In the latest chapter of Spy x Family, manga creator Tatsuya Endo appears to have paid a subtle yet heartfelt tribute to the legendary Akira Toriyama, creator of the iconic Dragon Ball series.
Toriyama, who passed away earlier this year on March 1, 2024, was a massively influential figure in the manga and anime industry, and his death left a significant impact on fans and creators worldwide.
While many fans have paid tribute to Toriyama and his works, Endo’s homage stands out as a personal and creative nod within the pages of his popular manga.
Chapter 105 of Spy x Family centers around Franky, a character known as Twilight’s informant and occasional comic relief. The chapter shows Franky on a mission to rescue a fellow WISE contact, during which he dons a gas mask and carries a bouquet of flowers. While this image might initially seem random, it becomes much more meaningful when you recognize the striking resemblance between Franky’s mask and the avatar that Toriyama often used to represent himself—Tori Bot.
Tori Bot is a character that Toriyama created as a playful, self-referential avatar. It appeared frequently in his work, including in Dragon Ball and Dr. Slump, where it served as a humorous nod to Toriyama’s own influence and persona within the manga industry. The similarities between Franky’s mask and Tori Bot’s design are undeniable—from the shape of the eye holes to the front canister and even the way Franky’s ears poke out from the sides. This attention to detail strongly suggests that Endo intentionally included this reference as a tribute to the late mangaka.
Tatsuya Endo, like many manga artists of his generation, grew up admiring Toriyama’s work. According to the Spy x Family fanbook, Endo has expressed his deep respect for Toriyama’s contributions to the industry.
Given this background, it’s fitting that Endo would choose to incorporate a homage to Toriyama in Spy x Family, especially in a chapter featuring Franky—a character known for bringing levity and humor to the series, much like Tori Bot did in Toriyama’s work.
What do you think of this tribute?
