Book Review: Spy x Family 5 by Tatsuya Endo

 

Spy x Family, Vol 5        

Author: Tatsuya Endo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: June 8, 2021

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Action & Adventure/200 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Yor is coming home later and later. Twilight is concerned but doesn’t feel he has a right to ask, all things considered. He’s alarmed to notice multiple cuts on her hands and fingers! As it turns out, his fears are groundless. Yor is learning how to cook, in order to keep her family, but it’s safe to say this is not her strong suit. And guess who just joined her class? Her little brother Yuri! He is her biggest cheerleader, even when her dishes are less than stellar. However, he also wouldn’t mind seeing her “husband”, Loyd Forger, taken out of the equation.

It’s almost time for midterms at Eden Academy, and Anya is still determined to get in good with Damian Desmond, whom she calls Sy-on Boy. She brings a picture of Bond to school, thinking he will be her way in, and surreptitiously drops it where Sy-on Boy can find it. Becky finds it instead and develops an instant crush on Loyd Forger.

The housemaster is taking charge of Anya’s art class since the teacher is sick. Everyone is to pair up for a project. To Anya’s delight, and Damian’s dismay, they are assigned to be a team. Everyone in the class is limited as to what supplies they can use. The theme is “animals” and they must create a three dimensional model. Anya is hoping to both get closer to Sy-on-Boy and to finally win a Stella star.

Yor tells Loyd she has asked her brother to help tutor Anya for the midterms. Loyd isn’t sure about this, but what can he say? It’s vital that she does well. Anya is shocked, when she reads Yuri’s mind, at the ill will he harbors for her father. Plus he’s a secret policeman. Anya is concerned about the tests because she realizes due to the moon she won’t be able to mindread on that particular day. But Yuri’s teaching methods are confusing at best. How will this work?

Twilight is concerned that Anya’s grades won’t be good enough, so he’s decided to do something about it. But the test results are strictly guarded.  As a master of disguise, it’s easy enough to assume the identity of one of the faculty. But wait, who is this other guy, someone he doesn’t recognize, who seems to be doing the same thing Twilight is intent on doing?

One of Anya’s classmates, on learning his father’s company will soon cease to exist, and that it’s because of Si-on Boy’s father, vows to get him in trouble. But Anya can’t have that, and sets out to avert that crisis at all cost.

Anya’s next assignment is to investigate an occupation that interests her, and she can interview her parents or a local business. Hmm, should she choose Papa or Mama?  As she discovers, shadowing Yor is rather gruesome, so she goes the next day to watch Papa (who besides being a spy is a psychiatrist).

Twilight receives a new mission… and a new partner. This can either be a wise move, or a very dangerous one.

I never get tired of reading this manga. It’s hilarious and heart-warming too. I just know the Forgers are going to end up as a real family someday! The more things go wrong with them, the more they go right. Becky’s crush on Twilight is funny, as are Anya’s attempts to get on Sy-on Boy’s good side.  But beware, trouble might be brewing in the form of Twilight’s new partner. She seems to have her on the prize, namely Twilight! Will Yor catch on to the danger she presents in time to do something about it?

Another great volume of Spy X Family, can’t wait for the next one!