Komi Can't Communicate, Vol. 3

古見さんは、コミュ症です。 [Komi-san wa, Komyushō Desu.] #3

by Tomohito Oda, Ilaria Melvi (Translator)

Per il suo disturbo della comunicazione e la sua bellezza, Komi è sempre stata ritenuta da tutti una presenza inavvicinabile. Per sua fortuna, però, ora ha al suo fianco Tadano (interprete dei suoi bizzarri tic) e può godersi la vita da liceale, che prima le causava solo ansia. Poi, finalmente, iniziano le vacanze estive. È ora di andare in piscina con gli amici, a casa della nonna in campagna e affrontare per la prima volta un festival...

Genres: Manga, Romance, Slice Of Life, Young Adult, Fiction, Contemporary, Graphic Novels

192 pages, Paperback

First published March 17, 2017

About the author

ODA Tomohito
Name (in native language): 小田智仁
Associated Names: オダトモヒト

Tomohito Oda won the grand prize for World Worst One in the 70th Shogakukan New Comic Artist Awards in 2012. Oda’s series Digicon, about a tough high school girl who finds herself in control of an alien with plans for world domination, ran from 2014 to 2015.

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I said this could happen, and here we are, another volume down this week. Volume 3 doesn't have much in terms of character development or profession of the actual plot (though there are some nice interactions between characters that shows a slight deepening of their relationships), but we are introduced to new characters. Most notable being Komi's family, of which the mom is most certainly the most peculiar.

Honestly, much of this one is my least favorite in the series thus far. We hit too many cliche necessary manga chapters (pool episode, summer festival, study chapter) and it does them well enough, but nothing original or that clever. The volume continues to succeed though as the other chapters are a blast and it keeps up everything I found charming from the start (while toning down some of what I viewed as lesser aspects). While it hits some of the cliches, I find the quality continues to improve. The artwork seems a little more detailed this time and some of the scenery is looking more touched up.

Best chapter this time around: Father and daughter go out for shaved ice. Dialogue is minimal, communication is not.

Another solid 4/5 stars

[Nicolo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each chapter by itself is a gem, but this volume is wrapped in a glorious colored cover of Komi in yukata during a festival. 4 stars.

[Jianu Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

i liked the fact that some scenes happened at an obon festival

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I dunno. Maybe this is really a 3 star book, there's not much here that distinguishes itself from other shoujo manga, school-based-stories, but it's my party, I'll laugh if I want to.

Komi Can't Communicate, Volume 3 is about a girl who social anxiety who has made a goal of making 100 friends. We have, predictably, final exams, summer vacation, beach scene, festival. Komi and Tadano meet outside of school but they share some awkwardness in sometimes seeing each other and not speaking. Relatable, for the thousands of people who have trouble communicating, sometimes to the point of paralysis.

I like that we get to meet Komi's family, especially loved the scene where she goes out with her Dad for shaved ice. You can see that some of what we assume are psychological tendencies may also be hard-wired, genetic, even neurological issues. But I like the peculiar mom and the grandparents, too. You see that kids who are socially shy with peers can be very verbal and relaxed and fun with family.

[Dani ❤️ Perspective of a Writer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

We jump into Komi Can't Communicate vol 3 with final exams before summer vacation. Najimi at this point acts as the glue that keeps Komi and Tadano meeting outside of school. Every group of friends has a friend like this where all the fun seems to stem from their invitations. That's Najimi!! We study together, go to the pool, and a festival too! And of course, every one is full of funny and awkward interactions as Komi grows closer with her friends list.


The Buzz

I didn't even know I wanted to meet more of Komi's family until Komi Can't Communicate vol 3! First we meet her dad and soooooo much is obvious about her after that. And then Komi's family goes off to grandma’s house and we meet her aunt and uncle... hilarious!!


The Feels

Tadano is such a funny fellow in Komi Can't Communicate vol 3... We see that many times he and Komi run into each other. But instead of saying hi and hanging out they run off without saying a word to each other!! As an awkward person myself I find that this is exactly what they would do... they are actually bonding while apart. It's kind of odd buy as they learn more about each other they feel closer to each other too. It just makes my heart melt!!

The Visuals

I absolutely adore how Tomohito Oda frames out Komi's wordless communications!! Even moments alone with her are super neat and soooo funny. And its all due to the art style!! This time I totally fell for the cover of Komi Can't Communicate vol 3... and it really showcases one of her best experiences with Tadano. You're missing out if you don't check this manga series out...

Komi Can't Communicate vol 3 gives Komi many opportunities to socialize with her new friends but its her moments with Tadano that steal my heart. I never though I would love these short storylines but with such great characters I do, I do. You're missing out on some funny awkward moments that will lift your mood any time.


⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ 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.

______________________
Please like this review if you enjoyed it! *bow* *bow* It helps me out a ton!!

[Shannara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another lovely installation in the Komi Can’t Communicate series!! This time we see adorable Komi at a swimming pool, a library, a festival, and more!! Each situation is comical as Komi tries to navigate around people. She’s too cute because of how shy she is!! And I love her clothes too. Basically I’m starting to obsess over how cute she is, just like the other characters in the series!! Smh… her friends are growing by the book and I am enjoying meeting them as they find a way to make friends with this awkward and beautiful girl.

The plot is funny and the art is cute!! I can’t help but recommend this series to those who enjoy a clean, cute, and comical story.

[Kate♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5stars

I LOVE manga arcs that take place in the summer - idk why but manga/anime always makes me nostalgic for summer

[Zuli · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5✨
GIRL IT'S MUCH BETTER TO BE THIS WAY THAN TO BE THE ATTENTION WHORE AT SCHOOL

[Stewart Tame · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the reasons this manga works so well for me is Tomohito Oda's ability to depict non-verbal communication. There will be a glance, a nuance of expression that somehow speaks volumes. True, he's not above distorting features for effect, but that's to be expected from manga. While no one would mistake the world of Komi Can't Communicate for reality, the character-driven nature of the stories, and the (mostly) quiet focus on the ordinary keep everything grounded. It's got a quiet charm to it that reminds me of Do It Yourself in some ways.

As you'd guess from the cover, we get the obligatory Summer Festival episode. And everyone goes swimming, though not at an actual beach. We just need the Hot Springs episode and the School Festival episode and my Bingo card will be full.

High point of this volume for me was probably meeting Komi's extended family, particularly the part where she and her dad go out for shaved ice. This manga does a lot of things right, and I'm enjoying it more than I expected to upon reading the first volume.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's summer, so there must be a swimsuit episode, and a summer festival episode!

I rather like how this comic shows Komi learning to cope with certain social situations in her own way, rather than her rapidly-growing group of friends "fixing" her social anxiety with their kindness and support. It's cool that she and Najimi are part of the gang and their "diversity" isn't harped on constantly.

This is pleasant reading, but not something I'm particularly invested in having a full set of on my bookshelf. Maybe I'll see if I can find more at the library once I've moved to a place where one is within easy reach.

[Moon_child31 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5⭐

[Rod Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shy girl Shoko Komi is simply adorable. As her crush on her best friend deepens, this volume really leans into the shojo tropes: study groups, summer vacation separation, swimming pools and swimsuits, festivals and yukata.

As a dad, I especially enjoyed the afternoon she spent with her father, from whom she inherited her taciturn personality.

[chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

i liked the pool & festival scenes !!

[Lost in Book Land · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am quickly running out of volumes of Komi Can't Communicate that are currently released and this will be a problem. :/ I really am enjoying this series and this was the last volume I received as a Christmas gift from my husband. However, once I realized how much I was enjoying them I went and ordered volume four which as of the time of writing this is the only other volume out in America. I pre-ordered several volumes after four but they will not be out for a bit (volume five comes out in February), so after reading one more volume I will have to pick up some other mangas and graphic novels while I wait. I have already bought a few other volumes in different series I have seen on booktube or that are based on anime I watch to give a try, but we will see what I get into next! Last year, before I started sharing my love of manga on my blog I was a steady reader of the Ancient Mangus Bride series (I still am) and I may start writing reviews of those as well, but I currently all caught up on those. For now, let's talk about Komi!


SPOILERS AHEAD


In this volume it's summer! Komi is still on her quest to make 100 friends but with school out, Komi never leaves her room. Until one day, she decides she will pick up her phone! From here Komi is able to work up the courage to get her current friends together for a trip to the community pool/ water park! Komi arrives at the water park with only her school issue swimsuit, but never fear, her friends will help her find an awesome summer swimsuit and learn what a fun day at the pool with friends can be like. Aside from Komi's pool adventure, we get to meet more of her family. Komi and her family journey to her grandparent's house and we meet her grandparents as well as her father.


As we all already know, I love this series! I especially enjoyed this volume. First, because I loved getting to meet more of Komi's family. I could see where some of her communication issues came from and I thought it was kind of sweet. The second reason why I enjoyed this volume so much was Komi's pool adventure. As a teenager (middle school into high school and honestly well before that), I lived for the pool. I would stay in the pool until they made me get out. I spent my summers in the pool day in and day out. Later in middle and high school I joined the swim team and spent my winters in the pool too. I am going to give this volume five stars on Goodreads and I am honestly so excited to jump into volume four (which is my last until my pre-order of five arrives). In the meantime, I would love any recommendations you have for manga or graphic novels!

[Kholoud · Rating 3 out of 5]

I understand that there's a target audience that would really really love a pool chapter where guys rate girls for how hot they look in swimsuits, but i read this because I relate to Komi's social anxiety. And I don't really enjoy sexualising 15 year olds.

[ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

my enjoyment of this series is still quite high despite the occasional uncomfortableness with LGBT issues (which do seem to be lessening) so i am bumping my rating up from 3 to 4 stars.

[ReadBecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite so far, this volume was made up of a bunch of slice of life single issues basically. Seeing family, going swimming, off to a carnival. I think I most liked Komi going to dinner with her dad, where they communicate without talking :D

[Zara ♡ (ZaraReadsHere) · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE YUKATA!!!

[Ali Bean · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute 😍👻😍👻😍

[akacya ❦]

2023 reads: 113/350

[Barbiibooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me sigue parecieron muy divertida esta historia 🥹

[Rebekah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Komi is so relatable

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

89 to go.

We dive deeper into the world of Komi and friends. Her family life is explored. Obligatory beach episode is added. Festivals are visited. We see lot of progress in Komi since chapter one. Feels a little proud to see her grow.

[Katja]

It seems too early to write a review about a manga I've just started reading. However, I do wanna share my opinion of it. The short stories are intriguing, witty and full of life. All the characters are so diverse and memorable. It's been a long time since I've watched or read something that made me laugh so hard. Also, in addition to the positive aspect of having characters who are shy or have problems with communication (as in, trying to help them), I would point out one character who is on the transgender spectrum. This is not super common in media, so any representation is appreciated (tho they are often actually the object of ridicule ). I'm glad this manga has plenty of chapters, meaning I'll have something to keep me busy in the coming days. And I have to admit, Komi is really adorable and beautiful!!

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cute volume, starting to vibe more with Komi and her crew.

Komi decides to head with the crew to a pool. I did find it super cute her freaking out about getting ready to see them, more so than actually being in a bathing suit. But I will say, Komi looked mighty cute in one though! Then they head to a festival where Komi wants to express her feelings but not that easy.

Overall, lots of cuteness here. Komi becoming more full of herself...or a bit. Trying to build that confidence. Hopefully she does. A 4 out of 5.

[Lu · Rating 3 out of 5]

mmm this is my least favourite so far but I’m still enjoying it!!! I also liked that compared to vol2 we saw komi and tadano more this time I think :0

[kristine ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

komi is so fucking cute i can't deal

[ash ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Komi is the most relatable character 🥺

[Anne (ReadEatGameRepeat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

the comics just get better with each volume. Komi is just weirdly relatable and I loved getting to spend more time with her.

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the festival