Do you read original or translated manga?

[Snouman88]

When manga is translated to english or other lauguages, it loses it's magic (my opinion). Manga should be readed in japan if possible. Ofcourse japan is tricky language to learn and we can not expect everybody to practice a new language just for reading comics.

What do you think about translated manga and dubbed anime? I personally accept translating but dubbing goes too far (dubbed anime makes me feel sick).

[gl0ww0rm]

translating manga, is good for me as i cannot read japanese. but i agree with you that dubbing anime.. is just wrong... it loses all the fun of it, but i still dont understand why people like the english versions more than the original jap ones =\

[sii]

- I don't know Japanese.
- I have no will, discipline, or motivation to learn Japanese.

Thus, I read them translated.

And if you don't understand why people would like the dubbed, english versions of SOME anime, I recommend you see a couple of dubbed episodes of Cowboy Bebop, then compare it to the subbed.

[Suiko Eiji]

When manga is translated to english or other lauguages, it loses it's magic (my opinion). Manga should be readed in japan if possible. Ofcourse japan is tricky language to learn and we can not expect everybody to practice a new language just for reading comics.

Only read them in Japanese. No BS about "it losing it's magic" or anything like that; it's actually just more practical for me as I can use them for quick refreshers in Japanese. Plus, it gives my manga collection, albeit small, a unique flavor.

I only recommend learning Japanese* for people who are seriously upset with either translations (or how they perceive them) or the availabiltiy of titles.

What do you think about translated manga and dubbed anime? I personally accept translating but dubbing goes too far (dubbed anime makes me feel sick).

No effect on me. I read only one translated manga (and only because I started seriously reading it in English ages ago) and typically watch anime subtitled for clearer understanding/laziness. Dubbed anime and translated manga service an audience for which I am not really a part of; I've got no beef with it.

*well, anime and manga are actually on the bottom of the list for reasons to learn Japanese; I more or less think of anime and manga as fringe benefits of learning Japanese.

[kenshinbebop]

It really doesn't matter to me. I CAN read the original, but I mosrtly read the translated because I don't fell like importing/looking for the originals. I'd much rathe spend the money on music/imported music...

As for original/dub, again, it doesn't really affect me. I have more dubbed than original, and I rarely turn on Japanese if I have the option on the dubbed...
Most of the time I watch it dubbed and THEN subbed and then compare...

[Sushikins]

I don't see anything wrong with translated titles and I don't mind reading them, even if they are edited (usually I'll seek out unedited scans if the editing is really bad.) I can read the originals assuming they have furigana, since I don't know much kanji, but even then, my understanding at what might be going on can vary and is rarely at 100% unless I've read it before in English or seen an anime adaptation.

[Delta-Pheonix]

1. Don't know Japanese (yet ;) )
2. The only place i can find Manga's only sell translated.

when it comes to Anime though i usuallyswitch to Japanese+subs though i always watch it in English at least once to hear what they sound like.
RahXephon *Shudder*

[gameoffreak8]

I don't know Japanese language. I read translated and latest manga such as Bleach and Naruto.

[goddessofanime]

When manga is translated to english or other lauguages, it loses it's magic (my opinion). Manga should be readed in japan if possible. Ofcourse japan is tricky language to learn and we can not expect everybody to practice a new language just for reading comics.

What do you think about translated manga and dubbed anime? I personally accept translating but dubbing goes too far (dubbed anime makes me feel sick).

Not everyone can understand Japanese so yes, I read translated manga.

As for dubbing anime, there's good ones and there's bad ones. I take it show by show.

[Mikadzuki Tatsu]

Since I can't read Japanese (although one day that will change), my only option is to read translated manga. Even if I could read Japanese, I don't think that would stop me from buying translated manga. I would just buy Japanese-language and translated manga. :P

[Japhyl]

I can't read Japanese, but I've thought of buying original manga just to have a copy of the original version because I think it looks better. If I could read Japanese, I would buy original manga, but I would still buy translated manga too.

[master terrence]

I've enjoyed english transelated manga, but then again, I can't read japanese.

When manga is translated to english or other lauguages, it loses it's magic (my opinion). Manga should be readed in japan if possible. Ofcourse japan is tricky language to learn and we can not expect everybody to practice a new language just for reading comics.

What do you think about translated manga and dubbed anime? I personally accept translating but dubbing goes too far (dubbed anime makes me feel sick).


beware of the prons, he needs subbers.

[Chousho]

I struggle through, but I am now buying imports only. I have found that reading (or looking up in a dictionary if I don't know a word) helps me alot faster than just using a text book. Practical application, maybe?

Anyways, I don't feel one way or another about translated manga anymore, I could really care. Besides, I can get usually 3 or so volumes for the usual $10 for a US volume. Plus the imports usually have a better image on the dust cover, along with better images on the pages (contrast, etc).

[dreamer]

I don't know Japanese, or maybe I should say, very little of it, and I have no intention to learn it soon. So I have to stay with translated ones. But by "translated" I meant in Chinese (Manderin). ^O^

A few of my collections (very few) are in English, and that's only because no Chinese ones can be found (or they came out after I bought the english ones...). Somehow I find the feelings of a manga is altered and became very different when it is written in English -- they felt like US comics for me. :P Not that I don't like it, it's just English gave manga a "non-asian" feeling and that's not always good.

I also find manga in English may loss it's meaning in some way, particularly the names. Many shounen manga have characters with names that mean something else in Japanese, either to resemble their appearances or their personalities. But when you write them in English (which are only the "sounds" of the name), you loss that hidden meaning. For example, in Eyesield 21, the big guy's name is "Kurita", where "kuri" means "chestnuts" in Japanese (and if written in Chinese it's the same word). But when it is written in English, Kurita, unless you know quite a bit about Japanese, you won't realise how suitable that name is to the character. I think that's a loss.

As for anime, I don't care if it's dubbed, as long as it suits the character well. I just am more used to hearing them talking in Japanese that's all.

[Snouman88]

Somehow I find the feelings of a manga is altered and became very different when it is written in English -- they felt like US comics for me. Not that I don't like it, it's just English gave manga a "non-asian" feeling and that's not always good.

Thats exactly what I wanted to way. It just feels different when it is translated. Even it feels different, I accept it since not many can understand or read japan.

I must admit that I am half japanese (from my mothers side) and therefore I have had advantage in learning japanese (I have never lived in japan though).

[kiyomi]

I can read both.

[Chousho]

Somehow I find the feelings of a manga is altered and became very different when it is written in English -- they felt like US comics for me. :P Not that I don't like it, it's just English gave manga a "non-asian" feeling and that's not always good.

Somehow I find the feelings of a manga is altered and became very different when it is written in Chinese -- they felt like manhua for me. :P Not that I don't like it, it's just Chinese gave manga a "non-japanese" feeling and that's not always good.

:D

I once bought some "manga" on eBay, only to find when I receved them that they were TLC (Chinese) when they had been advertised as Japanese. I was not happy, and when I emailed the seller, they told me, "Oh, I thought they were all Japanese. I can't read it." Not that I fault him for not being able to read, but still.

[Shirubia]

As I cannot read Japanese (except Kana) I prefer translated Manga ;) I got certain original Manga magazines, it's possible to understand the storyline just through the pictures sometimes (especially Nakayosi/Ribon etc -style shoujos)...

[Meganly-chan]

I CAN read the originals, but it's an exhausting process of words I was already familiar with complete with flipping through kanji, grammar, and vocab dictionaries, then putting it all together so it makes sense, etc. Translated manga are more practical for me, though I still collect imports for what I believe will never be licensed.

[Soluzar]

In about two years I might be able to read manga in the original language, if I follow through with the plans I've got. Right now I might understand 10 sentances from the whole tankouban. That would suck.

[Mika-chan]

Depends on the manga. In general, Japanese manga is WAY cheaper than translated manga (but that`s because I`m living in Japan now and English manga is the "imported" stuff). If the manga has furigana in it, they`re easier for me to read (and look up words when I need to). On occasion I`ll get josei (lady`s) comics, but they tend to be all kanji and it takes me forever to get through them. Sometimes I`ll have the Japanese, scanslated, and official translated version just to compare things.

[Levon]

Some fanboys go too far with this translation crap, might as well say the Bible loses its magic if you don't read it in Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek or whatever languages its original language are.

Anime is just entertainment! Foreign media needs to be translated for others to understand.


What do you think about translated manga and dubbed anime? I personally accept translating but dubbing goes too far (dubbed anime makes me feel sick).

Well dubbing is a part of translating you know. I don't know what you mean by dubbing goes too far, many enjoy them & without them anime would not be anywhere near as popular in the US & we wouldn't have much R1 DVDs. You should be thankful that dubs exist, no reason it should make you sick, its not like anyone is forcing you to watch dubs so stop being an arrogant fanboy.

[Bernard_Monsha]

Please don't start a subs vs dubs flamewar

[dreamer]

Somehow I find the feelings of a manga is altered and became very different when it is written in Chinese -- they felt like manhua for me. Not that I don't like it, it's just Chinese gave manga a "non-japanese" feeling and that's not always good.

:D I think I understand. The only reason that I find Chinese ones don't have the "foreign" feeling that English ones do, is because I was raised reading manga in Chinese, and for me Chinese is the one of the "original" language of manga. :P But I suppose if I'm better at Japanese, I might start to find reading in Chinese is not very "original". ^_^

I once bought some "manga" on eBay, only to find when I receved them that they were TLC (Chinese) when they had been advertised as Japanese. I was not happy, and when I emailed the seller, they told me, "Oh, I thought they were all Japanese. I can't read it." Not that I fault him for not being able to read, but still.

I won't blame him. He's out there somewhere. :lol: (At least he didn't think it's Korean. :P)

[Chef Wun]

The thing is about dubbed anime is that dubbing is often done by American companies therefore the young Japanese stars often end up sounding like grown up Americans (I mean no-offence whatsoever to any American People out there btw) good example is Asuka in The End of Evangelion. - She is a 14 year old German who sounds like a 40 year old Texan in the dubbed version.

As for Manga i don't see any of this "loses it's magic" stuff, Granted it does seem weird if you read english style - Left to right - Because all the Pictures are backwards.

[Chousho]

I won't blame him. He's out there somewhere. :lol: (At least he didn't think it's Korean. :P)
I think even most white people can tell Korean from anything else. I know several people who can't read one character from an East Asian language, but know Korean since it's "that roundy liney one".

However, not to be proven wrong, I found an auction (also on eBay) a couple years ago selling "Chinese" Dragonball manga. The image was clearly Korean, but like before, some people just can't tell.


Anyway, about before - I suppose I can see where you're coming from about Chinese seeming more authentic than English. You grew up with the Chinese, so it's more personal (or some better word I can't think of). Also, some things can come across better between 2 Asian cultures than from 1 Asian to 1 Western culture. I suppose also Kana and Kanji to Hanzi feel as if more is kept too, although that still depends on who did the translation.

A lil off/on topic. I was reading through the original Love Hinas I had just gotten, and was comparing them side by side with the Tokyopop. Alot of the pages were cropped and were overly saturated. No matter how good the translation, I'll stick with the original after comparing all of the ones I have of both (Jp and En) and seeing the differences.

[dreamer]

I suppose also Kana and Kanji to Hanzi feel as if more is kept too, although that still depends on who did the translation.

Exactly. I was reading another series the other day (no idea what it is called in Japanese), and I read 2 volumes from different publishers. Volume one was from HK and the second one from Taiwan. I have to say, although I grew up reading manga from Taiwan, I just can't believe how "stupid" the Taiwanese translation for that particular series was. In HK version, they kept the original kanji of the name of the main character, BUT, in TW version, they used another word which has a similar "sound" to the kanji but with a totally different meaning. And the meaning of his name was quite important in plot development... To make matter worse, in volume 3, he actually "explained" to others why he is called what he's called, and by reading the TW version you would have absolutely no idea why his name and the meaning were related... :mad: (The original word for his name means "widower", which was extended to mean that he had lost half of himself that's like his significant other. But the word in TW version means, "coolness"..... >_<)

I thought they should have more sense about translation... I was utterly disppointed with them for that one... It's time like this I started to wonder if I should pick up my Japanese or not. But then again, I'm never good with languages so maybe not. :(

[Chousho]

Exactly. I was reading another series the other day (no idea what it is called in Japanese), and I read 2 volumes from different publishers. Volume one was from HK and the second one from Taiwan. I have to say, although I grew up reading manga from Taiwan, I just can't believe how "stupid" the Taiwanese translation for that particular series was. In HK version, they kept the original kanji of the name of the main character, BUT, in TW version, they used another word which has a similar "sound" to the kanji but with a totally different meaning. And the meaning of his name was quite important in plot development... To make matter worse, in volume 3, he actually "explained" to others why he is called what he's called, and by reading the TW version you would have absolutely no idea why his name and the meaning were related... :mad: (The original word for his name means "widower", which was extended to mean that he had lost half of himself that's like his significant other. But the word in TW version means, "coolness"..... >_<)

I thought they should have more sense about translation... I was utterly disppointed with them for that one... It's time like this I started to wonder if I should pick up my Japanese or not. But then again, I'm never good with languages so maybe not. :(

Wow, I've wondered about that - if the Chinese ones used the same characters or if they used ones based purely on the phonetics (sound) of the name. Widower to Cool is a drastic difference, though, ahaha. I know some of my friends get their manga from Taiwan, but I think it's more because it's cheaper (not sure how much) than ours.

As far as not being good with languages... I can tell that you're just underestimating yourself. You can speak English and Chinese, so you already have a base in your mind for conversion between different families of language. Along with this you have a drastic advantage over most Americans trying to learn Japanese, as you should be familiar with quite a few kanji/hanzi, even though not EVERY one has the same meaning or strokes, quite a few are similar. Just wondering, are you familiar with traditional or simplified?

[Scandiadream]

I have to read it translated because I cannot read Japanese.

Plus, in a few cases, the translated language IS the language that the characters are speaking.

[Chef Wun]

In some cases they sort of combine them, Such as still using honorifics and having the picture orientation right to left and presenting names "Backwards". But translation really sucks when they translate the literal meaning of people's names (such as Raito - Light in Death Note.)

[Lemina]

I pretty much only read translated manga since I don't know Japanese and I could only understand English and Spanish. What I've read so far I understood well enough and I didn't think it lost its magical touch just because it was translated. Especially Yuu Watase's stories which immediately come to mind. I thought they were so wonderful and well-written that I couldn't see any flaws in the way they were translated. Although, I wouldn't know what to expect or how different it would be if I read it in Japanese. That would be great to try just to see how much better it would be. One day, perhaps, I will seriously consider taking Japanese courses in college. I would take great pride in learning it, I would finally be able to understand subtitled anime, music, and films, and then I'd take a look at original manga and see what the hype was all about. ;)

[GodFAllen]

For me I've always read translated mangas or those that have been written in English. One is I cant read Japanese and another would be that I dont have the time nowadays to learn the Japanese language. But however sometimes the translation of the comic itself is atrocious or poor quality of it....A manga that I used to read before had two completely different translations abt what was happening.....Made me boggle my mind before I grew tired abt it

[Onsokubatsu]

I've tried reading original manga, but my Japanese sucks, so English tends to be easier for me. But then I tend to have issues with translations and worser quality books and the expensive prices. I do stick with a few translated titles though, but I buy very little these days. I tend to go to my local comic book shop and flip through their selections a lot of the time.

[dreamer]

Wow, I've wondered about that - if the Chinese ones used the same characters or if they used ones based purely on the phonetics (sound) of the name. Widower to Cool is a drastic difference, though, ahaha. I know some of my friends get their manga from Taiwan, but I think it's more because it's cheaper (not sure how much) than ours.

Let's see... A Taiwanese manga is US$5 in average. It is really cheap in comparison, but not that much cheaper than Japanese ones.

Just wondering, are you familiar with traditional or simplified?

Maybe I should learn Japanese, in the future. Too much is going on at the moment. ^_^ Anyway, I grew up with traditional chinese but now I can read both tradtional and simplified with no trouble (though I can't write proper simplified chinese... I always forgot which character has a simplified form and which doesn't.)

[DFAx]

i get whatever i can
i try not to be too picky about it.

[taily]

uuuurrgg.....I really wish I could read japenese! but unfortunately i read it all in english.
#hides in corner to start studying japanese#

[AkitoZ]

I wish i could read japanese but sadly im sticking to translated manga because i wouldnt be able to read the original version. Also the good thing about the original is the price is a lot cheaper than translated ones.

[Meggles]

I can only read English, and even if I could read Japanese I have no way of getting my hands on Japanese manga because the local bookstore doesn't stock it.

When it comes to anime, I don't buy it, I just watch it on adultswim, therefore I've only watched dubbed anime.

[Stelok]

I read original manga only if there are no available translations, even though I can't read Japanese. I check the originals just to look at the fanservice and/or at least try to grasp the storyline in the manga.

[Nylon]

I read original manga only if there are no available translations, even though I can't read Japanese. I check the originals just to look at the fanservice and/or at least try to grasp the storyline in the manga.


lol...

Well Ive been reading translated manga. even manhwa

I wish to read it in japanese so im trying to learn [not my only motive though].
Ive even baught a couple japanese manga to help me learn.

[Shawaazu]

I have read untranslated manga before, but not often. It helps me practice reading Japanese a lot, but I'm just a beginner and only know about 3/4 of the hiragana alphabet and some kanji.

[loplop]

I read both, which is necessary because too many good mangas don't licensed in the States . . . .

[goddessofanime]

I like to look at untranslated ones though I can't read them for sh*t. So, for the most part, I read translated ones.

[iria76]

I want so badly to learn Japanese,it is a beautiful language,but as mentioned above,it's a very tricky language to master.I read only translated at this point but i would love anyone to suggest the best way to learn to read Japanese.The debate on the anime side of things...I look it at the way Goddess does...some shows are great with both,some aren't,just watch both sub and dub and decide which one you want to continue the series/OVA/film.I believe Grenadier to be great in both languages!!!

[firelarc]

i read translation. ive yet to learn japanese. i mean im learning spanish as it is. learning 2 langauges simultaniously is too difficult.

[Chidori Raikiri]

I just read translated stuff, as well as watch dubbed anime. I have a different view on dubbing than most people. The way I see it, if I want to read then I'll buy the manga. As of now, I have yet to come across a dub that is too bad to watch.

edit: I guess I do watch stuff in japanese, but only if there is no dub avaliable.

[lunarvesperia]

I read currently in italian translation,nothing is edited,and the translation is pretty good,i prefer it from the english tbh.I dont think that it looses its magic,that depends on how good its translated,and that depends also from the language.We cant all go learn Japanese.
I dont like dubbed anime,with some exceptions that better work was made in my opinion.

[Seth1563]

Well at the moment I don't know japanese, but I'm going to start learning in a few months. The only reason I'm learn is so I can read the original manga before they translate it. And also so I can get other cool japanese stuff.

[lunarvesperia]

lol i just noticed that someone revived a dead thread and i answered it :P

[Meggles]

I've never read it, but I saw this manga online that taught you how to read japanese...I might check it out if I run out of translated manga(not gonna be anytime soon)