Spy x Familyhas had a particularly compelling Spring and Summer 2024 season for its manga, delving into a possible new story arc while exploring thoroughly underrated characters, including Franky Franklin. With other side characters recently featured, including Henry Henderson and Martha Marriott, it’s understandable that some fans complain about the manga’s pacing, asking for it to go back to the “main” plot and to focus on popular characters such as Anya and Damian.
However, as the reception continues to skew positive forSpy x Familychapter #105 and similarly recent side stories, it’s clear that the series can shine thanks to the characters created by Tatsuya Endo, and not necessarily the main plot revolving around Operation Strix, whose goal is to broker peace between Ostania and its neighboring nation, Westalis. Doing so could mean multiple avenues, but it’s clear thatEndo weaves a wonderful story even whenSpy x Familytakes lengthy detours, proven again with Franky’s recent chapter.
Spy x Family’s Supporting Characters Provide More Than Filler
The Series Has Some of the Best Supporting Characters in Shonen
Franky Franklin’s latest adventure demonstrates how sidelining the Forger family allows Tatsuya Endo to showthe complicated world in Berlint and beyond inSpy x Family. There’s no denying that chapters like #105 don’t bring Anya closer to getting Stella Stars Yor to spend more time with Melinda Desmond or Loid finding a new avenue to meet with Donovan.It shows a world of characters trying to live a happy, normal life, even while juggling espionage dutiesand protecting assets like with Franky, often at the expense of a work-life balance inSpy x Family.
This isn’t even the first time this year that the serieshas used supporting characters to flesh out its world, such asthe Martha and Henry flashbackwhere their doomed early romance is hit with the consequences of war inSpy x Family.These character moments often showcase the world Loid is fighting forand what their participation and personal beliefs in achieving peace ultimately mean for them. With Franky, this means another failed attempt at romance, this time with a girl named Priscilla, where duty got in the way inSpy x Familychapter #105.
Spy x Family Reminds Fans That Romance Isn’t the Only Vital Human Connection
The Real Stella Stars Were the Friends They Made Along the Way
It’s easy to want to feel sorry for Franky inSpy x Familychapter #105, seen as an errand boy for Loid and WISE, but Franky shows his perspective this time. When Franky is about to confess his feelings for a girl, he’s alerted that the racetrack teller asset, an undercover friend and intel broker, has been captured; rather than going on his much-desired date,he rescues the teller instead.Franky even chooses to spin the days as a positive experience inSpy x Family, resigned to the life of an eccentric spy gadget maker as long as he can make his friends, allies, and crushes happy.
“I’m still calling this a good day. I woke up early. I reveled in my freedom. I rescued my friends. And I even managed to play Cupid for Priscilla. Not such a bad life…one might say.”
-Franky Franklin, Spy x Family
Romance isn’t the only vital connection inSpy x Family, and despite fans craving more developments such as the ever-popular Yor and Loid ship, along withAnya and Damian’s possible connection,it arguably shouldn’t be for many characters.Martha and Henry resume a platonic relationship despite their obvious love for each other, content with how vital they are to each other in chapter #102. While teased by Jeeves for his crush on Anya, Damian has a loving support system, including a doting servant and close friends, despite a painfully distant family in chapter #102.
Spy x Family Fans May Want a Happy Ending for Loid, but the Series Just Hinted That Isn’t Possible
Loid can’t seem to let himself be happy even in peaceful moments of Spy x Family.
Franky is walking home after his latest romantic disappointment inSpy x Familychapter #105 when the teller surprises him, wishing to celebrate Franky’s new relationship. When Franky breaks the news, the teller is disappointed but instinctively offers a trip to the movies as part of Franky’s original date plan to spend time together as friends. It’s an unmistakably wholesome moment for Franky as, even in light of bitter disappointment and compromise in his line of work, he too can thrive on human connection inSpy x Family.
Spy x Family Reminds Fans That Not All Shōnen Manga Move at a Breakneck Pace
Enjoy the Ride & Smell the Roses
Spy x Family’shook is undoubtedly the blend of espionage and slice-of-life, allowing readers to enjoy thrilling moments like the Red Circus Arc or the Mole Hunt Arc while decelerating to enjoy Anya Forger’s latest tribulations at Eden Academy. There’s room for both, and while fans recognize that, there’s occasionally some difficulty embracing it when the plot seems not to move forward as quickly as other shōnen manga. The thing about a series being the best of both worlds, action, and wholesome comedy, is that there is an inevitable shift back and forth for readers concerned about the series' direction.
For every moment where there’s a hint of romance between characters, there will be instances of a new crisis in Berlint where Loid and WISE, the SSS, or the Garden must thwart domestic or international disasters inSpy x Family. Operation Strix, Loid’s possible romance with Yor, Anya’s Stella Star quest, and more are all interwoven into a narrative that needs to balance these plots. Thus, moments like Franky’s adventures as an Ostanian defector to WISE,Martha and Henry’s golden-years friendship, and Damian’s outdoor adventures are welcome interludes, enjoyed for pure entertainment inSpy x Family.
Spy x Family
Cast
Created by Tatsuya Endo, Spy X Family is an action-adventure comedy anime that follows the misadventures of a found family with unique quirks. The story follows spy Twilight (known as Loid Forger), who, while on assignment, builds a fake family to get closer to his target. Unbeknownst to him, his new family carries their quirks. His wife, Yor, is a kind but deadly assassin, while his daughter, Anya, has telepathic powers - and is the only one who knows their secrets.
