Comic Book Collaboration
Cartoons, comics, and graphic novels introduce unique elements not found in other types of texts, most notably the extensive use of onomatopoeia, which varies widely across different cultures and languages.
Comic books have always had the power to inspire the imaginations of children, teens, and adults alike. However, this magic can only be preserved when the translator successfully conveys the story not just from one language to another, but also from one culture to another, all while staying true to the original work.
The first rule of comic book translation is simple: read comics—lots of them! The second rule is to specialize in this field, so you can envision the voices of the characters and convey them accurately, just as the original writer intended. Only by mastering both of these principles can one produce comic book translations that are not only effective and engaging, but truly flawless.
I grew up surrounded by comic books, enjoying timeless classics like Tintin, Spirou & Fantasio, The Adventures of Asterix, and many more. To this day, I continue to appreciate storytelling through animation and cartoons.
One day, the author Yared Girma reached out to inquire whether we offer comic book translation services. He introduced his comic book Kali’s Journey, and I immediately confirmed our ability to help. I then began assembling the team to work on the English, French, and Amharic versions. We started with the first volume into Amharic and my initial attempts to translate were not successful, we changed teams. We reviewed. It took months to finish. The author was not satisfied. I took another chance with the amharic translation, on this one, the result was satisfactory for Yared. For volume three he offered that he will do by himself and that we will do the editing.
The whole work done at different times in the period of three years and there were times that the author opted to use other translators than horizonTICO. I had not envisioned the challenges when it comes to comic translation and frustration brewed in both sides.
In the first semester of 2024, Yared gave use the three volumes for editing. I choose three women translator who are fond of languages and above humour. There will be another section of why I chose the three women in the near future.
Thus, the journey began to help the creators make their local work accessible to a global audience.