After captivating readers for nearly a decade, the beloved romantic comedy manga, Komi Can’t Communicate, is set to reach its conclusion. The series, penned and illustrated by Tomohito Oda, will end in just two weeks, marking the end of a significant chapter in the world of manga. This news comes as a surprise to many fans, who have followed the journey of Shoko Komi and her quest to overcome her social anxiety.
The Final Chapters
The announcement of the manga’s ending came via the cover of Weekly Shōnen Sunday, the magazine where Komi Can’t Communicate has been serialized since May 2016. The magazine confirmed that only three chapters remain, with the first of these being released on January 15, 2025. This means the final chapter, number 497, is scheduled for publication on January 29, 2025.
The series will conclude with a total of 497 chapters, a testament to its popularity and long run. The news was initially leaked by @MangaMoguraRE, a reliable source of anime and manga news on X (formerly Twitter), before being officially confirmed by Shogakukan, the series’ publisher. The Weekly Shōnen Sunday website also confirmed the news with the line, “The final chapter! As high school life comes to an end, preparations for the graduation ceremony progress!!”
A Bittersweet Ending
The finality of this news is a bittersweet pill for fans. Komi Can’t Communicate has resonated with many, due to its relatable themes of social anxiety, communication struggles, and the importance of friendship. The manga tells the story of Shoko Komi, a high school student whose extreme social anxiety makes it incredibly difficult for her to interact with others, despite her being perceived as an aloof beauty. Her classmate, Hitohito Tadano, quickly understands her situation and dedicates himself to helping her make 100 friends.
The Journey So Far
Komi Can’t Communicate began its journey as a one-shot manga in September 2015, before being picked up as a full series in May 2016. The manga has since been collected into 37 volumes in Japanese, with 32 volumes translated into English by Viz Media. The series was also adapted into a successful anime series, which ran for two seasons, and a live-action drama. The anime is available to stream on Netflix, further expanding the series’ reach.
The Manga’s Evolution
Initially, the manga adopted a slice-of-life style, focusing on Komi’s daily high school experiences and the challenges she faced in her quest to make friends. Over time, the story evolved into a romantic comedy, exploring the relationships between Komi, Tadano, and their diverse group of classmates. This shift is reflected in the manga’s art style, which has matured and refined over the years.
Key Milestones
- Initial One-Shot: The story began as a one-shot manga in September 2015, capturing the initial concept and charm.
- Full Series Launch: Serialisation began in May 2016 in Weekly Shōnen Sunday.
- Anime Adaptation: The first season of the anime adaptation premiered in October 2021, followed by a second season in April 2022. Both seasons are available on Netflix.
- Live Action Series: A live-action series adaptation also premiered in September 2021, demonstrating the manga’s broad appeal.
- Final Arc Announcement: In July 2024, it was announced that the manga was entering its final arc.
- Conclusion: The manga will end with chapter 497 on January 29, 2025.
Author Tomohito Oda
Tomohito Oda, the creator of Komi Can’t Communicate, is an accomplished manga artist. He won the grand prize for World Worst One at the 70th Shogakukan New Comic Artist Awards in 2012. Before Komi Can’t Communicate, Oda also created the series Digicon, which ran from 2014 to 2015. His unique storytelling ability, combined with his skill in character development, have made his work highly successful.
What’s Next?
While the manga is coming to an end, the legacy of Komi Can’t Communicate will likely continue through its anime adaptation and the translated volumes available for readers worldwide. Fans can still enjoy the series through various platforms:
- Manga: The translated volumes are readily available for purchase through retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, with the latest, volume 32, released on January 14, 2025.
- Anime: Both seasons of the anime can be streamed on Netflix.
- Online Chapters: Chapters of the series are also available in English on the Viz website.
A Fond Farewell
As Komi Can’t Communicate approaches its final chapter, it leaves behind a legacy of relatable characters, heartwarming moments, and valuable lessons about communication and friendship. The conclusion of the series is sure to be a significant event for the manga and anime community, marking the end of a beloved story. Fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the final chapters, while also preparing to bid a fond farewell to Komi and her friends.
