Summary
Spy x Familyis considered by many as one of the best comedy series of recent years. The manga’s creator, Tatsuya Endo, perfectly blended incredible action scenes with hilarious and wholesome moments. Yet, behind all the laughs and stunning sceneries,hides a tragic storythat has been revealed little by little.
Proof of this trend is the recently revealed backstory ofthe series’ main antagonist, Donovan Desmond. While still incomplete, the few moments of this ruthless villain’s childhood paint him in a much different light than what fans are used to. Before becominga cruel and stoic politician who hides dark secrets, Donovan was nothing more than a child traumatized by the horrors of war.
Spy x Family Finally Reveals the Backstory of Its Main Villain
The main villain of Spy x Family gets surprising exposure to his past in the latest chapter of Spy x Family, including a connection to a key teacher.
Donovan’s Hatred Towards Humanity Was Caused by the Atrocities of War
Donovan Grew Up Surrounded by Death and Destruction
In chapter #99 of theSpy x Familymanga,Master Henderson’s flashbackrevealed that Donovan was a member of Henry’s class as a child. As a kid, Donovan was stoic, unaffectionate, and introverted. Nonetheless, he did not seem to possess the same manipulative and ruthless tendencies as an adult. Desmond seemed to have a deep anger and confusion at humanity, questioning if people could live in peace at all. While not explicitly stated, it is heavily implied thatthese feelings were born due to the horrible and violent warraging between Westalis and Ostania.
During his first years alive, the future Prime Minister was constantly hearing about the death of civilians, injured soldiers, and hatred against Westalis citizens. When asked by Henderson why Donovan was opposed to the idea of peace between nations,Donovan replied that he believed humans were incapable of such a thing. This response should not come as a surprise, as he has only witnessed death and hatred throughout his life.
Donovan was nowhere near the manipulative villain fans know today as a child, proven by his genuine desire to keep having Henderson as his teacher. Despite his odd personality, the young child was nothing more than a kid who had to witness the worst of humanity for most of his life. His trauma is likely what caused Donovan to become an unfeeling and manipulative man. His desire to spark a newwar between Westalis and Ostaniais possibly linked to his trauma. He sees humans as nothing more than violent creatures, so he wishes to control them as such.
Donovan Is Not the Only Character Radicalized by War Times in the Series
Many Other Individuals Have Been Mentally Afflicted by the War
While Donovan may be the most prominent example of war trauma in the series, he is not the only one. Several characters have been affected by the military conflict between Ostania and Westalis, turning them into cruel beings like Donovan. Keith, the main antagonist ofthe series' amazing Doggy Crisis arc, was a young man radicalized by bigoted beliefs of superiority. He thought of Westalis as an inferior nation, deserving of death for having opposed Ostania. He was a member of a group with several other college students who shared his ideals.
At the other end of the spectrum, the Red Circus is a terrorist organization that wants to eliminate Ostanian politicians who are a threat to peace. Their desire for peace has turned them into vicious individuals, not caring about who gets hurt as long as they can accomplish their mission.Both sides have been raised on war or fed propaganda throughout most of their lives, plaguing their minds with fear and doubt. Donovan may be the biggest threat to peace, but seems to simply be another individual who has become disillusioned with humanity after witnessing what humanity is capable of.
Damian’s father is still an incredibly dangerous person who needs to be stopped, as his damaged psyche could cause even more pain to new generations. Nevertheless, he was not always like that, as he was not the only one who abandoned their morals after years of conflict.Loid Forger’s dark pastcould have made him like Donovan, ready to enact his revenge against the people who took his family from him. War is always a tragedy, and its effects on the human mind are seen in Endo’s work.
A small fraction of Donovan’s past has already been revealed, giving fans an insight into what turned him into the tyrannical man he is today. Still, his atrocious secret actions are yet to be revealed, as well as his plans for the future of Ostania and Westalis. More information about this enigmatic man will likely be revealed in future chapters ofSpy x Family, as Endo has recently taken the time to expand the backstory of his popular manga.
Spy x Family
Cast
Created by Tatsuya Endo, Spy X Family is an action-adventure comedy anime that follows the misadventures of a found family with unique quirks. The story follows spy Twilight (known as Loid Forger), who, while on assignment, builds a fake family to get closer to his target. Unbeknownst to him, his new family carries their quirks. His wife, Yor, is a kind but deadly assassin, while his daughter, Anya, has telepathic powers - and is the only one who knows their secrets.
