Episode 1 of Komi Can’t Communicate is finally available on Netflix worldwide. The season premiere introduces us to the main characters and lays out a plan for the main storyline.
Hitohito Tadano is just starting his high-school life. Tadano has one goal – he doesn’t want to make waves. The first person he meets once he arrives at Itan Private High School is Shoko Komi. Tadano tries to greet her, but Komi just glares at him and runs away. Confused, Tadano goes to class only to find out that he’s seated next to her. Soon it becomes painfully obvious that Komi just can’t talk out loud, even though she wants to. She pours her heart out to Tadano and he promises to help her make friends.
Komi Can’t Communicate was one of the most-anticipated anime titles of the year, and the first episode doesn’t disappoint. The narrating and on-screen speech bubbles have a very Kaguya-sama feel. In addition, Tadano and Komi’s interactions have a true charm, and Komi’s tap-tap-tap-tap-tap escapes are a sight to behold.
The anime does a good job of handling Komi’s anxiety but still manages to keep the comedic aspect. Her wanting to talk and not being able to is serious enough to make the viewer feel connected, while also being charmed by her personality. The anime hints at other students too, as they are all special in one way or another. It seems like a group that will be accepting of Komi, regardless of her capabilities.
Komi is interesting and charming, but Tadano’s introduction stood out the most in this episode. A kind, quiet boy, who doesn’t really want to stand out in any way finds himself in the middle of something he did not expect in any way. The narrator refers to him as a “coward”, but he is anything but. He manages to overcome his fears and awkwardness and extends a hand to Komi while accepting and understanding her issues. Komi has a great friend on her side.
Gakuto Kajiwara, who is best known for voicing Asta from Black Clover, is voicing Tadano. It’s a bit unusual to hear Kajiwara like this after watching Black Clover. Tadao is quiet and composed, but Kajiwara still manages to perfectly convey his kindness. The young voice actor has a great career ahead of him since it’s obvious that he is capable of portraying characters of various temperaments without skipping a beat.
OLM’s Team Kojima is animating the series, with Deko Akao who is writing the script. Kazuki Kawagoe, the director of the anime, directed the first episode and also did the storyboard for it. Atsuko Nakajima, who did character designs, is listed as chief animation director for the first episode.
It’s also worth noting that the first episode features a special ending song by Kitri, titled “Sympathy”.
Komi Can’t Communicate is now a part of our weekly polls, so if you loved episode 1 make sure to vote for it. Netflix has the exclusive rights for the anime, so if you want to watch it head over to their website.
All images via Netflix.
©Tomohito Oda, Shogakukan／Itan Private High School