Welcome to This Week in Shonen Jump, our weekly check in on Viz’s various Shonen Jump series. Viz has recently changed their release format, but our format will mostly remain the same. We will still review the newest chapters of one title a week, now with even more options at our disposal. The big change for our readers is that, even without a Shonen Jump subscription, you can read these most recent chapters for free at Viz.com or using their app.
This week, Robbie checks in with “Spy x Family.” If you have thoughts on this or any other current Shonen Jump titles, please let us know in the comments!
Spy x Family Mission 64
Written and illustrated by Tatsuya Endo
Translated by Casey Loe
Lettered by Rina Mapa
Reviewed by Robbie Pleasant
A few weeks ago, FanimeCon attendees hosted several cosplay gatherings. One of them was for this little series that just got an anime adaptation: “Spy x Family.” What was expected to be a small gathering ended up needing to move due to the overwhelming number of cosplayers in attendance, as no shortage of Loids, Yors, and Anyas showed up.
What does that have to do with this chapter? Nothing, really, but it’s an anecdote that demonstrates how popular “Spy x Family” has become since the anime helped it reach a wider audience. And having caught up on the manga for the exact same reason, it’s now no wonder why.
Chapter 64 is a bit lighter on the story, and definitely lighter on the action than previous chapters, but after a side-story exploring Loid’s war-torn past, it’s a welcome reprieve. This chapter focuses on Anya and the housemaster Henry Henderson, as Anya kills time waiting for the next bus.
As such, this is a character-focused chapter, and it happens to be with two of the most hilariously expressive characters in the series. Anya’s faces have basically become memes at this point (between her smug smile and wide-eyed shocked faces), while Henderson’s magnificent facial hair and monocle give him a design that leads well into excellent reactions.
In fact, pretty much every page here has one of them making a reaction face, whether it’s from Anya picking up a shocking thought or Henderson’s reaction at her complete lack of comprehension. And it’s glorious for it.
On that note, the artwork is just as solid throughout the issue, with incredibly crisp images that suit the instantly recognizable character designs and scenic backgrounds. We’re given a look through the hallowed halls of Eden Academy, including a variety of alumni, although the expressions Tatsuya Endo gives the characters continues to be the most noticeable aspect of the art.
Character-wise, this is a good chapter for both Anya and Henderson. As Anya is still a child, she’s prone to being forgetful, easily confused, and completely lacking in impulse control – and that certainly shows in this chapter. At the same time, we do get more moments where she’s reminded of how she wants to help with Loid’s mission.
Meanwhile, we get more of a look into Henry Henderson’s head, as he tries to be a good teacher for a child too young to really take in half the things he’s saying. His obsession with elegance is amusing enough, but couple that with his reactions to Anya and his desire to be a good teacher and you get a very likable character.
In short, this is a fun little chapter of “Spy x Family,” which may not progress the plot but provides a great breather chapter that lets us get to know more about two characters. And that’s great.
Final Verdict: 7.5 – A fun, character-driven chapter that absolutely excels at showing off the creator’s skill with reactions and expressions. There’s a reason “Spy x Family” has become so popular of late.
