Tatsuya Endo, the mind behind Spy x Family, has surprised fans by admitting he’s growing weary of cute aesthetics and comedic flair. Despite the series’ massive global popularity, the creator now feels creatively boxed in. He recently confessed that he wants to move away from drawing “cute stuff” and is considering horror as his next frontier.
The unexpected admission offers a rare look into Endo’s personal frustrations. Known for balancing family wholesomeness and spy action, Spy x Family has cemented his name in anime culture. But the charm that made Loid, Yor, and Anya household names is now weighing on him creatively. His interest lies in something much darker.
An Artist’s Hidden Craving for Dread
In a featured comment included in the Spy x Family fanbook, Endo revealed that he originally hoped to write thrillers or horror. “I just want to draw grotesque stuff,” he noted, half-jokingly. Despite the overwhelming success of his current series, the author admitted that drawing endearing moments day after day feels repetitive.
Endo said he often envied mangaka working in dark genres like horror and suspense. “I’ve always liked works with violence or cruelty,” he wrote. His current style, while commercially successful, was something he had to adjust to in order to get serialized. Now, with Spy x Family thriving, he might finally return to his roots.
This isn’t the first time fans caught glimpses of Endo’s grimmer sensibilities. Prior one-shots like Rengoku no Ashe and TISTA hinted at his natural draw toward morally complex themes. These works explored darker emotional terrain, far removed from Anya’s adorable mind-reading antics. Endo may be signaling a return to those early instincts.
His statements reflect a larger creative struggle many mangaka face. Maintaining long-running series often limits experimentation. Endo’s desire for a genre shift doesn’t diminish his love for Spy x Family, but rather highlights a longing for personal challenge. The pull of horror seems less about shock and more about narrative freedom.
Possibilities for the Future
Endo hasn’t confirmed what his next project will be, but his openness suggests a creative shift could be on the horizon once Spy x Family ends or pauses. Given the global reach of his current work, any horror piece from him will draw immediate attention—especially if it blends psychological elements with his sharp storytelling.
Whether Endo takes on psychological terror, body horror, or supernatural suspense remains to be seen. What’s clear is that his next series may surprise fans who only know him through Anya’s innocent charm. A project more in line with Tokyo Ghoul or Chainsaw Man could reveal a completely different side of his talent.
For now, Spy x Family continues to thrive, with a second season and a film adaptation under its belt. But behind the polished family antics, its creator is craving bloodier brushstrokes. Fans should prepare for a possible genre pivot that trades smiles for screams.
