A Note on Komi-san Can’t Communicate

Just because someone is bad at talking, doesn't mean that they don’t want to socialize

The long-awaited anime of Komi-san has reached its finale today — at least today (23rd of December 2021) is the day that I watched it. With some pranks here and there about the release of this anime, this October has to be one of the happiest moments for the fans of this series.

Banger OP, calming ED, and beautiful OST’s filled Komi-san’s journey. I don’t really review it in this article — if I do it, the review will be 100% a subjective review cause I love this series so fucking much. So, for how good this anime is, I leave it to you.

What I want to do now is share why I really love this series. Doesn’t matter if it's the manga or the anime, both are superb for me.

Before that, what is this series is about? Well, put it simply, is the story of Komi Shouko — a high-schooler who is struggling with communicating with other people. Komi’s dream is to have 100 friends and her first friend — Tadano — is here to help her.

It’s a simple story with no actual conflict. It is a slice-of-life after all. However, for me, that is the strongest appeal of this story. The way the story depicts the day-to-day life of Komi and her friends is so well-done. Other than its simplicity, the cute art style of the manga (and the anime) is also the appeal of this series. That huge eye that Komi has with cat-ear from time to time makes everyone fall to their knees. However, there are times where the art style “gets serious” and it happens at the appropriate moment that makes it more dynamic.

However, the strongest appeal of Komi-san — and the one that makes me “survive” — is how relatable Komi is. Well yes, Komi’s problem with communication is extreme, it is still relatable and I can say it with confidence.

How difficult it is to say “good morning” to your classmates, how difficult it is to come up to the counter of a cafe and order one drink, how difficult it is to talk over the phone, how difficult it is to reply to a text message, how difficult it is to say that you want something but you can’t because it’s somehow embarrassing, how sometimes you are mistaken as arrogant or angry or simply don’t want to be where you are because you don’t talk. Basically, every “shy kid” problem exists in this story. And — for me — that is the most beautiful part.

I think it’s beautiful because I could see how Komi tackle all of that. She is a symbol that having trouble communicating is not the end of the world and if you try hard enough, there are people that’ll come to your aid.

Komi’s story really helps me get through tough times, especially at the beginning of my college life. And I hope Komi could also help you if you facing a similar problem.

Can’t wait for April next year.