The “Fujimoto Effect” – Is Spy x Family’s Latest Plot Twist Inspired by Chainsaw Man?

The latest chapter of Tatsuya Endo’s hit manga Spy x Family has sparked an unexpected debate among fans — is the so-called “Fujimoto Effect” starting to influence the series?

After a surprising twist involving Melinda Desmond, fans are questioning whether the story is starting to take cues from the unpredictable and surreal narrative style made famous by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of Chainsaw Man.

Melinda’s Shocking Claim: Is Her Husband an Alien?

In Chapter 109 of Spy x Family, Melinda Desmond, the wife of the elusive Donovan Desmond, visits Loid Forger for therapy after suffering from persistent headaches and loss of appetite. Referred by Yor Forger, Melinda initially approaches Loid with suspicion — but eventually opens up.

And then comes the twist:

Melinda reveals that she believes her husband is an alien.

While the claim is not confirmed, the scene has left readers stunned and speculating. Could Donovan Desmond, the enigmatic antagonist of the series, actually be otherworldly? Or is this simply a metaphor for his strangeness?

The Fujimoto Connection – Fact or Coincidence?

The term “Fujimoto Effect” refers to the influence of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s signature storytelling style — chaotic, symbolic, and emotionally subversive. His manga Chainsaw Man is known for unpredictable plot developments, including the shocking return of Yoshida in Chapter 188, where Denji vomits the Public Safety Devil Hunter inside the Devil of Aging’s space-time realm.

Fans have noted the coincidence in timing between this Chainsaw Man twist and Melinda’s alien claim in Spy x Family, leading many to wonder:

Has Spy x Family taken a page from Fujimoto’s playbook?

Assistant Becomes Author: Endo and Fujimoto’s Shared History

Interestingly, Tatsuya Endo once worked as an assistant to Tatsuki Fujimoto, which adds fuel to the speculation. Although their series are radically different in tone, some readers believe Spy x Family is now showing signs of that influence — particularly in its latest, more surreal storytelling shift.

Others, however, aren’t convinced. As one fan put it:

“Tatsuya is older and more experienced than Fujimoto. He’s not copying him — he’s finally writing what he wants.”

Fan Reactions: A Divided Community

The twist has divided fans, with some questioning whether the chapter is even real:

• “Is this a real manga page?”
• “Maybe ‘alien’ is just a metaphor — she meant he’s emotionally distant or odd.”
• “Endo is tired of the constraints and is writing freely now.”
• “It’s a nod to Fujimoto’s influence — or just a coincidence.”

There’s even speculation that the scene reflects Endo’s own creative frustration, as he’s previously expressed a lack of emotional attachment to his characters — perhaps a result of working within genre expectations.

What Does This Mean for Spy x Family?

Whether inspired by Fujimoto or not, Spy x Family appears to be pivoting into bold new territory. The alien reveal, whether literal or symbolic, has the potential to reshape the way readers view Donovan Desmond, and possibly reframe the series’ core themes of identity, secrecy, and deception.

At the very least, it suggests that Endo is pushing the boundaries of his story, moving beyond the slice-of-life spy comedy into something more surreal — or even existential.

What’s Your Take on the “Fujimoto Effect”?

Is Tatsuya Endo taking inspiration from his former mentor? Is Spy x Family shifting tone in response to reader demand, or is the author finally letting his imagination off the leash?

Let us know what you think! Is Melinda’s alien claim just a red herring — or the start of something much stranger?