I wonder if Bocchi has managed to make enough friends. Well, if you don’t know which anime I’m talking about, never mind. Besides, recently there is another anime that has the main character who is shy as f*ck, needing to make friends. That’s right. Komi-san Wa Comyushou Desu has our titular character looking like your typical class madonna and all. Popular, smart and beautiful, just looking at her you can tell she is oozing with elegance and grace. However she has a very glaring problem: She has a very serious communication disorder and anxiety that makes her hard to communicate with others. Yes, even eking out a word is like trying to jump over a wall. With that kind of disorder, can she achieve her goal of getting 100 friends? I guess being popular doesn’t necessarily equate to being friends.
Episode 1
Hitohito Tadano is your average high school student who just got into the private academy of Itan. At his shoe locker, he meets the beautiful Shouko Komi. He tries to wish her good morning but she gives him that stare and walks away quickly. He soon realizes that Komi is in the same class and is seated next to him. Yeah, see everyone fawning over her as well as many would kill Tadano just to take his seat! During introduction, Komi didn’t say anything and a long silence before she goes up to the board and write. So much so everyone cheers! When Komi drops her eraser and Tadano tries to pick it up, the ninja guy behind him won’t allow it and keeps throwing stuffs! You better not! During recess, everyone flocks around Komi, knocking out Tadano. When he wakes up. He realizes he is alone with Komi. It’s gym so why the f*ck everyone leave her?! Anyway, he heard her whisper about not being able to communicate with others. Meow. When she realizes he heard that, she bolts. To solve this, he quickly asks if she is bad with talking to others. She stops in her tracks as she writes on the blackboard to confirm it. She adds whenever she tries to do so, she becomes scared and freezes. She thought everyone hates her and apologizes for causing trouble for Tadano. After writing all her worries, Tadano then writes to communicate with her. They have a nice time ‘communicating’ as he learns her goal is to make 100 friends. Hence he will be her first friend and help her find 99 more. Delighted, but embarrassed as she leaves. Next day as he greets her, you can see she is struggling hard to even eke out a word. He tries to have her do vocal practice but of course easier said than done. But he can’t give up now as she really wants to talk to others. After all, he agreed to help her. Of course unknown to him, this school is full of weirdoes so he’ll soon learn the hard way how tough it will be. During class as the teacher has students read from a line from a text, when it comes to Komi’s turn, she remains silent. Teacher views she is right and will have everyone read silently instead!
Episode 2A
Tadano thinks it will be easy for Komi to get friends. Everybody wants to be her friend, right? He’ll soon learn how wrong he is… When he asks Ren Yamai about it, she may sound nice but starts to whisper curses into his ear. Maybe she’s not the one… Yeah, don’t talk to her again. He tries the rest but continues to fail. How can he get friends for Komi when he himself has no friends?! Last chance, he thinks of asking his childhood friend, Najimi Osana. He is actually a dude but cross-dressed as a girl. It seems Najimi is childhood friends with everyone? Now wonder he is so friendly. With his social skills, Komi will be his friend in no time, right? Only, he turns her down! Komi in shock! Tadano asks why so he says he isn’t into Komi. After all, he is everyone’s childhood friend. He is also reeling from a trauma he tried to talk to Komi but she just stared at him. Yeah, in bed for a week from shock. But he agrees to at least home with her on a condition that he calls him by his first name like they used to.
Episode 2B
As Najimi walks home with Komi, it gets awkward because Najimi is talkative while Komi is silent. So awkward. Soon this delinquent guy, Maa finds Najimi and wants to go out with him. Instantly rejected. He’s not a girl, you know. But he can’t accept that rejection and tries to rape him?! WTF?! It is then Komi picks up his dropped key and returns it to him. Because she is trying to eke a sentence out, he misheard her saying “I’ll kill you” and runs away. Yeah, she actually wanted to say something like “I give key to you”. Najimi lets out a big laugh and wants to be Komi’s friend because she is an interesting person. Oh yeah. We’re making progress now!
Episode 2C
Najimi joins Komi for lunch. I bet Tadano wants to but with the rest looking at him with piercing eyes, I guess this peasant can’t join the royal highness. After learning she wants to make 100 friends, Najimi then wants her to buy him this certain customized coffee or he’ll stop being friends with her. Does Komi have a choice? Tadano tails her as she heads to Standbakes Coffee (?!). A few indecisive moments of going in and out of the café until she finally braves the barista. Of course she can’t even say that long ass description to him. The barista thinks because he has worked here so long, he must know what his customer wants! So he makes that coffee. Wrong! But Komi too shy to say and takes it anyway. She returns to give it to Najimi. It’s the wrong coffee… Oh dear, she is close to tears. Why you guys enjoy tormenting her???!!! Apologize!
Episode 3A
Himiko Agari panics when people stare at her. Just like what Komi is doing now! Eek! She thought the toilet is her solace but Komi is outside stalking her! After Komi leaves, the teacher has Agari do a favour to announce something to the class. Because Agari notices Komi still watching her, she has to accept that task to escape this. She is at her wits end on how to tell the class. Oh don’t worry, Komi will ‘help’. Her staring causes Agari to say it loud and clear before running away. Flashback 20 minutes ago, in order to help Komi get more friends, Agari had a list of potentials. The first one is Agari because she has the same social panic attacks. Yeah, Komi felt some sort of bond and instantly went over to talk to her. Of course that didn’t turn out well and it looked like stalking. In the end, Agari apologizes to Komi but thanks her she manages to change her a little after all that staring. When Tadano points out she wants to be friends. Agari baulks at that idea. But instead, can she be her pet or something? Err… What? And so Agari becomes Komi’s friend.
Episode 3B
Komi’s parents finally bought her a handphone. This means she needs to put in her friends’ contacts. Since she wants to do it herself without Tadano’s help, you bet Najimi has a hard time interpreting but eventually gets it. Agari? I don’t think she wants slutty pictures of you! Eventually Najimi tells her Komi’s intention but Agari came at a bad timing when Komi is talking to Tadano. It seems Komi wants Tadano’s name in her list first and requested the rest to write it down. An embarrassed Tadano does so. Seeing Komi’s cute satisfied face, his heart is screaming inside…
Episode 3C
Time to select a class rep. Nobody? Suddenly everyone nominates Komi. Is she find in doing this? This is when Najimi opposes this. A few guys gather around him and think he has a bone to pick but Najimi explains she deserves something more than this puny role! Then it descends into what title Komi should have. In the end, Komi is now God! What about the class president? Now that they have God, nothing else matters. Tadano can be it so be sure to work hard for God. WTF…
Episode 3D
At home as Komi goes through her phone list, she accidentally calls Tadano. Panic. She slams the phone when he picks up. Now he calls back. He believes she accidentally called her. Her reply? Sorry, the number you call is not in service! When that’s over, Tadano is over the moon to find her voice very cute over the phone. On the other hand, Komi is both happy and mortified with her first call.
Episode 3E
Najimi and a few classmates play a game. It is obvious Komi wants to join. Sure, they allow her but Tadano? Can’t dismiss him before the queen, I mean, God! Not sure what this first game is but everyone rigs the game just to let Komi win. The next game will allow everyone to see Komi’s kissy face so you bet everyone wants to win. But when it all boils down to Tadano, he is in a dilemma to protect her or see that face of hers. Eventually he loses, embarrassing himself. Komi thanks him for looking out for her. She had fun. All worth it? Yeah, but Najimi wants to see his kissy face!
Episode 4A
Today is the physical examinations. Makeru Yadano thinks she will win if she bests Komi in all the categories. Unfortunately she lost in all of them. Then she realizes all those are subjective and in different parts of the world, different measurements are ideal. And hence she decides it is a draw.
Episode 4B
We see Yamai totally fawning and drooling over Komi. Look at the way she picks up her single hair, sniffs and licks them! Control yourself! She is not too happy seeing Agari and Najimi getting too close to her, though. Later she pulls over Najimi to question his relationship with her and learning that they are friends, she wants him to introduce her to Komi. He does so and Yamai is totally enjoying her company with Komi even if she misinterprets Komi not answering is some form of abuse. Speaking of Tadano, have you seen him lately? Well… That’s because he is tied up in Yamai’s house! Oh dear. Look at all the Komi photos on the wall and ceiling. Najimi senses something amiss because Yamai has been sitting at Tadano’s desk all day and wants to visit her house. Of course Yamai won’t allow that until he points out Komi is coming. Having Komi’s scent all over her room beats having discovered that trash in her room! So as Yamai returns to clean her room, she puts Tadano in the closet and warns him. But when Tadano sees Najimi, he tries to make noises for help. More warnings from Yamai and as she goes off to make tea and even warns not to look in the closet, Najimi does the opposite. Hi Tadano. Is this some new fetish play? Yamai returns and sees this. Oh dear. Crazy mode on. She reasons Tadano is so plain in everything, he has no right to be with Komi. She on the other hand has worked hard to try to be with Komi and believes she would be happier with her. Komi’s answer? She frees Tadano and thanks her for the hospitality! Yamai will not have this sh*t and stops her. Last ditch attempt as she claims she did everything for her. Komi writes, she chooses her own friends. Wow. Yamai in despair. Next day at school, Tadano thinks Komi is angry as she wants to ‘talk’ to him. Turns out she thinks she should stop becoming his friend after what happened. Because of her, this happened to him. However, she still wants to be his friend despite all that. Najimi then brings Yamai. She has repented and truly apologizes, promising it won’t happen again. Yeah, should’ve just silenced Tadano for good, eh? Because Komi won’t talk to her, she thinks she is still hated and will kill herself! That is when Tadano explains Komi’s condition. She doesn’t believe at first but soon comes to realize it was all a misunderstanding. Yamai hinting about becoming a friend. Will she? Okay. YES!!!
Episode 5A
Yadano still won’t lose! With this stretching exercise, you bet she is going to beat Komi. But as expected, she loses in all of them. This final dash race, she thinks of putting it all on the line even if it makes her ugly. She must beat Komi! And then Komi zooms past her and wins it. Elegantly. So beautiful. That is when Yadano admits her defeat and that she has strayed. But when she thinks Komi won’t shake her hand (Komi taking too long as usual), she thinks she is trying to tell her to not give up. Keep working hard because you’re my rival! This revs up Yadano as she won’t lose the next time. Yeah, what just happened…
Episode 5B
Najimi suggests going to Komi’s house. Oh dear, how is this going to sit well with her? Eventually they go there and Komi’s mom is a total opposite of her. Such a lively and friendly person! In Komi’s room, Najimi is making himself like home. Then he decides to go outside for a while but this is to spy on what Komi and Tadano will do together. After 15 minutes, nothing happens. Disappointed. He goes back to look for Komi’s secrets. Books on trying how to communicate with a cat, huh? Komi gives them permission to look at her photo album. Look at all the cute little Komi pics. After they leave, Najimi sends a secret pic she took of Komi to her. He won’t send it to Tadano, though.
Episode 5C
Because Komi wants to eat ramen, cue for Agari to step in because she is the ramen master. She takes them to a ramen shop and it seems there are some commandments that you people must obey and follow! With Komi eating so elegantly, you bet everyone is impressed. She thought she did something wrong and leaves. Komi hopes to do it again soon but Tadano and Najimi may have second thoughts because they got a huge serving and are very stuffed right now.
Episode 5D
Omoharu Nakanaka is definitely chuunibyou. So she goes up to Komi claiming she is some princess she has found. So form a blood pact with her! So that’s her way of wanting to be friends, huh? Yeah, Komi bought her story whatever. This chuunibyou thingy reminds Najimi that Tadano had one too. Yeah, time to reveal that embarrassing flashback. Back then, he think he is some cool guy (why does he look like Subaru from Re: Zero?!). Then there is a girl he loved and went to confess to her but she rejected him because she wasn’t into this chuunibyou sh*t. That is when he decided to drop being chuunibyou and just go for being normal. With the class needing to find a partner for a stretching exercise, Nakanaka thinks Komi would be the one. But everyone else is clamouring over Komi to be their partner. Soon a lonely Nakanaka falls into depression, wondering why nobody wants to pair up with her. To her surprise, Komi chooses her and they have a great stretching time. In the end, Nakanaka reverts to her chuunibyou side, claiming Komi has become her vessel, blah, blah, blah. But since Komi didn’t flinch, Nakanaka gets embarrassed and drops the act. So they make a blood pact. They’re friends now?
Episode 6A
Komi writing weird stuffs? Oh, she’s trying to tell a joke. Humour the best communication form, huh? Well, would have been better said than written. Tadano thought Najimi is here to save him from bad puns but looks like he too got a ‘death threat’. Najimi then has Tadano show how it’s done. Tadano tries to make a joke but he sucks too. But Komi loves it!
Episode 6B
With Najimi suggesting they all go shopping together, here they are. Because Komi’s mom chooses her clothes for her, Najimi gets an idea to hold a contest to see who can get Komi’s the best clothes under a certain budget. The highest score wins. So we see all the outfits they pick for Komi as she puts them on. In the end, Tadano’s choice scores full marks and even Komi herself approves of it.
Episode 6C
Kamiko Arai is the new hairdressing assistant under Maki Karisu. She admires her boss and hopes to be a great hairstylist like her. When Komi is seen outside the shop, Arai tries to usher her in but some miscommunication thinks she is not the customer. Until Karisu lets her in since she is a regular. Arai keeps fawning over seeing Karisu cuts her hair. She is stumped that Karisu could understand Komi despite she doesn’t say much. When it is Arai’s turn to wash her hair, she tries to talk to Komi but she doesn’t talk much. In the end, Arai thought Komi hates her but Karisu points out that some customers don’t like to chatter much. In class, it seems nobody notices Komi’s new hair except Tadano. They feel so ashamed. Did you see any difference?!
Episode 6D
Komi having trouble sleeping because she remembers what her friends say to her today. But eventually thinking too much of this makes her fall asleep.
Episode 6E
Najimi is in trouble. Because the exams is next week! Cue for him to drag Tadano and Komi to study together at the library. But be careful not to make too loud noises or this Gorimi senpai will whack you over the head. 3 strikes and you’re out. Of course Najimi clearly has no intentions to study and fools around. 2 strikes already on him. Najimi then plays Jenga in which both of them also somehow join in. Crash! All get a strike but Najimi gets taken out of the library. Though, Komi notes it was very fun for her. In the end, Najimi still gets descend marks for one who doesn’t study. Of course Yadano losing to Komi again. For the record, Komi got near perfect score.
Episode 6F
Summer vacation has started and Komi has finished her homework. Want to hang out with friends but too shy to make the call. Tadano also has similar vibes. He believes Komi is too shy to do it but he can’t call her himself because it just feels wrong, if you know what I mean. When Komi is about to make the brave call to Tadano, Najimi calls her. Seems he already asked Tadano and he’s okay with everyone meeting at the pool tomorrow. Summer is saved.
Episode 7A
The gang is here at the pool. But looks like Yamai and a few other classmates invited themselves. The more the merrier? Not for Komi… Realizing Komi only has a school swimsuit, Yamai will take her go to buy one now. Meanwhile the guys are looking at the girls. Damn, Najimi even gets 10 points? I understand Agari and Yamai and the other girls getting full marks but Najimi? But that will soon be eclipsed as Komi is here. 100 million points! Since the water slide can be ridden in pairs, everyone fights to pair with Komi. Thanks to that, lucky Tadano gets to slide down with her. Komi had fun and rode it a few more times. The same with Tadano too because her hair was in his face. New awakening? Najimi holds a contest to see who can hold their breath the longest. The loser buys the winner a soda. Seeing Komi trying her best, everybody loses. Yeah, now Komi has so many cans… When Komi gets up to go somewhere, she trips and scraps her knee. HORROR! Although she is okay, everyone thinks it is time to go home. But noticing Komi doesn’t want this to end, Najimi takes everyone back to the pool to have fun. Otherwise Komi will continue to blame herself for ruining everyone’s fun. Later Tadano talks to her and learns she still blames herself. But he invites her to join them because if she looks sad, nobody will have fun. The fun continues with Najimi providing everyone water guns. It was definitely a day to remember as they take a train home.
Episode 7B
Komi wants to visit the library but is too scared to go alone. Hence her father will accompany her there. Now we know where she gets her personality from. They stop by a café for a break. Not much of a conversation between them. Finally daddy manages to ask her about school. She finds it fun.
Episode 7C
Now at the library, she finds a book she wants to borrow. But she is afraid to check out and starts loitering. As she reads to calm her nerves, a baby next to her starts crying. She tries to make a funny face but the baby gets scared! When she goes for a real smile, the baby calms down. Though, he has that puzzled look. Tadano is here to return the books but after witnessing this ‘important’ incident, he leaves and forgot to return them.
Episode 7D
Komi hangs out along at the park. Looks like she is having fun. Finally as she drinks from the water fountain, Tadano who is on his way back to the library after remembering he forgot about it, sees this precious moments and cycles back. Yes, once again he forgot…
Episode 8A
Komi’s family visits their ancestral grave before visiting grandma’s place. Looks like she’s not much of a talker either but can at least hold a decent conversation. Aunt Ryouko is lively as hell while uncle Sadayoshi is silent as hell. Then there is cousin Akira that Ryouko hopes Komi can play with. At first Akira is shy to open up but after Komi tickles her, she warms up to her. Heck, following her everywhere she goes! Komi then goes to see grandma who asks about her school life. She is glad she is having fun and has friends. Of course she asks if she has someone special. That reaction. Grandma wants to see her phone! Who the f*ck is Tadano?! Grandma doesn’t approve!
Episode 8B
As usual, Najimi calling everyone to meet at the festivals tonight. Are we going to drool seeing how cute Komi is in her yukata? Tadano thinks she is anxious as she didn’t bring her note to communicate. At the shooting gallery, Yadano challenges Komi but loses again. All of them. Komi is perfect at the katanuki but not Najimi. His 15th try, huh? Good thing they won’t shoot him like in Squid Game!!! When Komi finally ekes out how she finds Tadano’s dress to be suitable, Tadano goes into shock and suddenly can carve out the perfect katanuki. At the string pulling prize, Najimi and Tadano have no luck. The sneaky old lady thought her strategy is perfect but Komi snitches the ultimate prize. You were saying? At the goldfish scooping, the fish stay away from Nakanaka. Eventually she got a consolation prize. Komi thought she got lost but luckily Tadano is there. They take a break as he notes she had fun with everyone. Of course she had more fun with just him. Want to make that official? Maybe not.
Episode 8C
Komi visiting Tadano’s place? Oh right. Part of Najimi’s plan. Just like how Yamai invited herself too. They meet Tadano’s sister, Hitomi. As summer vacation is ending, Najimi reveals this gathering is to finish their homework! Too bad the ladies already finished them. Just the guys. So as they reminisce on what they did all summer, Komi starts to tear up. What gives? She writes she wishes for summer break to last longer. The same sentiments for Najimi because he doesn’t want to finish his homework. Let’s face reality already…
Episode 9A
Nokonoko Inaka has something she fears and wouldn’t want others to find out: She is a country bumpkin. Hence she tries her best to shed that image and be a confident city girl but it is harder than it looks. Seeing Komi as her model, she thought of following in her footsteps. Apparently Komi has been put through another tough errand to get some sandwich. So Inaka watches Komi walk in and out of the shop, confused and scared herself. Finally Komi orders. But is spammed all the options by the staff. In the end, she didn’t even say a word and gets her order. Inaka thinks this is it so she goes in and order without any problems. Meanwhile Komi brought the wrong sandwich back… Oh well, Najimi in apology mode again…
Episode 9B
Komi gets a request to visit Nakanaka’s home. She does so but with Komi being silent, Nakanaka doesn’t want this visit to fail and must show her a good time. Desperate, she calls Tadano and Najimi over. The more the merrier. Then they start playing this Swamp Bros video game. Really? The Mario brothers in school mizugi?! While Nakanaka and Najimi fight each other, Tadano teaches Komi how to play. In the end, a fluke move from Komi distracts Najimi and this allows Nakanaka to defeat him. Now the duo renew their rivalry over the next video game.
Episode 9C
Najimi calls Komi to help out with his part time job. Can’t say no? While it may look like a daunting task to hand out tissues, bear in mind that Komi doesn’t need to communicate. Just hand them out. Yeah, have to hand all 5000 packs out by today! Komi seems to have a problem handing out since everybody is ignoring her. Strange, I thought everyone would be charmed by her and take it with ease. Could be distracted by their damn handphone. Yeah, it’s taking a toll on her morale. A bit of drama as a woman desperately needs some tissues. But she cannot ask because it would look weird? Komi finally hands it to her and soon others start to notice and all the tissues are handed out.
Episode 9D
Komi notices Tadano has a sesame seed on his face but she can’t bring herself to tell him. She tries to point it to him but he doesn’t get it. Eh? Tadano doesn’t understand her? Sure this is not an imposter? Soon, other classmates too have a sesame seed on their face! Turns out it is a dream. Phew. But when Komi goes to class, Tadano indeed does have a seed on his face. Komi then has Tadano call her by her first name. They’re friends, right? While Najimi can do so easily, Tadano tries to eke it out but eventually couldn’t do it. No balls. Najimi then suggests Komi do the same to him since she started it. And no, she can’t write it. Say it! Eventually she too can’t do it. Back to square one like how it was. Then Najimi points out the seed on Tadano’s face that has been there the whole day. Yeah, this guy doesn’t hold back.
Episode 10A
Sports day. Oh dear. Can Komi live through this? Then there’s this Chika Netsuno who seems to be getting real friendly with Komi and looking forward to their rivalry. Of course this makes the rest jealous because who gave her the right to touch Komi?! First event is the stretching. Whoever is most graceful earns the points. At first the judge thinks Netsuno would be a sure winner but after seeing Komi, instant change of mind! Then the tug of war, everybody close to Komi weakens so their class lost. A race Tadano is in, Komi couldn’t cheer as loud as the rest. But Tadano reading her lips, he suddenly gets that burst of energy to finish in a decent place. During the break, it rains. Komi’s mom is here and everyone approves! Embarrassed Komi tries to shoo her away but mom notes everyone as nice kids. The event continues with the borrowing event, everybody seems to be borrowing something from Tadano. Sorry Najimi, not going to lend any money. Musical chairs? Everyone wants to give Komi their seat! The final relay race pits Komi and Netsuno as the anchor. Komi slips. Oh no! But hearing how her friends are cheering on her, she gets up and mounts a comeback. Too bad Netsuno wins. Netsuno congratulates her but all her friends come running worried about Komi’s injuries. Netsuno moved to tears she has great pals. During the closing ceremony, everyone thought Komi is mad for losing when she’s just afraid of everyone looking at her.
Episode 10B
Tadano is swamped with work. Luckily Nene Onemine is here to help alleviate some of that burden. Oh, Komi feeling a bit jealous? Of course Onemine notes about Tadano and Komi’s relationship and thinks he is a masochist. He claims he has no trouble with Komi and will understand if she talks to her. But when they soon bump into Komi, poor shy girl runs away the moment Onemine opens her mouth. After school, Tadano is further swamped with more work. Again Onemine offers to help. This time Komi would like to help too. Onemine observes and knows what this means so she excuses herself with something. Next time Komi and Onemine meet, the former apologizing for running away then as Onemine laughs and learns about her condition. Then she whispers to Komi that she will support her and Tadano, making that shy girl run away again.
Episode 10C
Komi wants to take a photo sticker with Tadano. Oh yeah, Najimi and Yamai want to tag along too. Heading into a booth, Najimi is being blunt that filters won’t work on Komi since it will make her look weird. After the photos are taken, Tadano notices Komi looking at the crane game machine. A few days later, Tadano gives a cat keychain to her, thinking she wanted this so he tried and got it. She says that Najimi gave her one after that so she suggests to trade. But they get too embarrassed to put it on their bags.
Episode 11A
We see Komi’s class in chaos. That’s right. Everyone is trying to argue what they should do for the cultural festival and mostly it is all centred around Komi. Despite the various suggestions, all votes end up in a tie. So once again they redo this but the outcome is the same. Till Tadano asks which did Komi vote for and she says the maid café. Instantly everyone changes their vote to that. It’s the maid café! Oh yeah! They know my taste!
Episode 11B
While making preparations, Komi wants to help but is treated like a queen instead. When supplies are running low and they need someone to go buy them, this slow girl, Kaede Otori picks Komi to come along seeing she doesn’t have anything to do. Onemine also volunteers so the trio head down to the store to get the stuffs. Oddly, it is Otori who is causing most of the trouble as she gets lost and picking up dangerous stuffs she isn’t familiar with. In the end, Otori feels like she has become friends with Komi and Komi is quite happy about it.
Episode 11C
Najimi, Tadano and Komi have to go hand flyers of their festival around the neighbourhood. I guess those types who don’t talk too much like her, they understand what she means. Finally, a house with a mom and a crying baby. The baby doesn’t stop wailing until Komi buts on her smile. Baby points out she is Kokko and the rest tease her with this nickname.
Episode 11D
While working late into the night, the girls have made onigiri for everyone. The problem is that knowing Komi made some, they wonder which is hers. The rest hint of what shape they made but it could be red herring. Tadano eats this odd shape thinking it is from Najimi but from Komi’s reaction, it is most likely from her.
Episode 11E
The festival is here. Komi rocks in a maid outfit! I approve! Then we see this maid expert, Tatsuhito Akido who acts and talks like he knows everything on the subject. Still the same virgin otaku when a girl interacts with him. If only he knew about Najimi… He witnesses the maid café having various archetypes and is pleased. Until Komi serves him. She looks mad at him? At the end of it, Akido feels he has overeaten but Komi misinterprets she gave him bad service. With Najimi correcting Komi what to say to a master, he feels conflicted about everything. Later Najimi forces Tadano to wear a maid outfit. Komi excited? Komi’s mom visits and is treated like a queen. Even Komi’s brother, Shosuke is here. All the girls falling for him and treating him like a king but he is not impressed and leaves. Heartbreak. After that Hitomi visits and feels weird seeing him in this. Snaps a picture and tells mom… Later Komi compliments Tadano’s outfit but it gets awkward between them.
Episode 12A
With the maid café in full swing, Najimi finds a way to increase business. One of them is to have Komi walkabout. And it’s like magic as she brings more customers back. Then he also charges customers to play games or take pictures with the maids. Yeah, he is literally swimming in money. Before he can start suggesting shadier maid activities, the teacher and Gorimi put a stop to this farce. Strike one. All the money is then refunded. Then there is the event where one shouts out one’s confession on the rooftop while the crowd below listens. Yamai confesses her love to Komi and wants to marry her. Silence… Najimi’s plan is to have Komi advertise their maid café. Everyone waits with baited breath to hear their goddess speak. She said wrongly meow instead of maid so everyone thinks she is a cat maid and wants to go see her! Before Najimi could think up for more schemes, looks like the teacher has recommended him to be taken away by the meditation club to do some serious reflection. With this troublemaker out of the way, Komi is able to go around the festival grounds having fun (or fright) with Tadano, Onemine and Otori.
Episode 12B
Everyone gathers to hear the announcement of which class snags the grand prize. Obviously it is Komi’s class! But due to some inappropriate profiteering, it has been withdrawn. WTF?! I thought they were just going to give it because Komi is in it! Najimi pleads about all the good times they have together but nobody is buying it. Unless you’re Komi. Differential treatment. A dance ball is organized and people fight over to dance with Komi. Komi wants to join in but is too shy. Tadano is shy too but takes her in. As they fumble around, soon the other classmates join them.
Episode 12C
To celebrate the success of the festival, Komi’s class has an after party at the karaoke joint. Everyone is going to have their turn at singing. So you bet Komi is already shaking in her shoes. The closer her turn comes, the more she shakes! It’ll be an earthquake in here! When it’s her turn, she missed the timing and couldn’t sing. But everyone is hallucinating hearing her angelic voice! And the machine must be spoiled for giving her zero points! Next is Tadano. No one pays attention to him singing and he finds it frustrating. Until he sees Komi enjoying his stint and he carries on till the end. Finally Najimi drags Tadano and Komi up to have a duet together. Get ready.
Season 2
Well, Komi isn’t done saying things because she has a lot more stuffs to say to us, RIGHT???!!!
Episode 1A
With the new school term here, Najimi hands Komi a task to have all her friends write their names in this notepad. So we see Komi going around doing so and guess how many friends she has accumulated from the last term? JUST A PALTRY 13?! Oh well, 87 more to go…
Episode 1B
Everyone is scared when Makoto Katai enters class. Although he looks and sounds like a delinquent, he is actually a meek and scared person inside. Flashback reveals that he was sick on the first week of school. When he recovered, he felt harder to return to class and started buffing up and dyeing his hair so as not to get bullied. And now that this is his first time in class, he stands behind since he doesn’t know his seat. Everyone thinks he is intimidating especially that smile of his. Only Tadano can guess his actual character. Not even Najimi the saviour can take care of this. When everyone gathers around Komi to protect her, I guess many can’t do jack sh*t as Katai approaches her to see what’s the commotion. And then a starring contest between them. Both are also scared as he thinks her aura is intimidating. When Tadano points out he is new and would like to show him around, Katai agrees. He then realizes the starring with Komi is her way to teach him about communication. Hence Komi is the master of communication!
Episode 1C
Najimi has an idea to study at Nakanaka’s place. Sure it’s not just to play video games? Since Yamai invited herself, you bet it is going to be a showdown between Yamai and Nakanaka to see who gets to be Komi’s best friend. Of course it turns into petty mudslinging until they have to ask Komi to choose. Her answer? Both are her friends. That should settle it, right? Well, time to settle it via video games. In the end, Najimi wins and brags about being Komi’s first friend. Yamai and Nakanaka’s battle continues but even in exam scores, both score the same.
Episode 1D
During the exam, Komi drops her pencil. Too scared to voice out to the teacher, the only one who notices is Tadano. So he purposely drops his so as to get the teacher to pick up both and return it to them. Tadano then realizes he forgot his eraser so Komi breaks and shares hers with him. Uhm, must she throw it on the floor so Tadano can call the teacher to pick it up for him? Well, she did say nobody must move from their seats and anything dropped, please call her. What a fine service…
Episode 2A
With the typhoon, class is cancelled. Komi is torn whether to feel relieved or disappointed. With lightning and power outage, there is mom to help calm her down. Of course she feels much better after calling and talking to Tadano. With the storm over, classes resume in the afternoon. But what’s wrong with Yamai? Looking more depressed than usual. Apparently she wants to see Komi’s panties! She devilishly hatches a plan for that as she invites Komi to go walk around the puddles. Yeah, those reflections… Then she prays for the wind but it blows the wrong way. She gets desperate by feigning sliding in the mud to snap a pic but I guess the picture is muddy too. Getting really desperate, once she sees Komi’s face looking at the rainbow, Yamai too is purified and no longer desires seeing Komi’s panties.
Episode 2B
We see some of the guys daydreaming about the possibility of dating several girls in their class. Yeah, that includes Najimi. Of course they are so into their delusion that the girls they are dreaming aren’t adhering to their usual characteristics. Sure it’s that girl? Then they start to get horrified when they can’t imagine a date with Komi. Obviously. But Tadano could imagine a fine normal married life with Komi. Now he’s banging his head on the table…
Episode 2C
Komi wants to go to the cat petting shop but since Najimi is allergic and can’t go, I guess she’ll have to go with Onemine and Otori. It seems Komi has a problem communicating with cats too. Uh huh. No cats want to come close to her. Sad. Then we hear a narration from this cat boss, Shokola on how she looks down on puny humans and all. When a cat reports about a strange Komi, she observes her for a while. With no cats approaching Komi, she thinks she wants to make them worry about her. Shokola then shocks everyone by letting Komi pet her. A great achievement because Shokola has never socialized with others before. And just like that, Shokola becomes part of Komi’s friend circle. Hey, nobody said it had to be humans, right?
Episode 2D
Yamai creates this I-love-you game in hopes of getting Komi to confess to her. So part of the game is either side grins, loses. Each time Yamai says it, Komi puts on her poker face. No effect? Even the bold Najimi does so and Komi is still going strong. Najimi then eggs Tadano to do it. Hey, it’s only a game, right? Eventually he can’t do it and loses. At the end of it all, when Komi is along, she breaks down as she was this close to her limit. Also, she is feeling torn of actually wanting to hear Tadano say it and the game ending in time.
Episode 3A
Nakanaka wants to know Komi’s feelings and thus asks Tadano’s help. Yeah, you bet Yamai wants in on this too. So they observe Komi’s actions and write down what they think she is thinking. Obviously all wrong! Only Tadano can provide the correct answers. Eventually it leads to some petty argument that they think Komi likes them more. In the end when Komi steps in and notices them talking to each other while observing her, they thought they’re done for. Well, Komi wants to join in! So they invite her for tea and now the argument on who treats her begins…
Episode 3B
Looks like the daydreaming of those guys continue. They need to reach a conclusion for Komi this time. But first, a few delusions for the rest of the girls that didn’t get featured in their first daydreaming. Finally Komi. Uhm, what’s this period piece and Komi being one heck of a super cool kickass wife?! When the real Komi shows up, the guys disband and vow never to let other girls know about their delusions. Some secrets are better kept not known.
Episode 3C
Katai thinks of wanting to show his master (Komi) that he can communicate. And that is to invite Tadano out for lunch. Of course to everyone else, he seems menacing. Worse, he forgot his lines and this makes him even look more ferocious. Luckily Tadano gets the hint and goes to eat with him outside. While done so, Katai notices Komi is observing them and thinks she is testing him. In reality, she is jealous and wants to join in too. Katai remembers reading a book on how to get along. So he sits next to Tadano and holds his hand! OMFG!!! FREAKING GAY ALERT! But in Komi’s eyes, Katai is extorting Tadano. Eventually Tadano says he doesn’t need to be stiff around him. Just be yourself and he is fine with that. Tadano then sees Komi and invites her to join. Katai freezes up and it gets awkward seeing both of them in an awkward silence together. Najimi then suggests adding Katai to her list of friends. Katai thinks he will become her disciple. Man, she has lots of disciples! Welcome aboard.
Episode 3D
Late at night, Komi notices the sweet potato vendor passing by. Yeah, thank goodness he doesn’t think of Komi as a ghost. However each time he stops, Komi gets too shy to order. He goes off. Komi chases. Rinse and repeat this process until the old dude finally gets the hint and sells it to her. She buys quite a few. Meanwhile Tadano is reeling from the embarrassment of cross-dressing at the cultural festival and can’t remember what he said to Komi at the dance. He goes out but bumps into Komi. After a small talk, she gives him a sweet potato. Winter break is coming so here’s to another fun times.
Episode 4
It’s Christmas Eve as Komi gets a call from Najimi that everyone is coming to her house later to celebrate Christmas so get the presents ready! Conflicted in going to town herself, looks like she forced Shosuke to come with her. He is not impressed at first but after seeing her putting her feelings in the items she picked, I guess he’ll hang around for a while. Until he has to pay for it! When Najimi and friends show up, they wish her Merry Christmas as well as happy birthday. An awkward silence. Uhm, did they get her birthday wrong?! I know it’s a day early but wasn’t it on the Christmas? She confirms it is and a huge relief to everyone. She is given a big cat plushie as she plants her face in there because she’s so happy-cum-embarrassed, she doesn’t know what face to put. Now the real battle begins as to those with ulterior motives want to sit next to Komi. They decide by rock-scissors-paper the order and Yamai seems to have won it. Until Komi sits next to Tadano who is furthest away from Yamai. Who’s the biggest loser now? Then they play the king’s game. First round is of course rigged by Yamai. Then it’s like everybody gets their turn to be thing. Even Komi’s mom and she’s dead serious of wanting a kiss? Unlucky Tadano and ninja guy! Oh sh*t! Gay moment?! Finally Komi is king. Her orders? Everyone to get along together. Yes your highness! Later she is agonizing at this embarrassing order. We go back earlier in the day when Tadano realizes Komi’s birthday. He emergency called Najimi so he gathered the whole gang at the mall to shop for presents for her. We see the kind of presents they get since the present who makes Komi the happiest wins. Finally Tadano’s big plushie cat might be a bit expensive but he suggests making it a present for Komi from all of them. Great idea. The rest is history and as everyone leaves, they think Komi did not like their surprise since she obviously had no reaction. But soon they all get a text from her that she is grateful from their support. There’s your answer. Never delete this message from your phone! Ever!
Episode 5A
It’s snowing as Komi joins Tadano and Najimi outside to make a snowman. A huge one is completed and it’s a masterpiece of their own. Of course Komi also makes a small cute one to go with it.
Episode 5B
The usual gang are here to have a snowball fight. But to balance out the teams, Komi is the only one on the elementary kids’ side. This won’t end well… As expected, Komi becomes too scared to throw for fearing she would hit and injure her friends. One by one, the elementary kids are taken out. Did they not stand any chance? With Komi as the last one left, what’s this? Suddenly only Yamai is left in the other team? Turns out she can’t have others target Komi and so she took them out. Then she lets Komi finish her and just like that, the elementary kids win. The youngsters admire Komi and now they become her friends.
Episode 5C
Komi’s family visits grandma for New Year. At first, Komi and Akira are awkward but they soon become closer. WTF this weird chase? Then they play a hanafuda card game. Grandma joins in. Since Komi is unsure of the rules, she is made to watch Akira play against grandma. When grandma says she will increase her allowance depending on the points she gets (but decrease them if she loses), Akira now turns into a pro gambler! I don’t really get all the strategy but in the end, Akira who is on a winning streak decides to continue to game. It is that reason why she then loses and now is in the negative points. Grandma then has Komi play. If she even gets a point, she will negate Akira’s loses. You have no choice but to avenge Akira! Now, it might seem Komi has been playing all the bad hands. But eventually the final move she makes a big comeback to win it. Safe!
Episode 5D
The ladies in Komi’s family visit the shrine. They must be so awesome that the people give way to them. Even making their prayers, everyone thinks a goddess has descended upon them. Later, grandma has Komi work as a shrine priestess to help improve her social skills. Oh dear. Can she do it? But also working there is Inaka as she panics Komi might find out her country girl identity. Because Komi doesn’t speak, she thinks she hasn’t been busted yet. Panicky Komi can’t do her job well so Inaka ditches her cover to help her out. In the end, everything goes smoothly. Inaka fears she has been busted since Komi knew it was her all along. But Komi thanks her and will be counting on her for this year too.
Episode 6A
It’s the New Year and Najimi is already hanging out at Tadano’s place. He wants to go shrine visiting and to call the rest to come too. He calls Komi first but she didn’t pick up. Then he calls the rest but I guess the clincher is the lie that Komi will come. You bet they’ll come. Yeah, not sure how Yamai will come back from trip in Hawaii. Najimi forces Tadano to call the rest. Finally all that is left is Komi. Tadano is still contemplating on whether or not to call her. But he took too long and Komi called Najimi back (she was in a tunnel and her phone had no reception). And so everybody gathers at the shrine and begin their fun time (except Yamai, I guess she didn’t make it back). When everyone takes their fortune reading, Komi gets embarrassed and hides her. Seems she got great luck.
Episode 6B
Katai wants to return the favour and invite Tadano to ice skating. Despite his perfect plan, the problem is that he can’t relay it properly and hence sounds like a typical gangster trying to pick a fight. But thankfully Tadano understands what he is trying to say and agrees. When they meet up, Katai didn’t expect Komi to come along too. And so both of them continue to feel scared of each other for the rest of the journey till the ice skating rink. Katai tries to show off but realizes he has never skated before and flops. Tadano teaches Komi to skate and this make them look like lovers. They pull away from each other once they realize this. Katai sees this and you think he understood about the situation. Turns out he thinks he has to skate hand in hand with Tadano. And so when the guys do it, this looks pretty gay!!!
Episode 6C
Tadano is sick and stays home. He thinks he isn’t going to make it and calls Najimi for help. Except he dialled the wrong number and called Komi instead. He apologizes for the mix up and proceeds to dial the right number. So when he thinks Najimi is here, turns out to be Komi. He flusters giving excuses he doesn’t want her to catch his cold but she isn’t perturbed. She heads straight in and nurses his cold, even cooking porridge for him. When he is asleep, Komi tries to hold his hand but that is when Najimi barges in. So Komi pretends so hard that she isn’t here. After they leave, Hitomi returns and she can smell a scent of another woman here.
Episode 7A
Komi is worried Najimi saw the whole thing. So she tries to write a letter to dispel that misunderstanding. However each time she comes up with a reason, she thinks Najimi will get even suspicious. Eventually she writes her letter and the next in school as she is about to put in Najimi’s shoe box, Najimi snatches it and thinks he has got Komi’s love letter. While this is embarrassing, nothing is even more embarrassing for Komi when Tadano comes by to say hi. And that letter: Komi was just taking Tadano’s pulse.
Episode 7B
Now from Tadano’s point of view, the morning he is well enough to go to school, he cannot remember if Komi was here. He knew Najimi was here because of the stuffs he left. So he fears if he thanks her for it, she’ll get freaked out over something that didn’t happen. It would be also rude to say he has forgotten. So when he goes to school and sees Komi, she asks how he is doing. This proves she was there. Yeah, just remember the misdialled number. But when he asks what she did after that (the phone call), she gets embarrassed and locks herself in the toilet. Asking Najimi about it, he says she was taking his pulse. Confusing.
Episode 7C
Shisuto Naruse is a pretty boy and definitely a narcissist. His oddball friend, Chuusaku Kometani narrates all the narcissistic moves he makes. He thinks everyone is in awe with him in actual fact, nobody is even looking at him. Naruse then thinks the only one worthy to sit beside him is Komi. However he is stumped that since the school term started, she has never talked to him. Does she have communication disorder? Ah, something he got right. But as he tries to approach her, lots of other classmates bump him out of the way. He rationalizes his fans must be keeping him away from her! When he thinks the ‘fans’ are away, each time he tries to approach Komi, Komi’s pals will be there to challenge or stop him. This stresses him out so much that he has to take a toilet break. When he is done, he is surprised Komi returning his dropped handkerchief. Thinking she is in love with him, he will allow her to exchange contacts (WTF this pretty boy pose?!). However she panics and walks away. And so he tries to add Tadano as his friend. Hey, I thought Tadano didn’t exist in his eyes?!
Episode 7D
The class will be heading to Kyoto for the field trip. Komi seems stressed about this, though? Later when Tadano asks where she went for her middle school field trip, she says Kyoto. So this will be her second time. But shortly after they part, Komi calls Tadano and reveals that she lied. She has never been to Kyoto. When the class were to choose groups for the field trip, Komi was singled out since she had no friends. She joined the remaining group but from the look on their face, they seemed unhappy or didn’t care at all. She got so scared that on the day of the trip, she didn’t turn up. Oh swell, so you mean those dickheads didn’t fall for Komi’s beauty? I mean, nobody in her class chose her so could it mean all of them are dickheads?! But Tadano says now it is different as she has friends. He assures he is here for her until she reminds the group is to be separated by gender. Tadano suggests they go to Kyoto just the 2 of them. Although embarrassing but it makes Komi feel better. Next day in class, all the girls are arguing to have Komi in her group. The teacher foresees this problem so everyone will draw lots. Fair and square.
Episode 8
The class takes a train to Kyoto. Tadano checks around the groupings. We pray for Agari who is stuck in between Yamai and Nakanaka who are both in foul mood for not getting paired with Komi! Speaking of Komi, looks like she is stuck with a bunch of, uhm, nobodies? Mikuni Katou and Ayami Sasaki are all being awkward with each other. So I take it they’re not Komi fans as they’re not hounding over her or screaming with joy getting paired with her? They have this understanding to entertain her but too bad that’s all the screen time they’ll get. On the other hand, Tadano’s members are Katai and Naruse. During the bus ride, the tour guide, Ryouko Tenjouin makes a few mistakes. She’s a newbie but she tries her best to make up for it. However despite trying to impart her knowledge on all the local sites, none pay attention. Everyone is at their own pace. Like as though she doesn’t exist. It’s really tiring and she thought she won’t care anymore until she notices Komi and Tadano paying attention. This reminds her of her own similar circumstances when she was a student on a field trip. Even if she has one person interested, she must be the guide all the way. She stays motivated until the bus reaches the inn. It’s bath time so you bet Yamai is dying to see Komi’s naked skin. As she lies await for her to strip, Komi does nothing for 5 minutes. The waiting is so excruciating. The chance came but Onemine and Agari blocked her view. Now she waits in the bath just to get a glimpse. When the time is right, Yamai asks to touch her boobs! However there is no malice in her eyes or words since the sight of divine Komi cleanse it all. WTF logic is that?! In the end, Komi still refuses her. Hope you are happy with some female fanservice because now it is time to get gay!!! Naruse notices Katai’s great body (is he a body builder?!) and trolls us into having join him in some activity. Turns out they are posing their bodies while Tadano takes photos. They are joined by the other lesser guys who are also their roommates. And so these guys flex their muscles as Tadano snaps away! WE’RE SO GAAAAAAYYYYY!!!!! UNIVERSE!!! That night, the girls have a pillow fight (did everyone accept Najimi as a girl?!). But all come to a halt as they dive to sleep when the teacher checks on them. Although Komi is very tired, she couldn’t sleep all night from the day’s excitement.
Episode 9
For the second day of the school trip, students are free to do whatever they want. Hence Komi’s group goes sightseeing on their own as Katou has created a list of places they should visit. Well, it’s a bit hectic since there is so much to cover, they can only spend a short time in a certain place before moving on to the next. But Katou and Sasaki’s friendship may be strained as the former accuses her of taking too long and she doesn’t know how much effort she put into planning this. Komi interjects that they had lots of fun so the girls return to their old ways. Then they’re visiting this movie village, Komi is dressed up like a geisha. You bet that is going to attract everyone. Even those actors in ninja outfits pretending to kidnap the princess! Sasaki who just came out from the toilet, misinterpreted the situation. She thinks of helping Komi by donning a mask and showing off her yo-yo skills?! Don’t know, but it worked. Back at their hotel, Katou tries to corner and make Sasaki reveal she is that masked yo-yo saviour. Sasaki plays dumb. Not even Katou’s heart-warming story of wanting to become the best shogi player regardless of gender could change her mind. Katou gets desperate and tries to force a reveal. But Komi still gives her thanks. This makes Sasaki embarrassed as she remembers how she was taunted for being good at that. Nevertheless, she dons back her mask and starts strutting her stuff. That night, they talk about love stories. Katou has been baited to reveal she is interested in Katai. Interesting. As for Komi, they think it is Tadano but she is unsure what love is. When they explain to her and they see that reaction of hers, they bug her for a hint of that guy. H. Guess we know who. Next day as the students take the train home, Komi falls asleep so the duo hatch a plan to make Tadano go sit with her. Sasaki also tricked Katou to sit next to Katai. Tadano sees Komi sleeping and she lets her sleep on his shoulder. She wakes up and finds it very embarrassing. Then she shares photos of her fun times with her groupie. But soon she asks about that gay moment whereby Tadano and the half-naked guys posing… Oh boy…
Episode 10
Onemine invites Komi and Otori to her house to make some chocolates for Valentine. Of course Komi has to put up with Onemine’s naughty younger siblings. Especially when they tease her as a shy person who don’t speak a word. And when Komi does, they finally lost interest in her. Although, they do note that since she has a beautiful voice, she should talk more. They have so much fun making and taste testing the chocolates, they ate it all! Come Valentine’s Day, Komi is about to put her chocolates in Tadano’s locker but because of some girls nearby, she chickens out. When Tadano comes to check his locker, he looks like he is expecting something. Too bad he finds nothing. Even in his desk. Nothing. Yamai then comes to give Komi her chocolates. Yeah, they are in Yamai’s shape. Eat her! But when Komi gives hers, Yamai faints from the excitement. We see some of the girls giving guys chocolates but these are only in their imagination. Katou gives Katai her chocolates, shocking all the guys. Katai is further shocked when Komi gives hers. After school, Katai gives some to Tadano. Friendship chocolates?! Hope it doesn’t sound too gay… Tadano once again checks his locker for chocolates. Nothing. So when he goes home, he goes into despair. Really hoped for something, eh? Yeah, no chocolates from girls. Guys doesn’t count. Certainly his own mom and sister too don’t count. Later when Hitomi senses somebody outside the door, she sends Tadano to go do errands for her. Turns out to be Komi outside so Tadano talks to her outside the park. He is expecting chocolates from her but what’s this? Just to hand her some brochure from today’s committee meeting? Bummer. So as they part and Tadano resigning to reality, suddenly Komi returns. She finally has the courage to give him her chocolates. Now you happy? This has Tadano admitting he had harboured such hopes today and when she didn’t give it to him, he almost gave up. But now she has given him, he thanks her. Komi gets embarrassed and runs away after saying this batch is the best one she made.
Episode 11A
Komi is embarrassed after last night’s chocolate incident with Tadano. So she doesn’t want to go to school? Mom teases her about it and that she’ll lose her perfect attendance. I guess she’s going now. In school, Tadano notices Komi’s angry face?! Is she angry or not? Actually she is trying not to let her embarrassment show. When he thanks her for the chocolates, she gets embarrassed and bolts out.
Episode 11B
Yamai spots a tear in Komi’s stocking. Oh dear. What she gonna do now? Yeah, she’s agonizing on how to protect it. Can’t look more like a pervert sneaking up her ass, huh? Eventually she tells Komi about the tear and she also has prepared a spare pair with her. In the toilet as Komi changes, Yamai apologizes for not telling her earlier for she was worried she might embarrassed her. But it would be more embarrassing if everyone saw it. Komi thanks her for telling. Yamai then takes her old stockings and puts it over her head! DAMN SHE IS RUNNING AROUND THE SCHOOL LIKE THAT!!! Komi trying to chase her down in with her bare thighs…
Episode 11C
We are introduced to Akako Onigashima who is Yamai’s friend. She is naturally a nice girl. However she has a short fuse and the slightest thing irritates her. You don’t want to be around when her anger meter reaches 100%! So we see all the little things that infuriate her like her shoe laces coming undone and her earphone wires getting tangled. Not even Yamai knows what to do and is scared of her in this situation. When the earphone wires entanglement is about to break her, Komi helps tie it back nicely. Onigashima is overcome with emotion as they bond as friends at the batting centre.
Episode 11D
Another character introduced: Amami Satou. In short, she is a sweet person. So nice a person that she can never turn down anybody’s request for help. Ever. Hence her pals, Eiko Uchiroda and Hoshio Maeda try to train her in saying no. Easier said than done. Satou returns to her helpful ways. Seeing Tadano having problems carrying all the sheets, she tries to help by taking it all upon herself. Since this won’t do, Tadano splits the responsibility. Then Komi tells her if she needs help too, she can ask. This makes her feel weird since she has always been the one asking and doing everything. With that, Tadano and Komi agree to help her with her morning class cleaning routine.
Episode 11E
Katou invites Tadano and Komi to solve a shogi problem she created. However due to their different suggestions, this leads to both of them arguing and not talking to each other! Weird, they don’t seem so to me! Anyway, this makes them awkward until Najimi drops by and asks if they have become this close to be arguing. The duo suddenly become embarrassed. Back to normal, I take it?
Episode 12A
White Day is coming up and obviously Tadano is fretting on what to give to Komi. Hitomi notices this so she talks to him and tries to force an answer out of him whether he likes the person back or not. Is “I might be interested” some kind of answer? But she can tell from his reaction so she is going to help him. Let’s go shopping! The day before White Day, we see some guys returning the favour. WTF Katai gives Komi a book on building muscles? Tadano is supposed to give Komi but he chickens out and hangs out with Katai instead. Hence on White Day itself which is the weekend, he is forced to go to give it to her at her house. Last chance. Nervous at first, Komi’s mom is happy to see him but too bad Komi is out for an errand. She forces him to wait in Komi’s room. Tadano thought Komi has returned but it’s her dad! OMG! He’s coming in! Going to give the talk?! Tadano breaks under pressure and reveals everything. A panicky Komi then returns and shoves dad out and cleans up her messy room. Time to calm down. Tadano then gives his present which is a hand cream. After he leaves, Komi applies some and likes its good smell.
Episode 12B
Najimi initiates an eraser battle! Together with Tadano, Komi and Yadano, the quartet, they begin their quest for dominance. However Najimi, Tadano and Yadano got too excited and overpowered with their flick and got ring out. Komi is winner by default. This soon interest the rest as it now becomes a full blown tournament! OMG. In the end, Komi is champion! Then they all continue to just play for fun. After when everyone has left, Tadano sees Komi alone in the classroom and wonders why she is looking down. She manages to eke out her worries. The closing ceremony is in a few days and thinking of the time they have left, it makes her worried. Tadano then starts to narrate and assure her all the friends they’ve made and the fun activities they’ve done. Yeah, your very brief summary of the entire series. Nice mood ruined when Najimi barges in. With the new school term starting, Komi tries to smile. Hey, a small smile is still better than none. I’m guessing she is in the same class with Tadano. Although her voice is still shaky, she manages to greet Tadano rather than using her notepad.
Words Don’t Come Easy
Slowly but surely. That is what it feels for Komi in terms of her progression for opening up and making more friends. We don’t expect her to change very much into the new school term but we can all be assured that she is at least closer to her goal compared to when she first enrolled in this high school. Thank goodness for Tadano being by her side too. Who knows how much more shivering and shaking Komi will have that it might cause her brain to fall out! Really. The way she shakes whenever she has this anxiety attacks, it’s even way furious than a jackhammer! Oh I’ve got to ask at this point, remember the initial setting of the school being unique and how there will be tough competition from weirdoes? I guess they trolled us good with that setting or did they totally forgot about it? Not sure why I kept remembering this because it bugged me in some ways. Whatever. Either way, I guess it’s all irrelevant to Queen God Komi.
Honestly, I have mixed feelings with the series as a whole. While it is fun to see Komi going under various ‘stressful’ situations due to her inability to communicate properly, this formula is the big staple throughout the series and could get stale after a while. I understand this disorder cannot be resolved overnight or within a short span of time, but seeing Komi still flustering like hell and struggling to eke out the simplest of words right till the very end, it feels like she has not made any progress at all. Okay, maybe a little tinsy weenie bit. But it’s so negligible that one can safely assume it is still status quo. Despite the random and standalone skits in many of the episodes, this formula plays out in this similar fashion throughout both seasons. Hence the comedy of this series relies heavily on Komi being nervous and hence the funny part of the misunderstanding arising from that incapability to say it clear enough in simple words. Everything could be easily resolved if Komi had the guts to just open her mouth but that would take away the fun, wouldn’t it? That is why although I find this series cute and funny, at the same time this identical format has numbed me to the point where I would go, “Oh, Komi at her usual again. Not sure whether to laugh since this is so normal that it isn’t as funny as it used to be”. Yeah. That sort of feeling. But a gentle reminder in every episode about what a communication disorder is so it’s not laughing matter. It’s something we should TALK about more OFTEN, right? Yeah, Komi’s worst nightmares gonna come true and heart attacks increasing multiple times fold.
Thus her goal to get 100 friends is part of the strategy to help overcome this fear of hers (because it’s an achievement if she reaches a century, no?) as well as the perfect excuse in showcasing us other characters of the series. Speaking of them, I just want to point out the biggest mind boggling thing about the people in her class and school. Well, it is no doubt that Komi exudes this great aura that will have others fawning all over her. So it makes me wonder if everybody is so willing to do things for her, why do they not want to be her friend? I’m not talking about the ones already on her friendship list, but the rest of those background characters whom we see from time to time, starring and obsessing Komi from afar. Are they not interested to be close to her and become her friend? Well, my conspiracy theory is that despite loving Komi so much, they just love the idea and concept of that. They don’t want to really be her friend because you know, responsibilities. Hence, it is better to just admire her from afar while not be accountable to the unwritten rules of friendship. And of course it will be a pain if there is always a huge crowd around her. Freaking hard to animate! Let’s give Komi some privacy, shall we?
But for our usual characters and friends of Komi, they bring some life and spice to the entire series because if it is just about Komi and her communication problem, it would be as boring as f*ck. Of course you would also notice that everybody in class also are weirdoes. Even more so, the tell-tale signs are in their names. Yup, you can pretty much tell about their characters from their name. Like as though the parents of these kids are just so freaking awesome and accurate in naming their child so. Heck, many of them are puns of their personalities like Komi herself, her entire name is a pun of communication disorder. Same case for Naruse for his narcissistic attitude and Najimi being so blatant, they are easy to spot. Some are a bit harder to guess and not so straightforward but after a while and if you know your Japanese a little, you’ll understand and see why. Like Katou whose name is based on a famous shogi player.
So as I have said about Komi’s situation, despite it feels that she has not made some big improvements, I can actually sympathize with her situation since I am very much an introvert myself. How else did I become an otaku?! Of course I am not such an extreme case like her. So it is no laughing matter seeing Komi freezing up and getting really anxious that she is shaking so hard that her brains might fall off! Sure, those moments are supposed to be funny but I guess for Komi and introverts alike, they’re a harrowing experience. Even though she has a myriad of weirdoes, oops I mean friends around her, I suppose sometimes it is really hard to change your core behaviour. After all, it runs in the family and she took after her dad’s genes a lot. Imagine if Komi opens up and becomes like mom, I think that would be more shocking and everybody will be thinking if she is an imposter! BRING BACK MY SHY-SHY KOMI!!! Yeah, so for better or worse, Komi will always be this bashful girl till the day she dies. Sad, but that’s how we all want it, right?
Tadano being Komi’s first friend and some sort of confidante, he is supposed to be a plain guy. However he seems to be a pro mood and thought reader of Komi, which ironically doesn’t make him an ordinary kid. Also another irony is that for a guy whose name is as plain as his character, he is the main character. He is after all Komi’s first friend and without him, Komi would’ve been socially dead. Yeah. Also, Tadano is also there to troll us the possible romance with Komi because love is all about communication and the duo have been the longest communicating friends in this context. And since it is thanks to Tadano that she is slowly inching towards her goal (she’s already got a quarter by the end of both seasons), there is of course room for those feelings in her heart to wreak havoc. Forget communicating like normal, can she handle love, a whole new form of communication? Whether or not love will open her up and bloom her like a rose remains to be seen. But as long as Tadano remains as the most coveted spot of being Komi’s presumably closest friend, the chances are there. So what do you think? After that Valentine incident, WE SAY YES! Next stop, confession when? Woah! Too fast!
As for the other characters, I think I have to attribute to Najimi being the character that makes the entire series livelier. Because of this seemingly genderless person, his eccentric ways and penchant for having fun-cum-trouble is what spices things up in what otherwise might be the most boring form of communication between Komi and Tadano and the rest. Therefore, thanks to Najimi’s mischiefs, the series is a whole lot bearable and funnier. Sometimes I can’t help think that I have to thank Najimi for coming into the scene to shake things up because it would’ve been super boring and nothing would’ve progressed if Komi and Tadano are left to their own pace and devices. Way slower than Otori so to speak! The other lively character is Yamai. Thanks to her obsession and perversion for Komi, she too brings another whole different spice to the series. The perverse kind, that is. She’s basically torn in between taking Komi’s chastity for herself or maintain Komi as her pure angel. Mostly the former. Yes, she is a very dangerous person whom everyone should stay away from. Thankfully she has not reached the yandere stage of killing Komi so as to preserve their love for eternity! Yikes!
As for the other characters, they’re pretty okay and I guess they really live up to their namesake. They’re just there to provide some additional laughs like Yadano will always lose and can never best Komi, the odd rivalry between Yamai and Nakanaka, Katai’s inner nervous wreck often translate as delinquent badass vibes in his physical reactions causing everyone to fear him for the wrong reasons. However there are a few characters whom I am stumped on how they become part of Komi’s friend list. Did I miss something or did they skip animating this part? For example, you do realize there is a classmate who partly dresses up in a knight’s armour, right? So far, Himeko Kishi has not made any prominent actions but mostly appears as cameo in the background when the scene calls for the group of friends to assemble. Thus we don’t know much about this character save for she is somewhat part of Komi’s groupie. So uhm, once again how did she become part of the gang? Did Komi ‘cheat’ and add her name because if so, why not add other classmates’ name too?
This brings me to some of the other lesser known characters in Komi’s class. And boy, there are a few bunch that look really weird. I mean, there is one that has a Mad Max Mohawk hairstyle and another one who is bald but with a samurai ponytail! I mean, these guys look so odd and mature, it makes me wonder if they are actually high school students! Are you sure they didn’t come from the wrong anime and after realizing they are lost, they try to blend in as students, hence looking so out of place! Yeah, I think those are possibly the reasons. How do you explain then one of the classmates looking so different from the rest (Yuuji Otaku, was it his name?), because he looks like a surreal character! You sure he is in the correct anime?
As you can see the art and animation of the series, the characters are mainly drawn in an overly simplistic manner, making them look a bit cartoonish. Can’t miss those big white eyes and single line as the mouth. As such it gives the characters that one kind look. Some even looking almost the same. For instance, if Najimi and Satou didn’t have different hair colour, I might have confused them as the same character if I’m not concentrating! Sometimes Komi looks weird as she transitions both forms. In the sense that in one scene she looks like your beautiful madonna with that somewhat b*tch resting face (really!) but when it’s time to get comical, you see her facial expressions getting all chibi with those big innocent eyes. Like as though she is 2 different people inside 1. The Komi version of Dr Jekyll and Hyde? But other than the characters, the backgrounds and sceneries are pretty normal although they don’t feel disjointed in anyway. This series is animated by OLM who did Summertime Render and King’s Raid: Ishi Wo Tsugumono-tachi. But they’re more famous for animating a bunch of Pokemon movies and some of its recent TV series.
For the voice acting, it seems Kikuko Inoue as Komi’s mom is the only one I recognized. The forever 17 seiyuu is now voicing motherly roles recently, making those mothers feel like 17 all over again… Yeah… Oh right, the other ones are Shizuka Itou as Karisu Rina Hidaka as Yamai. Like as though this is the yandere version of Last Order… I thought Aki Toyosaki was behind Agari’s voice but something felt off. Turns out it was Yukiyo Fujii (Kiriha in Strike The Blood). Same case for Otori, I thought Yuuko Gotou is back but too bad it’s not her but Yurika Moriyama. As Komi is voiced by Aoi Koga, it might sound she has the easiest role having soft spoken lines. Well, maybe. Mostly you’ll hear those flustering breaths from Komi as she tries to eke out her voice. But since her screaming feels muffled and suppressed, I suppose that itself is not an easy feat.
The other characters are Gakuto Kajiwara as Tadano (Asta in Black Clover), Rie Murakawa as Najimi (Ram in Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu), Rumi Okubo as Nakanaka (Hibachi in Mushibugyou), Ami Maeshima as Yadano (Aya in BanG Dream), Ruriko Aoki as Onemine (Yuuko in Muv-Luv Alternative), Shinichirou Kamio as Katai (Koigakubo in Blue Period), Katsuyuki Miura as Naruse (Vallus in Shironeko Project: Zero Chronicle), Megumi Han as Inaka (Sumire in Chihayafuru), Fumiko Uchimura as Katou (Haruki in Akuma No Riddle), Minami Takahashi as Sasaki (Megumi in Shokugeki No Souma) and Maaya Uchida as Hitomi (Rikka in Chuunibyou Demo Koi Ga Shitai). All the opening and ending themes just sound pretty generic to me. Nothing really special that resonates in me. Be it the first season opener, Cinderella by Cider Girl, second season opener, Ao 100-iro by Miku Itou, first season ending theme, Hikare Inochi by Kitri and second season ending theme that has a bit of hip hop element in it, Kashaberi Biyori by Fantastic Youth.
Overall, this show has its little charm and cute and funny moments. But if you are expecting something more out of it, you’d be disappointed. If you’re looking for some light-hearted fun with nothing too heavy on the story or characters, you could try this out. After all, it is ironic for us to laugh and look down on Komi has having communication disorder even though she is a fictional character whereas in real life social media actually dumbed down our real social interaction skills to practically zero! Yeah, who are the ones who have communication disorder now?! Also I want to take note that Komi is perhaps the best character because don’t guys love it when girls don’t talk much!!! OMG! Why that sound so sexist now?! I wonder what Komi has to say about that. Hey, even if she doesn’t say much doesn’t mean she has nothing to say!
Chua Tek Ming~*Anime Power*~ !LiVe FoR AnImE, aNiMe FoR LiFe! 