When individuals dive into the world of manga, they are often captivated by the catchy one-liners and vibrant illustrations that adorn the pages. However, what many overlook is the intricate work put into the lettering and graphic design, meticulously crafted by talented professionals to bring Japanese manga to a Western audience. We had the opportunity to speak with skilled letterers such as Brandon Bovia, Evan Hayden, Sara Linsley, Aidan Clarke, Barri Shrager, Kyla Aiko, and Finn K. about the intricacies of typesetting some of the best manga out there.
Manga lettering is a collaborative effort between publishers and translators, where letterers meticulously place English text into manga pages, ensuring that everything from dialogue to signs is localized for Western readers. Using software like InDesign and Photoshop, letterers adapt the typography of manga to suit a Western audience, even creating fonts from scratch if necessary. This process involves not only setting dialogue in speech bubbles but also translating onomatopoeia and stylizing fonts to enhance the overall reading experience.
Unlike Western comic books, manga letterers face the unique challenge of adapting every element of Japanese text into English, from dialogue to signs and sound effects. This often entails erasing and redrawing text elements to seamlessly integrate English into the artwork. The process of retouching manga art is labor-intensive and requires precision to maintain the integrity of the original work.
Each letterer brings their own artistic touch to their work, whether through digital typesetting or hand-drawn lettering. While modern fonts are suitable for contemporary manga, some artists prefer hand-drawing sound effects to preserve the authenticity of older works. Publishers may have specific requirements for lettering, such as font size and leading, adding another layer of complexity to the process.
Despite the creative challenges of manga lettering, letterers face issues with pay and work-life balance. Rates for lettering have remained relatively stagnant over the years, and letterers may need to take on additional work to supplement their income. Meeting tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously can lead to long hours and potential burnout.
In the end, manga lettering is a labor of love that requires dedication, skill, and a keen eye for detail. Letterers play a crucial role in bringing Japanese manga to a global audience, ensuring that every word is carefully crafted to enhance the reader’s experience.