German vs. American

[katikat]

I've begun reading the German version of Kizuna again (they've published all the 10 vols already) and I've noticed that there are vast differences in the way the German translate/edit/publish Japanese manga and how the American do it.

I think that the biggest difference is in how they handle the F/X, the sounds, emotions etc. that the mangaka scrawl over the pictures. I have yet to find an US version of manga that would have the Japanese signs painstakingly deleted, the pictures rebuilt and have the English version of these F/X only. So far, I've noticed that they leave the Japanese sings and simply add the English meaning in this teeny weeny writing. After a while you stop notice it. But then you pick a German manga and it bashes you right over the head - in the German version, it's deleted and replaced. It a) looks much nicer and b) is much more enjoyable and funny. For example the scene where Enjoji notices the little scar on Ran-chan's otherwise flawless skin and pinches him... XD It looks so cute when the "pinch" (naturally the German version of this word) is written in these bold letters that really match the angry face that Ran-chan makes at that moment. I think it's really sad that even though the American versions of manga are more expensive, they are not really thorough with the editing of the original :( And that's really too bad.

Comments

[keire-ke.livejournal.com]

You have to admire the Germans, they're so thorough. When you pick up a German edition you know that a bunch of professionals prepared it, which is sadly not always the case with other editions. *nods*

[katikat.livejournal.com]

That's true. It saddens me that the American want so much money for it and do not pay attention to details. I would buy all my manga in Germany but the shipping costs would kill me. It's weird that the shipping is cheaper from across the ocean than from a neighbouring country X(

[kwycksylver.livejournal.com]

I feel lucky if I can find the manga I am buying released on a timely basis.

[katikat.livejournal.com]

True, true. I wanted to buy Lies and Kisses, Empty Heart and the Finder series and none of that is available via Amazon. Darn it :(

[matimate.livejournal.com]

I have no opportunity to comapre those three edition. But yes Geramns make better work in the manga bussines as I noticed with Fake and Utena which I own.

[katikat.livejournal.com]

I've bought lotsa German manga when I was in Germany last year. It's wonderfully done and the text is so thoroughly edited and replace. I wish the American would take so much care with it :(