The Art of Translating Dandadan: A Conversation with Kumar Sivasubramanian
Introduction
The year 2024 witnessed the meteoric rise of Dandadan, a captivating anime and manga series that captivated audiences with its unique blend of supernatural horror and comedic hijinks. As the anime enthralled viewers on Thursdays, its ongoing manga counterpart provided an additional dose of excitement every Tuesday, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the beginning and end of their week.
With the anime’s second season still on the horizon and the manga currently on hiatus, we delve into the intricate world of manga translation by chatting with Kumar Sivasubramanian, the translator responsible for bringing Dandadan to English-reading audiences. In this exclusive interview, we unravel the complexities of translating this popular series for English-speaking sensibilities.
The Translation Process
io9: In the manga translation industry, do translators typically audition or pitch themselves for series like Dandadan, or are they assigned arbitrarily by their publishers?
Kumar Sivasubramanian: It varies. Some publishers have an open call for translators, where anyone can submit a sample translation for review. Others, like VIZ Media, maintain a roster of translators who they assign to specific series based on their expertise and availability. In the case of Dandadan, VIZ approached me directly to translate the series.
io9: What are some of the key considerations when translating a manga series like Dandadan, which features a unique blend of genres and cultural nuances?
Sivasubramanian: The most important thing is to stay true to the original Japanese text and the author’s intent. However, it’s also crucial to adapt the translation for English-speaking readers, ensuring that the dialogue flows naturally and is easy to understand. For Dandadan, this meant balancing the series’ comedic and horror elements while preserving its cultural significance.
Cultural Sensitivity
io9: How do you handle cultural references and puns that may not translate directly into English?
Sivasubramanian: It’s a delicate balance. Sometimes, it’s possible to find equivalent references or puns in English. Other times, I opt for a more literal translation, providing context or footnotes to help readers understand the cultural significance. For example, in Dandadan, there’s a character who is a "Kappa," a mythical Japanese water imp. I kept the term "Kappa" in the translation and included a brief explanation of its origins in a footnote.
Creative Collaboration
io9: Do you work closely with the editorial team at VIZ Media to ensure accuracy and consistency?
Sivasubramanian: Absolutely. I have regular communication with the editors, who provide feedback and notes on my translations. They help me identify any potential errors and make suggestions for improving the clarity and flow of the text. Their expertise is invaluable in maintaining the quality and authenticity of the finished product.
The Challenges of Accuracy
io9: What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a manga translator, particularly with a series like Dandadan?
Sivasubramanian: One of the biggest challenges is capturing the subtle nuances and humor of the original text. Dandadan is a very fast-paced and dialogue-heavy series, so it’s important to convey the characters’ personalities and reactions accurately while keeping the translation engaging. Another challenge is ensuring consistency throughout the series, especially when translating references or recurring jokes.
The Rewards of the Craft
io9: What is the most rewarding aspect of translating a series like Dandadan?
Sivasubramanian: It’s the feeling of bringing a beloved work to a new audience and sharing it with those who may not have had the opportunity to experience it in its original language. It’s also incredibly gratifying to see how readers connect with the characters and story, and to contribute to the global appreciation of manga.
Conclusion
Translating a manga series like Dandadan is a complex and multifaceted task that requires a deep understanding of both the original language and the target audience. Through the careful balancing of cultural nuances, creative collaboration, and unwavering attention to detail, Kumar Sivasubramanian has played a pivotal role in introducing this captivating series to English-speaking readers around the world. As we eagerly await the return of Dandadan in both anime and manga form, we can rest assured that the literary sausage will continue to be made with the utmost care and precision.
