Tatsuya Endo Almost Gave Up on Manga — Then Spy x Family Happened

Spy x Family, now a beloved global phenomenon, is not just a hit for its captivating mix of espionage, comedy, and heartfelt moments but also a testament to the perseverance of its creator, Tatsuya Endo.

Behind the series’ success lies a challenging journey filled with disillusionment and burnout that nearly led Endo to abandon his career.

In the Spy x Family: The Official Anime Guide, Endo reveals that for over a decade, creating manga had lost its joy.

Despite his successful earlier works like Tista and Blade of the Moon Princess, he struggled with a severe case of writer’s block.

To combat his burnout, he turned to self-motivation techniques, including the simple reminder “Manga is fun!” taped to his wall. This was a crucial step in rediscovering his passion.

Endo’s breakthrough came with Spy x Family, a series that blends the lighthearted antics of the Forger family with deeper emotional and psychological themes.

The story follows Loid Forger, a spy who creates a fake family to broker peace between two nations, and his wife Yor, a skilled assassin, with their adopted daughter, Anya, who can read minds.

While the narrative has its comedic charm, Endo acknowledges that the creation of the series was, in part, a therapeutic process for him.

Despite facing compromises, like simplifying the world-building and focusing on more universally appealing characters, Spy x Family has become a massive success.

Today, it boasts over 35 million copies sold worldwide, marking a monumental achievement for Endo after his difficult journey.