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古見さんは、コミュ症です。 [Komi-san wa, Komyushō Desu.] #1
Komi Can't Communicate, Vol. 1
Timid Tadano is a total wallflower, and that’s just the way he likes it. But all that changes when he finds himself alone in a classroom on the first day of high school with the legendary Komi. He quickly realizes she isn’t aloof—she’s just super awkward. Now he’s made it his mission to help her on her quest to make 100 friends!
192 pages, Paperback
First published June 16, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,162 reviews
March 9, 2021
I've been meaning to pick this one up for ages and I'm glad I did.
The premise of this manga is exactly the title - Komi, the appointed "princess" of her class, has always been mistaken as an aloof icy girl...but in reality she just can't communicate.
When someone talks to her or when she tries to talk to someone, she just freezes up.
And while it might look cool or snobbish or like she's ignoring her classmates - the reality is that she just doesn't know what to say or do.
Along comes Tadano - who on the first day of high school is determined to jump outside of his timid shell...and a chance encounter with Komi sparks their friendship.
Komi wants to make 100 friends and Tadano is going to help her!!
Overall, I felt like this one worked quite well.
The art was great, the storyline was compelling and I enjoyed watching Komi come out of her shell. I'm really excited to see where this series goes!!
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June 30, 2020
The plot is in the title. Komi can't communicate. The plot follows Tadano as he starts high school. His goal is to pretty much go unnoticed (middle school was a nightmare of bullying and being a social outcast from what little we get from his background). He meets Komi who is one of the most popular girls in class, but also one of the most unapproachable. After a few interactions, he starts realizing that it's not cold aloofness like others think, but rather extreme social anxiety. Through a (wonderful) scene where they communicate on the class blackboard, he realizes that she's wanted to make friends for some time but can't talk to people. Thus Tadano has a new goal, helping Komi at least try to communicate.
So, this one was a bit rough at the start. The chapters were all extremely short and rather awkward. During the initial set-up chapters, I was pretty sure that I was going to consider this one a disappointment. I mean, it had a few funny scenes, but it initially just wasn't working for me... then we got the blackboard scene mentioned above and I became impressed with how the book started handling both her social awkwardness and her attempts at overcoming it. While it lead to more humorous scenes, where the book excelled was giving the mostly dialogue free character of Komi a real personality. She's almost always drawn in one of two ways; first as a more detailed depiction trying to show her as others see her (cold, beautiful, almost always with a frown) the other way is with larger eyes, less detailed features and far more expressive. The scenes featuring the second style often create great comedy, but also make the reader (or at least this reader) feel more sympathy for her. Take for example when she actually succeeds in making a friend other than Tadano:
The final panel alone, her excitement, the humor, the... general good nature of it, all of these appeal to me.
Like many slice of life comedic manga, there's quite a few sexual jokes that many won't like, and some of which may cut a bit of the sweeter nature of the story for American or some European readers, but overall, I find this one well worth a look. If you're wanting a good natured slice of life comedy, this one is definitely worth your time. 4/5 stars
So, this one was a bit rough at the start. The chapters were all extremely short and rather awkward. During the initial set-up chapters, I was pretty sure that I was going to consider this one a disappointment. I mean, it had a few funny scenes, but it initially just wasn't working for me... then we got the blackboard scene mentioned above and I became impressed with how the book started handling both her social awkwardness and her attempts at overcoming it. While it lead to more humorous scenes, where the book excelled was giving the mostly dialogue free character of Komi a real personality. She's almost always drawn in one of two ways; first as a more detailed depiction trying to show her as others see her (cold, beautiful, almost always with a frown) the other way is with larger eyes, less detailed features and far more expressive. The scenes featuring the second style often create great comedy, but also make the reader (or at least this reader) feel more sympathy for her. Take for example when she actually succeeds in making a friend other than Tadano:
The final panel alone, her excitement, the humor, the... general good nature of it, all of these appeal to me.
Like many slice of life comedic manga, there's quite a few sexual jokes that many won't like, and some of which may cut a bit of the sweeter nature of the story for American or some European readers, but overall, I find this one well worth a look. If you're wanting a good natured slice of life comedy, this one is definitely worth your time. 4/5 stars
December 17, 2022
2.5 stars rounded up
Komi is in high school. Classmates admire her enigmatic personality. They consider her extremely attractive and arrogant. However, as we know, people often have wrong assumptions about each other. Komi has a secret. She cannot communicate. The title does not exaggerate. She feels awkward and anxious around people. Komi is literally speechless when with others. Even when she is in the company of only one of her classmates she cannot bring herself to talk to him.
That classmate is named Tadano, and he is endowed with hypersensitivity. He penetrates Komi’s mind and deciphers her enigma. Tadano wants to aid Komi in developing relationships with the external world. He imagines how difficult such life must be when one cannot express your feelings and verbalize your thoughts. He tries to find a solution. Can Komi try to put her thoughts on paper?
Komi feels nervous and frustrated in situations where most people feel at ease and probably do not even notice them. Such situations include asking a simple question, ordering coffee, and making a phone call. Komi needs to learn how to cope with them.
At the same time, Komi longs to make friends and acquire communication skills. Her ambitious goal is to make 100 friends! Why 100 friends? Why did the author make Komi choose quantity over quality? Is having many friends better than having a few whom you can trust and with whom you feel genuinely comfortable?
Even by nature gregarious people would think twice about whether they needed so many friends. Why Komi, having a timid character, sets herself such a goal?
I would have liked to know if Komi can communicate with her parents. I assume she can. Does her social anxiety manifest itself when the young girl is at home with her family?
I was not expecting much from this story. It turned out I was right. As an introvert, I empathize with people experiencing social anxiety and who may have a hard time making new contacts. I understand that people may easily get tired of being with people, especially when they do not know them well. That being said, I did not root for Komi nor become interested in the story as a whole.
I did not love it, I did not hate it. Perhaps most of my gripes with it are caused by this volume being the beginning of the series. It is followed by several others. Some of the questions I asked myself about the characters likely find answers in the next volumes. However, this story gave me the impression of being too shallow to want to continue with the series.
On the plus side, Komi's story teaches us to accept people even if we cannot understand their mindset and their behavior. Developing communication skills may sometimes be a long journey. We should avoid comparing our life to others.
Komi has a unique personality, and I hope she will find her way of dealing with this world.
Komi is in high school. Classmates admire her enigmatic personality. They consider her extremely attractive and arrogant. However, as we know, people often have wrong assumptions about each other. Komi has a secret. She cannot communicate. The title does not exaggerate. She feels awkward and anxious around people. Komi is literally speechless when with others. Even when she is in the company of only one of her classmates she cannot bring herself to talk to him.
That classmate is named Tadano, and he is endowed with hypersensitivity. He penetrates Komi’s mind and deciphers her enigma. Tadano wants to aid Komi in developing relationships with the external world. He imagines how difficult such life must be when one cannot express your feelings and verbalize your thoughts. He tries to find a solution. Can Komi try to put her thoughts on paper?
Komi feels nervous and frustrated in situations where most people feel at ease and probably do not even notice them. Such situations include asking a simple question, ordering coffee, and making a phone call. Komi needs to learn how to cope with them.
At the same time, Komi longs to make friends and acquire communication skills. Her ambitious goal is to make 100 friends! Why 100 friends? Why did the author make Komi choose quantity over quality? Is having many friends better than having a few whom you can trust and with whom you feel genuinely comfortable?
Even by nature gregarious people would think twice about whether they needed so many friends. Why Komi, having a timid character, sets herself such a goal?
I would have liked to know if Komi can communicate with her parents. I assume she can. Does her social anxiety manifest itself when the young girl is at home with her family?
I was not expecting much from this story. It turned out I was right. As an introvert, I empathize with people experiencing social anxiety and who may have a hard time making new contacts. I understand that people may easily get tired of being with people, especially when they do not know them well. That being said, I did not root for Komi nor become interested in the story as a whole.
I did not love it, I did not hate it. Perhaps most of my gripes with it are caused by this volume being the beginning of the series. It is followed by several others. Some of the questions I asked myself about the characters likely find answers in the next volumes. However, this story gave me the impression of being too shallow to want to continue with the series.
On the plus side, Komi's story teaches us to accept people even if we cannot understand their mindset and their behavior. Developing communication skills may sometimes be a long journey. We should avoid comparing our life to others.
Komi has a unique personality, and I hope she will find her way of dealing with this world.
Read
July 28, 2020
March 25, 2020
I want to make a comment here (and so I will!) about books that announce the topic or problem or identity node in the title, such as Transgender, or Genderfluid or Komi Can’t Communicate: Don’t do that. A novel, if it’s any good, should be about people, not just a single “issue.” So this one is about social anxiety disorder or communication disorder, though Komi turns out, via various scenarios, to be pretty likeable as a character, though not that complex or well-developed.
Everyone thinks Komi is beautiful but aloof, though she is really awkward, shy, paralyzed in social situations. And thus friendless, so she makes a goal with the help of another wallflower, also timid Tadano, to make 100 friends. Or is this really about introverts? Or just what we used to just call shy? Or is it really about 75% of all middle school kids? Or is it really the story of a pretty gender stereotypical girl? But if you are or know someone—oh, come on, half the world has or has had at least a mild “case” of this disorder, including more than half of us reading at home perfectly comfortably during this pandemic (it’s what we do!). But okay, this is still pretty good, over all.
Everyone thinks Komi is beautiful but aloof, though she is really awkward, shy, paralyzed in social situations. And thus friendless, so she makes a goal with the help of another wallflower, also timid Tadano, to make 100 friends. Or is this really about introverts? Or just what we used to just call shy? Or is it really about 75% of all middle school kids? Or is it really the story of a pretty gender stereotypical girl? But if you are or know someone—oh, come on, half the world has or has had at least a mild “case” of this disorder, including more than half of us reading at home perfectly comfortably during this pandemic (it’s what we do!). But okay, this is still pretty good, over all.
December 8, 2020
Komi Can’t Communicate is a very simplistic and trope heavy manga. Despite this, I can’t deny that it was a pretty quick and fun read.
~★~ What is this manga about? ~★~
Komi has a hard time communicating with her classmates, and finds herself nervous at the thought of starting conversations. Soon enough, Komi meets Tadano, a socially awkward boy similar to her. Tadano swears to help Komi make as many friends as possible in high school, helping her overcome her fear of communication.
~★~
My main problem with this manga is that there’s not much to the plot. While I enjoyed the first volume to some extent, it’s hard to envision how this story can be extended by another ten volumes. Besides the central theme of Komi trying to make friends with her classmates, nothing much happens. Komi is sent to order coffee and gets a phone to improve her communication; That’s essentially it. This story definitely didn’t have as much substance as I would have preferred, which is disappointing. Still, I found some elements enjoyable.
Tomohito Odo has a really pleasant art style; I especially loved some of the expressions drawn for additional comedic effect.
It’s a shame that the content didn’t hold up for me. If I’m being honest, I really can’t see myself continuing with this manga series.
~★~ What is this manga about? ~★~
Komi has a hard time communicating with her classmates, and finds herself nervous at the thought of starting conversations. Soon enough, Komi meets Tadano, a socially awkward boy similar to her. Tadano swears to help Komi make as many friends as possible in high school, helping her overcome her fear of communication.
~★~
My main problem with this manga is that there’s not much to the plot. While I enjoyed the first volume to some extent, it’s hard to envision how this story can be extended by another ten volumes. Besides the central theme of Komi trying to make friends with her classmates, nothing much happens. Komi is sent to order coffee and gets a phone to improve her communication; That’s essentially it. This story definitely didn’t have as much substance as I would have preferred, which is disappointing. Still, I found some elements enjoyable.
Tomohito Odo has a really pleasant art style; I especially loved some of the expressions drawn for additional comedic effect.
It’s a shame that the content didn’t hold up for me. If I’m being honest, I really can’t see myself continuing with this manga series.
December 21, 2019
Komi can’t communicate? I’d say he did pretty well at communicating Hillary Clinton’s cavalier (and illegal) actions towards keeping classified state emails on her private server during the 2016 election! Oh wait - that was James Comey, the former FBI director. This Komi is a shy high school student…
The first book of Tomohito Oda’s series Komi Can’t Communicate wasn’t bad. I’m sure most naturally shy and socially awkward people will easily relate to Komi’s struggle to have the confidence to speak and reach out to others, but, more than that, it’s a sweet story of two outsiders - Komi and Tadano, a loner boy - finding friendship together.
Komi wants to make 100 friends because she doesn’t have any - everyone just assumes that she’s too cool and above-it-all, so no-one ever approaches her and she’s completely isolated. Worse, her shyness is so crippling that she can’t speak to make any friends. Enter Tadano, her first friend (and obvious love interest), who makes it his mission to help her achieve her goal.
It’s not the most riveting read as it has minimal plot - Komi goes to get coffee for Najimi (unusually, a teenage trans character) to get used to speaking to strangers in public, they play games in between classes - and is mostly about lonely kids slowly learning to socialise, which has limited possibilities.
But there were some heartwarming scenes like Komi and Tadano “speaking” for the first time, writing on the blackboard after class, and then speaking for real over the phone when Komi accidentally calls him. In a sense, the title is wrong - Komi can communicate really well in the right medium: writing or over the phone; she just can’t speak to anyone face-to-face.
Maybe Oda’s commenting on the prevalence of phones in today’s society where more people feel comfortable to text each other than call or meet in person - we live online now and have forgotten how to communicate normally - or maybe not. Either way I look forward to seeing whether Komi’s trouble speaking is explored further in future volumes.
And I will be back for more because I did like Komi Can’t Communicate, Volume 1 more than not - it’s an original and charming high school manga.
The first book of Tomohito Oda’s series Komi Can’t Communicate wasn’t bad. I’m sure most naturally shy and socially awkward people will easily relate to Komi’s struggle to have the confidence to speak and reach out to others, but, more than that, it’s a sweet story of two outsiders - Komi and Tadano, a loner boy - finding friendship together.
Komi wants to make 100 friends because she doesn’t have any - everyone just assumes that she’s too cool and above-it-all, so no-one ever approaches her and she’s completely isolated. Worse, her shyness is so crippling that she can’t speak to make any friends. Enter Tadano, her first friend (and obvious love interest), who makes it his mission to help her achieve her goal.
It’s not the most riveting read as it has minimal plot - Komi goes to get coffee for Najimi (unusually, a teenage trans character) to get used to speaking to strangers in public, they play games in between classes - and is mostly about lonely kids slowly learning to socialise, which has limited possibilities.
But there were some heartwarming scenes like Komi and Tadano “speaking” for the first time, writing on the blackboard after class, and then speaking for real over the phone when Komi accidentally calls him. In a sense, the title is wrong - Komi can communicate really well in the right medium: writing or over the phone; she just can’t speak to anyone face-to-face.
Maybe Oda’s commenting on the prevalence of phones in today’s society where more people feel comfortable to text each other than call or meet in person - we live online now and have forgotten how to communicate normally - or maybe not. Either way I look forward to seeing whether Komi’s trouble speaking is explored further in future volumes.
And I will be back for more because I did like Komi Can’t Communicate, Volume 1 more than not - it’s an original and charming high school manga.
May 4, 2023
a very easy to read manga book with wonderful illustrations 🥺 i appreciated that Komi was liked by her peers and they didn't think she was weird because she didn't communicate with them
January 6, 2022
Probably 2/5 for me. I liked Komi herself but the other characters?? I couldn't stand them...idk I just didn't like them or how they acted, especially the main guy. Overall it was kind of just average, I enjoyed some parts, was bored in others. I'm kinda sad this didn't hit me how I wanted it to but win some lose some I guess. I probably won't be reading anymore of this one but the art was really nice and Komi was sweet!
September 28, 2022
Reading Vlog: https://youtu.be/vB3HUVVPvX8
This cover is so misleading. It looks like a school girl erotic romance. No sir. It's a really sweet story about a couple bumbling bafoons.
Our two main characters struggling with crippling social anxiety disorders. Komi can't talk to people. She freezes like a statue. Tadano has no self confidence and has always been labeled a loser.
Tadano is the only one to recognize Komi's issue for what it is and vows to help her gain friends and confidence.
It's really sweet. I enjoyed this a lot.
I did have an issue with some of the characters reactions to Komi. Like Agari who didn't want to be Komi's friend but rather her dog. That went way too far in my opinion. I mean, it's manga and it's supposed to be a bit over the top but sometimes my brain can't let it go. And this was one of those times.
I would absolutely recommend reading this but I don't know if I would recommend spending your money on collecting the series. This might be good to borrow from the library. Especially because it isn't dialogue heavy.
This cover is so misleading. It looks like a school girl erotic romance. No sir. It's a really sweet story about a couple bumbling bafoons.
Our two main characters struggling with crippling social anxiety disorders. Komi can't talk to people. She freezes like a statue. Tadano has no self confidence and has always been labeled a loser.
Tadano is the only one to recognize Komi's issue for what it is and vows to help her gain friends and confidence.
It's really sweet. I enjoyed this a lot.
I did have an issue with some of the characters reactions to Komi. Like Agari who didn't want to be Komi's friend but rather her dog. That went way too far in my opinion. I mean, it's manga and it's supposed to be a bit over the top but sometimes my brain can't let it go. And this was one of those times.
I would absolutely recommend reading this but I don't know if I would recommend spending your money on collecting the series. This might be good to borrow from the library. Especially because it isn't dialogue heavy.
October 4, 2021
buddy read with my server ♡
April 15, 2021
I’ve been hearing so much about Komi Can’t Communicate and I was definitely excited to read it. This was a solid read that focuses on Komi who has social anxiety that prevents her from being able to communicate with the rest of class. Tadano and Komi connect one day during lunch and he vows to help her make 100 friends. What’s so interesting is that Komi’s classmates are literally obsessed with her. They believe that she is a “goddess” among normal people. It’s actually quite funny the way they treat her. I thought the journey that Komi makes in attempting to make friends was good. It’s written in a way that the reader is really rooting for her. What bothered me was the characterization of the 3rd friend Agari who volunteers to be Komi’s dog. For me I was aggravated that no one challenged that idea. No one said that being her dog was unnecessary. I’m hoping that it’s handled in future volumes. Overall, this wasn’t necessarily my favorite manga but it is one that I’ll keep reading for now. The art was great and I’m enjoying the development of the friendships that Komi is making.
October 10, 2020
Komi is super popular despite her aloof reputation. Only timid Tadano seems to notice that she doesn't talk... ever! When she reaches out to him on the first day of class he quickly realizes it's awkwardness holding her back. Now he'll become her first friend in her quest to make 100 friends.
The Premise
I can't help myself when I learn a character is awkward I just relate too much to pass them by... so I HAD to read Komi Can't Communicate vol 1. I totally fell for Komi just like every other fool in their school. She had the best look, a wonderful combination of stern superiority and cool elegance. Who can resist that?! Stronger readers than me! And I really relate to her communication disorder. I don't have it near as bad as she does but it can be very isolating. She is quite brave to speak up at Tadano's easy friendliness.
The Buzz
I love the range of things that Komi experiences through Komi Can't Communicate vol 1. This has a feel of a slice of life because time at school simply passes and its only the different situations she gets into that shows passage of time. But its not all about making friends. It's also about social situations that will bring pressure onto Komi due to her social anxiety! I love the way Tomohito Oda at times shows these situations from one POV in one chapter and another in another chapter. It gives this unexpected edge to what could feel like your typical situations.
The Feels
I totally relate to every instance of communication overload that Komi experiences in Komi Can't Communicate vol 1. And I adored that Tadano would follow her on her missions to see how she did. It made my heart melt. Social anxiety is really hard because people look at you like you're a freak when you can't respond the way they expect. Because she is so popular this isn't a wide spread problem she deals with... but it does infringe on her ability to befriend others. As we see with Osana!
Actually Osana is one of my favorite characters after Komi. Her exact opposite this trans character is so refreshingly social that is makes for super funny situations. It also allows Osana to push Komi where Tadano would have dithered.
The Visuals
The intriguing thing is the way Komi Can't Communicate vol 1 is set up. The chapters are the shortest I've ever seen. They aren't the one page deals like found in Satoko and Nada lacking in any sort of plot (thank goodness). But they aren't like your typical manga with long chapters (there are 4 times more chapters in Komi than in most other mangas). At first I was worried but I found I really loved these short chapters. They were fun and held one idea that propelled the plot forward. This is the type of manga you have around to flip through when you need a break from heavy reading.
And I did quite enjoy the visuals! I loved the detailed backgrounds and the exaggerated expressions. And the character designs quite captured me, especially Komi. I loved the contrast of her situation to her appearance. Komi Can't Communicate vol 1 really was quite enchanting from the art to the story!
Komi Can't Communicate vol 1 is about a girl with social anxiety. It's hard for her to even talk to others, as a result, even though she's quite popular at her school she is isolated and friendless... Until she meets Tadano! The perfect boy to help her make friends and take the steps needed to full communication mode. I can't wait to see what they get up to in volume 2...!
⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ Authenticity
⋆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tension
⋆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Plot
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Art
Thanks to Edelweiss and VIZ Media for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. It has not influenced my opinions.
The Premise
I can't help myself when I learn a character is awkward I just relate too much to pass them by... so I HAD to read Komi Can't Communicate vol 1. I totally fell for Komi just like every other fool in their school. She had the best look, a wonderful combination of stern superiority and cool elegance. Who can resist that?! Stronger readers than me! And I really relate to her communication disorder. I don't have it near as bad as she does but it can be very isolating. She is quite brave to speak up at Tadano's easy friendliness.
The Buzz
I love the range of things that Komi experiences through Komi Can't Communicate vol 1. This has a feel of a slice of life because time at school simply passes and its only the different situations she gets into that shows passage of time. But its not all about making friends. It's also about social situations that will bring pressure onto Komi due to her social anxiety! I love the way Tomohito Oda at times shows these situations from one POV in one chapter and another in another chapter. It gives this unexpected edge to what could feel like your typical situations.
The Feels
I totally relate to every instance of communication overload that Komi experiences in Komi Can't Communicate vol 1. And I adored that Tadano would follow her on her missions to see how she did. It made my heart melt. Social anxiety is really hard because people look at you like you're a freak when you can't respond the way they expect. Because she is so popular this isn't a wide spread problem she deals with... but it does infringe on her ability to befriend others. As we see with Osana!
Actually Osana is one of my favorite characters after Komi. Her exact opposite this trans character is so refreshingly social that is makes for super funny situations. It also allows Osana to push Komi where Tadano would have dithered.
The Visuals
The intriguing thing is the way Komi Can't Communicate vol 1 is set up. The chapters are the shortest I've ever seen. They aren't the one page deals like found in Satoko and Nada lacking in any sort of plot (thank goodness). But they aren't like your typical manga with long chapters (there are 4 times more chapters in Komi than in most other mangas). At first I was worried but I found I really loved these short chapters. They were fun and held one idea that propelled the plot forward. This is the type of manga you have around to flip through when you need a break from heavy reading.
And I did quite enjoy the visuals! I loved the detailed backgrounds and the exaggerated expressions. And the character designs quite captured me, especially Komi. I loved the contrast of her situation to her appearance. Komi Can't Communicate vol 1 really was quite enchanting from the art to the story!
Komi Can't Communicate vol 1 is about a girl with social anxiety. It's hard for her to even talk to others, as a result, even though she's quite popular at her school she is isolated and friendless... Until she meets Tadano! The perfect boy to help her make friends and take the steps needed to full communication mode. I can't wait to see what they get up to in volume 2...!
⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ Authenticity
⋆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Tension
⋆ ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Plot
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Art
Thanks to Edelweiss and VIZ Media for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. It has not influenced my opinions.
September 7, 2021
When they elected Komi as God instead of class representative because she deserves more, I was on the floor dying with laughter.
April 16, 2022
i actually finished reading this at 5 am but i decided to wait to log it as to be less incriminating
June 26, 2021
The premise is in the title, Komi can't communicate because she has a massive social anxiety disorder that ordinary people mistake for aloofness. Thankfully, she has Tadano to help her navigate her new school populated by other unique personalities with their own social disorders in her quest to get 100 new friends.
It's a fun gag manga that's entertaining to read and Komi is a likable enough character that the reader would want to protect her as well. It's only weakness is that there's a lot lost in the translation. The names of the characters that populate Komi's school are actually puns that reveal their own social awkwardness. Still, it's translated decently enough and paired with the author's graphic storytelling, the main gags are still reachable. These volumes also have fantastic covers of the lovely Komi adorning it as well.
It's a fun gag manga that's entertaining to read and Komi is a likable enough character that the reader would want to protect her as well. It's only weakness is that there's a lot lost in the translation. The names of the characters that populate Komi's school are actually puns that reveal their own social awkwardness. Still, it's translated decently enough and paired with the author's graphic storytelling, the main gags are still reachable. These volumes also have fantastic covers of the lovely Komi adorning it as well.
February 20, 2020
I've been thinking about reading Komi Can't Communicate for months now, so I was delighted to receive a free copy through Netgalley. This manga is about Komi, a beautiful high school girl who is so shy and socially awkward, she's unable to even speak to her fellow schoolmates. Tadano also suffers from social anxiety, albeit a milder version, and while at first bowled over by Komi's beauty, realizes that they have many things in common. Through notes written on the blackboard, Tadano finds out that Komi secretly hopes for 100 friends.
I thought that this manga was just okay. I'm just not the right demographic, although I appreciated the irony of all the other classmates thinking that Komi, based on her looks and "regal" manners, is infinitely cooler than any of them. Some of them also assume that she's extremely popular. None of them have any idea how isolated and lonely Komi feels.
Social anxiety and severe shyness could be quite serious topics, but this manga is comedic and light. Komi is elected "God" of the class, starts a friendship with a girl who instead wants to be Komi's dog (which makes me feel a bit uncomfortable), and saves another friend from unsavory bullies through a comedy of errors.
Ultimately, I'm not sure I'm going to continue on with this series. There are a lot of other manga series out there that click with me, and this one just wasn't a good fit.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
I thought that this manga was just okay. I'm just not the right demographic, although I appreciated the irony of all the other classmates thinking that Komi, based on her looks and "regal" manners, is infinitely cooler than any of them. Some of them also assume that she's extremely popular. None of them have any idea how isolated and lonely Komi feels.
Social anxiety and severe shyness could be quite serious topics, but this manga is comedic and light. Komi is elected "God" of the class, starts a friendship with a girl who instead wants to be Komi's dog (which makes me feel a bit uncomfortable), and saves another friend from unsavory bullies through a comedy of errors.
Ultimately, I'm not sure I'm going to continue on with this series. There are a lot of other manga series out there that click with me, and this one just wasn't a good fit.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
September 8, 2019
To her classmates, quiet Shoko Komi is serene, elegant, charismatic and pretty, the class goddess. But average schmo Tadano stumbles upon the secret that she suffers so greatly from social anxieties and shyness that she is electively mute and has no friends. It's one of those oddly paced humor manga where each eight page chapter consists of a string of single page gags, so it took me a while to warm up to it. But the shy girl is very cute and I found myself pulling for her every time she made a little progress toward finding friends.
There is what I thought was going to be a typical comic relief cross-dressing side character, but so far the author and/or translator actually seem to be treating them as genderfluid. We'll have to see where that goes.
There is what I thought was going to be a typical comic relief cross-dressing side character, but so far the author and/or translator actually seem to be treating them as genderfluid. We'll have to see where that goes.
April 3, 2020
2.5
As with most manga with a running gag I figured this might get old, and while Komi's constant trembling and inability to communicate at times does get a bit frustrating, it's not overly so. I also enjoy the friendship she's building with Tadano and I think this series might get better as it goes instead of the opposite.
As with most manga with a running gag I figured this might get old, and while Komi's constant trembling and inability to communicate at times does get a bit frustrating, it's not overly so. I also enjoy the friendship she's building with Tadano and I think this series might get better as it goes instead of the opposite.
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January 29, 2022Poor Shoko Komi! In this excellent Japanese manga series, we meet a high school girl who desperately wants to build friendships with her fellow students, but is hampered with extreme social anxiety. Fortunately, the teens around her are mesmerized with Komi and her supposed air of cool reserve; when one young man, Tadano Hitohito, learns the truth, he begins a campaign to help the girl reach a goal of making one hundred friends. – Louisa A.
March 24, 2020
5/5stars
This is so unique, adorable, hilarious, endearing and wonderful! Loved this first volume
This is so unique, adorable, hilarious, endearing and wonderful! Loved this first volume
February 9, 2020
3.5 stars
The plot was very thin and the chapters were simply scenarios Komi found herself in where she couldn’t communicate; however, I did find myself smiling and going ‘awwww’ throughout so I am intrigued to find out what other situations Komi finds herself in.
The plot was very thin and the chapters were simply scenarios Komi found herself in where she couldn’t communicate; however, I did find myself smiling and going ‘awwww’ throughout so I am intrigued to find out what other situations Komi finds herself in.
August 6, 2019
This was super cute I will definitely check out the second volume!
January 2, 2020
The worst gender stereotypes mar this portrayal of a girl struggling to break out of her anxiety.
March 22, 2023
This manga was literally so cute!!! I absolutely loved all of the characters (except the chick who wanted to be Komi's dog... that was interesting to say the least) and I just overall liked this. Literally cannot form a coherent review right now but live laugh love my babygirls Tadano, Najimi, and Komi 😭😭😭❤
December 30, 2021
26 Jan 2020:
Untuk vol.1-nya dulu~ (╯✧▽✧)╯
Kisah cewek SMA yang mengalami kesulitan untuk ngobrol, menyampaikan pendapat, ataupun sekedar menyapa teman sekelas. Kesulitan yang bisa dipahami~ (⁄ ⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄ ⁄) Selain Komi, ada pula anak-anak lainnya yang punya kondisi sendiri-sendiri, karena...
( 〃▽〃)
Salah satu murid:
Suka dengan adegan saat Komi dan Tadano ngobrol pakai papan tulis (ღ˘⌣˘ღ)
...yang aku suka dari Komi, dia tau kesulitannya tapi ndak mau tenggelam dan nyerah begitu aja. Malah mau berusaha keluar dari kesulitan itu walaupun kondisinya nggak nyaman, walau untuk itu dia harussemakin terlihat unik berjuang mati-matian melakukan apa yang dia nggak bisa (๑˃ᴗ˂)ﻭ
Setiap kali Komi berhasil melangkah, ataupun saat Tadano dan Komi berhasil saling memahami, ini bacanya jadi mesam-mesem-mesum sendiri~ o(≧▽≦)o
_____________
17 Oct 2021:
Sudah sampai vol.10~ Bintangnya tambah! (☆ω☆)b
Suka banget sama perjalanan Komi mencari teman, karena seperti yang diperingatkan dari vol.1: Semua anak di sekolah ini spesial! (ﾉ´ヮ`)ﾉ*: ･ﾟ Pake telor atau ndak pake telor, tetep spesial! Dengan teman dan calon-teman yang sifat dan karakternya beragam, Komi maju terus, sekaligus mengasah kemampuan berkomunikasinya (๑˃ᴗ˂)ﻭ
Tadano memang terlihat sebagai anak yang biasa-biasa saja, ya. Tapi ini mungkin karena Tadano sudah sibuk mencari jati diri saat SMP (⁀ᗢ⁀) Begitu SMA ada semacam rasa, "Ah, ternyata 'biasa' itu yang paling pas buat aku, ya!"
Gemes banget sama rasa-rasa yang bermunculan di antara Komi dan Tadano!! (((o(≧▽≦)o)))❤
Kalo demen sama asam-manisnya kisah-kasih-masa-SMA, bolehlah nyicip Komi Sulit Berkomunikasi ini (╯✧▽✧)╯Serasa tersapu-sapu sendiri saat melihat mereka tersipu-sipu~
Tak lupa, komik ini nyaman dinikmati berkat kerja keras Penerjemah dan Editornya. Nama-nama yang sudah jadi jaminan mutu untuk komik-komik (dan light novel terbitan sini, dan sepertinya novel jugaa (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧), yang bikin setelah baca komiknya, pembaca berkata:
Tak lupa (lagi), tokoh favoritku di komik ini, Najimi!ヽ(>∀<☆)ノ
Tipe teman yang "ga ada lo, ga rame" ( ´ ▿ ` ) sekaligus tipe teman yang suka iseng dan seenaknya sendiri. Tapi tanpa si Antena Bombai ini memang ga rame~ (≧◡≦) ♡
Mungkin yang bikin makin lama makin suka sama komik ini karena Komi ga mempermasalahkan karakter orang, mau kayak apapun, dia mau berteman (ღ˘⌣˘ღ)
Untuk vol.1-nya dulu~ (╯✧▽✧)╯
Kisah cewek SMA yang mengalami kesulitan untuk ngobrol, menyampaikan pendapat, ataupun sekedar menyapa teman sekelas. Kesulitan yang bisa dipahami~ (⁄ ⁄•⁄ω⁄•⁄ ⁄) Selain Komi, ada pula anak-anak lainnya yang punya kondisi sendiri-sendiri, karena...
( 〃▽〃)
Salah satu murid:
Suka dengan adegan saat Komi dan Tadano ngobrol pakai papan tulis (ღ˘⌣˘ღ)
...yang aku suka dari Komi, dia tau kesulitannya tapi ndak mau tenggelam dan nyerah begitu aja. Malah mau berusaha keluar dari kesulitan itu walaupun kondisinya nggak nyaman, walau untuk itu dia harus
Setiap kali Komi berhasil melangkah, ataupun saat Tadano dan Komi berhasil saling memahami, ini bacanya jadi mesam-mesem-
_____________
17 Oct 2021:
Sudah sampai vol.10~ Bintangnya tambah! (☆ω☆)b
Suka banget sama perjalanan Komi mencari teman, karena seperti yang diperingatkan dari vol.1: Semua anak di sekolah ini spesial! (ﾉ´ヮ`)ﾉ*: ･ﾟ Pake telor atau ndak pake telor, tetep spesial! Dengan teman dan calon-teman yang sifat dan karakternya beragam, Komi maju terus, sekaligus mengasah kemampuan berkomunikasinya (๑˃ᴗ˂)ﻭ
Tadano memang terlihat sebagai anak yang biasa-biasa saja, ya. Tapi ini mungkin karena Tadano sudah sibuk mencari jati diri saat SMP (⁀ᗢ⁀) Begitu SMA ada semacam rasa, "Ah, ternyata 'biasa' itu yang paling pas buat aku, ya!"
Gemes banget sama rasa-rasa yang bermunculan di antara Komi dan Tadano!! (((o(≧▽≦)o)))❤
Kalo demen sama asam-manisnya kisah-kasih-masa-SMA, bolehlah nyicip Komi Sulit Berkomunikasi ini (╯✧▽✧)╯Serasa tersapu-sapu sendiri saat melihat mereka tersipu-sipu~
Tak lupa, komik ini nyaman dinikmati berkat kerja keras Penerjemah dan Editornya. Nama-nama yang sudah jadi jaminan mutu untuk komik-komik (dan light novel terbitan sini, dan sepertinya novel jugaa (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧), yang bikin setelah baca komiknya, pembaca berkata:
Tak lupa (lagi), tokoh favoritku di komik ini, Najimi!ヽ(>∀<☆)ノ
Tipe teman yang "ga ada lo, ga rame" ( ´ ▿ ` ) sekaligus tipe teman yang suka iseng dan seenaknya sendiri. Tapi tanpa si Antena Bombai ini memang ga rame~ (≧◡≦) ♡
Mungkin yang bikin makin lama makin suka sama komik ini karena Komi ga mempermasalahkan karakter orang, mau kayak apapun, dia mau berteman (ღ˘⌣˘ღ)
April 5, 2019
I expected this manga to be a cute and adorable friendship (to maybe romance) story about a girl who has difficulty speaking to people and is being helped by a shy boy to make friends, and yes, in a way, it is that. Komi has trouble talking to people, and her attempts come across instead as poised reserve, and she has a ‘untouchable goddess’ status among her classmates. So when Tadano starts to befriend her (he also has a crush on her) he instantly becomes the target of his classmates’ scorn. Nevertheless, he still helps her make friends, introducing her to a middle school classmate of his, Najimi, who is super popular and she seeks out another shy bookish girl. The mood overall leans towards comedy, and has a slice of life feel.
While the characterization is clearly trope-ish, there are some ways in which it breaks the mold. Komi is actually quite adorable, and gets flustered or happy by the smallest things, and her goal to make 100 friends seems a bit impossible with her anxiety (been there, girl, but not so severe) but she tries her best. Tadano is the regular nerd character, for whom Komi is definitely out of his league but he truly wants to help her first. Najimi, however, gives me pause as a character, because on one hand, they are a genderfluid character (presented as male in middle school, but wears the girls uniform in high school, is referred to as she/her and calls herself a boy) who is also popular and socially accepted (and that is not regularly seen) but then they are also given some weird jokes thrown in (one was where Najimi says that she is wet down there, and Tadano asks where, and genitalia-related humor when it comes to a trans character usually goes in the ‘yikes’ category). As for that other shy girl, she doesn’t deviate from her characterization of the stalker fan type.
Verdict: cute manga with some cliched humor, but I am still holding out judgement on the rep.
While the characterization is clearly trope-ish, there are some ways in which it breaks the mold. Komi is actually quite adorable, and gets flustered or happy by the smallest things, and her goal to make 100 friends seems a bit impossible with her anxiety (been there, girl, but not so severe) but she tries her best. Tadano is the regular nerd character, for whom Komi is definitely out of his league but he truly wants to help her first. Najimi, however, gives me pause as a character, because on one hand, they are a genderfluid character (presented as male in middle school, but wears the girls uniform in high school, is referred to as she/her and calls herself a boy) who is also popular and socially accepted (and that is not regularly seen) but then they are also given some weird jokes thrown in (one was where Najimi says that she is wet down there, and Tadano asks where, and genitalia-related humor when it comes to a trans character usually goes in the ‘yikes’ category). As for that other shy girl, she doesn’t deviate from her characterization of the stalker fan type.
Verdict: cute manga with some cliched humor, but I am still holding out judgement on the rep.
June 18, 2020
Ideja laba - stāsts par cilvēkiem, kuru psiholoģiskie traucējumi ir saistīti ar viņu nespēju komunicēt.
Izpildījums it kā cute, bet tajā pašā laikā pārāk pārspīlēts, lai es varētu tiešām izbaudīt šo stāstu.
Izpildījums it kā cute, bet tajā pašā laikā pārāk pārspīlēts, lai es varētu tiešām izbaudīt šo stāstu.
April 16, 2022
Khá hay, mình nhìn thấy bản thân mình hồi cấp 2, cấp 3 ở Komi, mình khá là khó kết bạn và làm thân nhanh chóng. Tuy nhiên mình lại không thích cái ý tưởng có 100 người bạn cho lắm. Tại sao phải có thật nhiều bạn, xã giao thật nhiều mới là điều tốt? Mình cảm thấy bộ truyện này hơi bóp méo tính cách của những con người hướng nội..
Nhưng phải công nhận là Komi rất dễ thương, mình cũng thích bạn nam chính, cảm thấy Tanado là một người bạn nam rất tinh tế và Komi rất xứng đáng có được người bạn như vậy. Còn các nhân vật khác thì nói thực là mình không chịu nổi, nhất là Yamai. :)))
Mà thôi, dù sao đây cũng là một bộ manga học đường dành cho thanh thiếu niên. Có thể mình hơi bị khó tính quá.
3.5 sao vì thích Komi và Tanado.
Nhưng phải công nhận là Komi rất dễ thương, mình cũng thích bạn nam chính, cảm thấy Tanado là một người bạn nam rất tinh tế và Komi rất xứng đáng có được người bạn như vậy. Còn các nhân vật khác thì nói thực là mình không chịu nổi, nhất là Yamai. :)))
Mà thôi, dù sao đây cũng là một bộ manga học đường dành cho thanh thiếu niên. Có thể mình hơi bị khó tính quá.
3.5 sao vì thích Komi và Tanado.
June 22, 2021
This review will be for the whole series! Read at your own risk!!
Read 12 volumes
I did not expect to LOVE this the way I did!! Komi is a sweet darling girl who can’t bring herself to speak to almost anyone. But she still has a goal of making 100 friends. Enter Hitohito Tadano who becomes her friend and helps her with her goal. I ship them!
I love the whole cast they introduced and how they’re all super weird. It’s funny and yet still heartwarming seeing Komi start to break out of her shell.
I LOVE THIS SERIES!! So heartwarming and cute and hilarious!
Read 12 volumes
I did not expect to LOVE this the way I did!! Komi is a sweet darling girl who can’t bring herself to speak to almost anyone. But she still has a goal of making 100 friends. Enter Hitohito Tadano who becomes her friend and helps her with her goal. I ship them!
I love the whole cast they introduced and how they’re all super weird. It’s funny and yet still heartwarming seeing Komi start to break out of her shell.
I LOVE THIS SERIES!! So heartwarming and cute and hilarious!
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