I'm sure everyone is familiar with the image above, and yes! This is Anya's globally viral meme expression from the blockbuster anime "Spy Family," released in 2022 and co-produced by WIT STUDIO and CloverWorks. Her sarcastic and absurd image is deeply loved by fans, even attracting many who don't usually watch anime to come and see it for themselves. The humorous and heartwarming plot also made this anime a hot topic across all age groups, truly a global sensation at the time.
"Spy Family" is adapted from a family comedy manga by Tatsuya Endo, which began serialization in March 2019. In 2019, this work achieved excellent results, including first place in the web manga category of the "Next Manga Award" and first place in manga volume one sales (July-September 2019). Even before the anime aired, its manga sales were already among the top ten for the year, making it a phenomenal work.
The story follows "Twilight," a spy from Westalis, who forms a temporary family to investigate an Ostania politician, aiming to approach the politician at an "Eden Academy" parent-teacher conference under the guise of a father. However, this so-called temporary family is not as simple as it seems: Loid, the Westalis spy father; Yor, the Ostania assassin mother; and Anya, the psychic child with telepathy – all three conceal their true identities from each other. Under the same roof, this fake family embarks on their espionage-filled domestic life.
Despite having no blood relation, the three gradually show warmth towards each other amidst their deceptive family life. Audiences, while immersed in the humorous and witty plot, can also feel the delicate emotions between people, making them eagerly anticipate how the story will unfold.
The good news is that the production team officially announced in June this year that a third season is in the works! Even better news: Director Takashi Katagiri, Producer Kazuki Yamanaka, and Tetsuya Nakatake, one of the founders of WIT STUDIO, will hold an industry lecture on the afternoon of October 25th. The 2024 Kuandu International Animation Festival will also feature a special screening of the "Spy Family" movie as its closing film on the afternoon of October 26th! Fans who love this work, want to rewatch it multiple times, or are feeling impatient while waiting for the third season's official broadcast, absolutely must not miss this fantastic opportunity.
Furthermore, the festival also features many excellent animation works from both domestic and international creators waiting for you to discover, allowing you to enjoy them all at once! Whether you are a "Spy Family" fan or a friend interested in animation or animation production, this event will open your eyes and help you find your joy! The Kuandu International Animation Festival is not only a great opportunity to appreciate outstanding animation but also a platform to understand the latest developments in the animation industry and interact with animation professionals.
So, for all those interested in animation, be sure to make time to attend the annual Kuandu International Animation Festival from October 20th to October 26th. Come and experience the charm of animation and immerse yourselves in the joy it brings!
Image source: Muse Communication