw, lived in, believable. But more than that, it’s because I’ve genuinely come to love and care for these characters. There’s something about the theme of “found family” that is so poignant amidst the backdrop of our own modern world that is brimming with toxicity and dysfunction. It’s nice to come back to this world, to these (lonely) characters as they learn to slowly care for one another and form healthy relationship dynamics that maybe some of us long for (I know I do in my own life).

There are some subplots in this story that are truly amazing!! I can think of a few off the top of my head and I can’t wait to see them animated someday.

Although Anya is cute and the school arcs are wholesome, I’m getting to a point where I want this to turn a bit darker with more of a focus on the spy thriller aspect. I hope that as the tension inevitably unfolds between Loid and Yor’s respective organizations that we will get more of the darker elements of this war and what it means for our character’s loyalties.

Endo’s focus on significant themes like the meaning of found family, what “normal” is supposed to look like, the horrors of war, etc. are some of the reasons I will always love this heartwarming series. I can’t wait to read more! These characters deserve to finally be happy, fulfilled and at peace with themselves ✨

... Last updated on October 13th, 2022, 10:20pm

I'm at chapter 12 right now and I can't stop. It is absolutely foolishly and ridiculously crazy good! It packs all that I love too! (Refer to comment subject, with a tiny bit of romance.)

It's well-made plot-wise and all 3 protagonists are thoroughly enjoyable. I like Lloyd and Yor's moments. Yet, Anya truly shines and steals all the spotlights as far as she's in it. She is extremely adorable and cute and fluffy and mature and childish at the same time.

Ah, I think I should take a little break for more chapters to compile before diving back in. This is just so good! I just love family, action, comedy works.

Almost forgot, because it's a lot of comedy, it's not too much or too deep to delve into the thinking. It might. But as far as I'm concerned, all are good! So take it away guys! Read the hell out of it!

[UPDATE 2022] Bond the giant skinny dog! Chant with me guys: "Bond! Bond! Bond! Bond!" Oh my, oh my, this manga is one of the rare titles that I consistently read, patiently wait, and actively seek out for in the past few years. Author-san understands emotions (and humours) sooo well! Even though things might seem light and simple, they hit home hard! Banzai!

... Last updated on January 9th, 2022, 8:55am

Recently stumbled onto this manga, and I'm already in love! The humor is great, the three main characters have such great chemistry together, and I'm a huge fan of *horrible web of lies* tropes, so this is definitely staying on my keep reading list.

The Good:
First time reading this manga and Anya’s character immediately reminds me of Yotsuba from Yotsubato (minus the psychic power). This is the main reason why I enjoyed the story.

The art is amazing although paneling can be at times confusing (mostly the fight scenes. I guess I’m used to bad paneling with mangas already. Very few mangaka achieve such great paneling techniques (Akira Toriyama and Inoue Takehiko for example). Character design is easily recognizable, some are generic though. Loid’s design is so blah compared to Anya and Yor.

The Bad (IMO):
Is a bit boring. I get it, it’s slice of life. I think there’s a reason why “Slice of Life” can be quite tricky as a genre. Yotsubato did it so well because for the most part, it’s grounded in reality (despite too much positivity). This is also why series like Honey and Clover worked even with a serious plot. Spy x Family suffers from repetitiveness similar to the manga series “Lies of the Sheriff Evans”. I wish it wasn’t in the SOL genre because the dramatic chapters doesn’t hit me. It’s just…there.

I might change my rating once it’s completed. It has the potential to still get better.