We exist in a global society. You can be an American, living in the U.S., and buy Cosplay gear from China, with just a few clicks on your smartphone. Likewise, people from all over the planet can make purchases from U.S.-based companies that now produce websites in multiple languages to target foreign consumers.
Another common factor among many cosplay fans is comic books. They have become a mainstay of pleasure and inspiration, providing exciting entertainment as well.
The problem is this: If these comics are produced only in English, how are counterparts in the rest of the world able to enjoy them?
The answer is, they can’t, unless they are translated and localized for multiple languages and cultures.
For example, Marvel Comics superheroes are known the world over, if only because movies about them have been translated into multiple languages, either via captions or voice-overs. And these superheroes have become beloved figures among many age groups in other countries.
It only makes sense, then, that publishers of comic books in these genres should be seeking translations as well. They see multiple benefits in doing so.
The Benefits of Comic Book Translations
Here are 4 benefits of translating comic books into multiple languages:
- Foreign audiences gain more insight into the characters
Comic books provide one more way in which people can gain more insights into the personalities, values, and principles of the major characters. Translating comic books is a great way to provide these insights, if they are translated well and full-service localization is used. - Revenue Opportunities
There is definitely a strong market for comic books all over the planet. In many places, including the U.S., they are considered to be a type of literature that can encourage and motivate students to read. Still others who are cosplay and superhero fans are always looking for comics in their native languages to purchase. Obviously, the publishers of comics stand to increase their revenues by tapping into these foreign markets. - Comics Bring a Global Community Together
A “community” is no longer a sub-group within a country or region. It is now a sub-group within the world – people from everywhere with common interests, hobbies, careers, etc. who share and communicate with one another. Consider just the medical field, where researchers from all over the globe share their work to improve global health. When a comic book community can read the same comics, they can share their thoughts and reactions, so long as they have translation resources, if needed. - Comic Book Translation Has Opened New Translation Careers
Entertainment translation careers include such positions as captions or voiceovers for movies; they include the ever-growing translation and localization involved in gaming; and they have included translation of literature for many years. Translation of comic books rather combines the skills involved in gaming and literature, for a unique career involving both translation and localization of words and images. Those who seek translation work in this field can get help from TranslateHub as they craft their resumes and prepare for interviews.
Our World is Shrinking
The digital age has shrunk the world in so many ways. Multi-national corporations conduct business all over the planet; individuals native to one country are working in another; e-commerce businesses now have international audiences and customer bases; and individuals may communicate with others anywhere, so long as they have a common language. Translations of literature, including comic books, allows people to absorb cultural values and nuances of the country of origin of these works. Comic books are thus an important bridge among cultures.
Author Bio: Elizabeth Baldridge is a researcher and writer who focuses on constantly changing values of cultures all over the world. She is a frequent contributor to blogs and is currently authoring a book on how global consumerism has impacted cultures in developing countries.
