Komi Can't Communicate Vol 5 by Tomohito Oda

For the school cultural festival, Komi and her classmates decide to do a Maid Cafe, somewhat so they can see Komi in a maid outfit, and somewhat because that’s what Komi chooses and everyone band wagons her. Somehow, Tadano is convinced to also dress in a maid costume, and he doesn’t look half bad.  Najimi uses several illicit money making schemes, most involving Komi, so her class wins the best of show but has to forfeit all their profits.  

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There are a lot of boob jokes, including a bonus story discussing Tadano’s fake ones.  Certain characters are still obsessed with Komi and seeing her underwear.  While I appreciate the series for focusing on communication disorders, I can’t help but wonder what it would be like if the main character weren’t beautiful. Why do all her classmates adore her and put her on a pedestal, especially since she doesn't talk to any of them? It’s because she’s pretty.  This series is just as much about looks as it is about sympathizing with people who have communication disorders.  The majority of the art is again in the four-panels-per-page layout.  While some students will probably still enjoy this series by volume five, I will be devoting my time to other worthy endeavors.

Sara's Rating: 5/10
​Suitability Level: Grades 8-12

Reviews of previous volumes in this series: vol 1, vol 2, vol 3, vol 4

Publisher: VIZ Media
Publication Date: February 11, 2020​
ISBN: 9781974707164 (Paperback)

Tags: Rating: 5/10, Suitability: Middle School, Suitability: High School, Manga, Realistic Fiction, Friendship, School Life, VIZ Media