Spoiler Alert: This article will refer to the content discussed in Season 2 of Komi Can't Communicate.As a high school romance Anime, it is easy for Komi Can't Communicate to focus its attention on the girls, who are generally all quite loud and colorful characters (well, besides Komi Shouko of course).
As the leading protagonist and Komi's love interest, Tadano Hitohito is a relatively fleshed-out character, whereas the other boys seem to only add entertainment value. Season 2 of Komi Can't Communicate starts to give the guys a better chance, as more depth is slowly given to these manic pixie dream boy characters.
Tadano Hitohito
Tadano is arguably one of the most empathetic Anime characters of all time, as he continues to impress fans with his uncanny ability to read people. Unlike the rest of Class 1-1, Tadano does not make snap judgments based on first impressions, but rather takes his time to assess a person's body language, while putting himself in their shoes. Tadano is the first person to acknowledge Komi's struggles, refusing to assume that the girl's stoic silence is due to an inflated sense of superiority. Komi might still be friendless today if Tadano had not acknowledged her social anxiety, and offering her an outlet through which to communicate with her peers.
True, Tadano clearly has feelings for Komi, and helping her could just be an opportunity to become her confidant, however, the boy proves his intentions are pure when he applies his skills to Katai Makoto. Initially coming across as an extremely intimidating individual, Katai scared the wits out of his classmates, who subsequently ostracize him for their own 'safety'. Yet again, Tadano is the only one capable of correctly assessing the situation, and realizes that Katai is simply nervous because this is his first day (back) at school. Offering him an olive branch, Tadano takes Katai under his wing, and, just like with Komi, becomes his first new friend in Komi Can't Communicate Season 2.
Shinobino, Sonoda & Chiarai
Shinobino Mono is a testament to his name, as his concealing black scarf is reflective of his ninja-inspired moniker. As with most of the class, he is not immune to Komi's powers of 'seduction' and eagerly awaits the opportunity to form the Secret Komi Security Committee for the Culture Festival with his good friends, Sonoda Taisei and Chiarai Shigeo.
Not much more about these young lads has been revealed thus far, other than the fact that they are the bad boys of the class, and are always ready for the opportunity to perv. In Season 2 of Komi Can't Communicate, however, fans get a glimpse of the sweeter sides of Shinobino, Sonoda, and Chaira, as they each took turns dreaming up the perfect date with their favorite classmates.
Each boy reveals their crushes during the fantasy dating game, with Nakanaka surprisingly taking the lead as the ideal candidate overall. Chiarai pairs himself off quite comfortably with Najimi, as the two enjoy a fictional date in a carnival setting. Shinobino finds solace in a simple and supportive imaginary relationship with Otori, whose kind words are only bested by her ample bosom. Sonoda shows his masochistic side by fantasizing about an abusive relationship with Ren Yukai, assuming to become the recipient of a substantial reward for being her doormat. None of the boys can muster up the courage to even pretend-date Komi, and Tadano takes the honors of the Komi fantasy scenario.
The final verdict of the perfect partner is as follows (ranked by the boys):
- Nakanaka
- Otori
- Komi
- Najimi
- Agari
- Onemine
- Yamai
- Makeru
- Inaka
Katai Makoto
In an instance of wrong-place-wrong-time, Katai falls ill (during Season 1) and is subsequently bedridden for two weeks, unfortunately missing out on the first days of school. Now some extra time off may not seem so bad, if it were not for the fact that the foundation of all future social systems are cemented early on, which generally stick with a person throughout their high school career. Having missed out on that crucial bonding period, Katai would have likely found himself shunned, and forced to spend his days as a loner.
Completely overwhelmed by the thought, Katai could not work up the courage to start at Itan Private High School once he had regained his health, and after isoating himself for several weeks, the Summer holidays were enentually upon him. Dragging himself out of a deep depression, Katai hit the gym to reinvent himself in a new hardcore image. With his bleach blonde hair for backup, Katai finally finds the confidence to join his class in Season 2 episode 1.
Unfortunately, Katai's attempts to look 'cool' wind up backfiring, as his muscular physique is more intimidating than welcoming. Finding himself alone once again, Katai approaches Komi and (literally) falls into the chair next to her, captured by the intensity of her gaze. After Tadano breaks the spell, Katai realizes that he can use the power of eye contact to address his own issues of social anxiety in order to make himself more approachable.
Komi, Katai & The New Guy
As the male equivalent of Komi, Katai is also a victim of extreme social anxiety, which provides an array of opportunities for the future storyline. It is quite possible that the two could form a strong bond due to their shared struggles, however, fans doubt that Katai's status would ever surpass Tadano's in Komi's eyes. Regardless of his theoretical connection to Komi, Katai will undoubtedly play a vital role in upcoming events, as he earned himself a substantial amount of screen time in the opening credit scene of Season 2 of Komi Can't Communicate.
Another character that fans may have noticed hogging the spotlight during the intro is a confident blue-haired boy named Naruse Shisuto. As Katai's (and Komi's) polar opposite, Naruse exudes a more narcissistic aura, as his favorite hobby is allegedly gazing into a mirror. In a delusional turn of events, Naruse gets the (ridiculous) impression that Komi is head-over-heels for him, opening the door to a plethora of entertaining antics and awkward encounters in future episodes of Komi Can't Communicate.