Komi Can’t Communicate, Vol. 17

Still struggling with a communication disorder, Komi continues on her journey to make a hundred friends. Komi and Tadano star in a play, and the fans are obsessed with him. But something seems to be bothering Rumiko. Rumiko discovers that Komi also has feelings for Tadano and confronts her about it. Will their feelings for Tadano threaten the girls’ friendship with one another?

While there was still plenty of drama and hijinks in this book, volume seventeen focuses intently on Komi and Rumiko’s friendship. Komi finally makes a breakthrough and is able to communicate with Rumiko verbally. This time, Komi does not have to use a notebook to write down what she wants to say. I love how Komi puts her fears aside and opens up to Rumiko. She prioritizes her relationship with Rumiko and decides that no matter who Tadano chooses, their friendship will remain the same. One of my favorite scenes in this volume involved the Flirt Bureau of Investigation (FBI), who bonked people on the heads if they engaged in too much PDA. Komi Can’t Communicate is a great series for manga aficionados who love humor and drama.