REVIEW: ‘Komi Can’t Communicate,’ Episode 18

Komi Can’t Communicate Episode 18 is a Japanese Netflix Original anime directed by Ayumu Watanabe and animated by Studio OLM. This slice-of-life comedy anime is an adaptation of the popular manga series created by Tomohito Oda. The voice acting cast for the Komi Can’t Communicate consists of Aoi Koga (Love is War) as Shouko Komi, Gakuto Kajiwara (Fire Force) as Hitohito Tadano, and Rie Murakawa (Re: Zero) as Najimi Osana.

In Episode 18, Najimi rounds up all of his friends, Komi and Tadano included, to make a New Year’s visit to the shrine. Everyone is eager to share their fortunes, except for Komi, who seems to be hiding hers for some reason. Meanwhile, Kitai hopes to spend more time with Tadano. So he takes the initiative in furthering their friendship by inviting him to go ice skating. To his surprise, Komi tags along to join them on their outing, which stirs up some feelings between the group.

The animation’s quality in Episode 18 kicks things up a bit, but it doesn’t maintain the same high quality throughout the entire thing. The change in animation quality isn’t precisely a bummer, but it is noticeable in some parts. I expect the high-quality animation to be reserved for significant emotional instances in the show to help match and convey the tone at the moment that the characters are feeling to the audience.

The ice skating outing with Tadano, Komi, and Kitai was adorable and exciting. There is a little hint of jealousy between Komi and Kitai, making a few laughable moments as they both want Tadano’s attention. Furthermore, after watching the ice skating scene, I am curious to see whether Kitai’s feelings towards Tadano are strictly platonic or if there is more there.

For the most part, it is not precisely clear if Kitai has genuine romantic feelings for Tadano or if that is just part of the joke with his character. As we have come to know, although Kitai may have a very intimidating and challenging presence, there is also a charming and kind side to him. He struggles to express and show that friendlier side to others. However, it is not always clear if Kitai’s offering more of his softer side towards him is mistaken for affection when it comes to Tadano, or, if Kitai has those feelings and tries to express them to Tadano. Whichever the case is, I am curious to see where things go between them.

Additionally, I am impressed with Komi’s character development and the subtle ways we see it in Episode 18. The Komi we have come to know and love has grown a lot from the person she was at the beginning of this series. Initially, Komi would struggle to act on her feelings out of fear from her social and communication anxiety. However, in this episode, we see her act on her feelings and be more assertive with what she wants.

For example, when she goes to Tadano’s home to help take care of him, she pushes past him and makes her way inside to nurse him back to health. For the most part, this might be the most assertive we have seen Komi be in the series so far. Which I, for one, think is excellent because it is a fantastic sign of her growing more confident in herself.

Another example, which may not seem like a big deal to many, is Komi holding Tadano’s hand. To most people, this might not seem like such a big deal; however, for Komi, holding Tadano’s hand is a sign of her fully realizing her romantic feelings for Tadano. Unfortunately, this moment might have meant more if Tadano was awake instead of being passed out recovering from his fever. Nevertheless, I love seeing Komi grow as a character and act on her feelings more.

Overall, Komi Can’t Communicate Episode 18 brings it with the romance as it continues to focus on the developing feelings between Komi and Tadano. The high-quality animation does a fantastic job conveying the emotions and tone on the screen. I am excited to see where things go as this season continues to develop characters and relationships alike.

Komi Can’t Communicate Episode 18 is streaming now on Netflix.