Scanlation

Scanlation: Beyond Translation Scanlation, a portmanteau of scan and translation, refers to the process of scan-scraping and translating manga (Japanese comics) or manhwa (Korean comics) without the permission of the copyright holder. Although scanlation has been a hotly debated topic in the industry, it has changed the way people consume manga and manhwa all over the world. Scanlation gained prominence in the early 2000s with the mainstream adoption of the internet. The availability of high-quality scans and translating software made it possible for scanlation groups to flourish. These groups typically scan the comic and translate it into English, French, Spanish, or other languages. They then distribute their work on various websites or forums where fans can read manga or manhwa for free. While scanlation certainly democratized access to manga and manhwa, it has also caused some controversy. Authors and publishers argue that scanlation causes a loss of revenue and hinders creative control over their work. Critics also note that fansubs do not represent the cultural nuances found in the source material. Despite these criticisms, fans of scanlation argue that it serves a valuable purpose in the comic book industry. Fans often use scanlations as a way to sample manga or manhwa that is not available in their countries. This exposure often leads to fans purchasing the official releases. Scanlations also act as a way to introduce readers to up-and-coming creators whose work is not yet widely available. Scanlation also acts as a way for underrepresented voices to be heard. For example, women and LGBTQ+ creators have traditionally had a hard time getting their work published in Japan. Groups like the Wandering Ones have translated and published many works featuring these creators, allowing them to build a wider audience. Independent scanlation groups have done much more than just translate and distribute comics, they’ve also shaped the comic book industry itself. Scanlation companies like Seven Seas Entertainment and Yen Press are now using scanlation techniques, manga fandom culture, and social media to market and promote their own publications. Some scanlation groups go even further and collaborate with authors and publishers to create official translations. The scanlation group, MangaStream, worked with Kodansha Comics to produce the English-language release of Attack on Titan. Such an approach has also been successful in changing the laws surrounding scanlation. In 2010, Toriyama Akira, the author of Dragonball, gave scanlation sites his blessing and encouraged fans to read his work online, as long as they bought the official copies when they became available. Since then, many publishers have taken a more permissive stance on scanlation and allow creators to post their own comics online. In conclusion, scanlation serves a valuable purpose in the comic book industry. It exposes readers to comics they may not otherwise have read and helps to promote and market the work of up-and-coming creatives. While its legality has long been disputed, scanlation highlights the evolving relationship between creators, publishers, and readers. Scanlation is no longer just about translating, but about collaborating with creators and using new technologies to build a vibrant, international community around comics.