Spy x Family vol 2 by Tatsuya Endo

After an initial wait-list scare, The Forger family finds out that Anya did indeed make it into the prestigious Eden Academy! Loid is briefed by his handler that Desmond, his target, only socializes with elite scholars who receive 8 Stella awards.  Loid is unsure Anya will be up to that academically, so he puts in place "Plan B," ensure Anya and Desmond's younger son, Damien, end up in the same class and become fast friends.  That would have worked if Damian wasn't a little brat and a bully to whom Anya stands up for herself and her new friend.  Punching someone in the face is probably not a great way to become friends! What's worse, tutoring Anya is proving to be extremely difficult and taxing for Loid, so even Plan A is falling apart.  Top all of this with Yor's brother coming over for dinner, and it's no wonder Loid has lots of mission anxiety! A delightful bonus story is also included, where the Forger family goes to the aquarium, and Loid can't seem to stop taking missions during a staffing shortage at the Agency.  This threatens to undermine his appearance as a dedicated family man.

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There is so much that is crazy and silly about this title, and it makes the whole story so enjoyable.  Loid gets so many different jobs at Eden Academy to keep tabs on Anya, and he wears a different disguise for each of them.  Yor assaults people with vegetables after kidnappers try to steal Anya.  But there are also some heartbreaking moments.  Anya being able to read thoughts puts a spotlight on bullying in elementary schools.  Endo does a wonderful job blending the silliness with the seriousness throughout the story, as well as giving the leads mostly equal time in the story.  There could be a little bit more attention paid on Yor and her assassin life, as in this volume we only see her utilize her skills to help Anya or in her daydreams.

Illustrations pay particular attention to characters and their clothings, less so on backgrounds or environments they're in.  There are detailed enough spaces when the narrative calls for it, but a majority of the focus is on facial features and body language.  

VIZ rates this for older teens likely because of the realistic violence.  In volume two, there is also alcohol and smoking, which generally garners older ratings from publishers, but this title might also be fine in middle schools where violence and smoking can get a pass.

Sara's Rating: 10/10
Suitability Level: Grades 8-12

Reviews of previous volumes in this series: vol 1

Publisher: VIZ Media
Publication Date: September 1, 2020
ISBN: 9781974717248 (Paperback)

Tags: Rating: 10/10, Suitability: Middle School, Suitability: High School, Manga, Action Adventure, Humor, Family, VIZ Media