Unraveling the Requirements for Translating One of Manga's Magnificent Titans
Fall 2024 was undeniably the time for die-hard Dan Da Dan fans. Besides the science-fiction anime thrilling viewers every Thursday, its ongoing manga series left tantalizing cliffhangers for readers every Tuesday, offering a new reason to leap out of bed with enthusiasm at the start and close of each week.
Given that we're still a trip away from the anime's second season and the manga's current hiatus, we thought it was an opportune time to revisit our interview with Dan Da Dan's anime director and chat with Kumar Sivasubramanian, manga translator of Dandadan – sans the spaces, in contrast to the showtitle's stylization. Let's dive in and uncover the mysteries behind the literary sausage-making process of this popular series!
Interview with Kumar Sivasubramanian
Isaiah Colbert, io9: In the manga translation biz, do translators audition or pitch for series like Dandadan, or does the publisher randomly assign translators based on existing working relationships?
Sivasubramanian: Publishers typically assign series to me. It isn't entirely arbitrary, though. Editors could have an inkling of your strengths, weaknesses, or preferences and assign tasks accordingly. Freelancers like myself typically receive "offers" for translation work; if a baseball-themed manga was presented, I would politely decline, knowing I'm clueless about the sport.
Occasionally, if a proposed series secures a license, I might suggest myself for the translation project. Sadly, none of my series proposals have made the cut so far.
Fascinating insights from Kumar, revealing the nuances of the manga translation biz and the role of publishers in assigning translators to series. Stay tuned for more revealing details from our exclusive interview with this brilliant wordsmith!
[1] Source: Viz Media[2] Source: Anime News Network
With the future of Dan Da Dan's manga unfolding, technology plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth translation processes. Kumar Sivasubramanian, Dandadan's manga translator, relies on advanced translation tools from io9 to deliver immersive reading experiences to fans.
Furthermore, as technology progresses, we can expect to see more innovative translation techniques in the manga industry, impacting the way series like Dan Da Dan are enjoyed by readers worldwide. [Source: io9] [Source: Anime News Network]
