Fantasy Adventure Manga Translation Guide

Generally, for fantasy adventure manga targeting a Western audience, it's best to omit most Japanese honorifics (-san, -kun, -chan, -sama). They can pull readers out of the fantasy setting and aren't typically present in Western fantasy literature. However, 'sensei' or 'senpai' might be kept if they denote a specific master-apprentice or mentor relationship central to the plot, but explain their meaning if necessary.

It's usually best to keep fictional units as they are (e.g., 'gold coins,' 'zil,' 'mana points'). Translating them into real-world currency or metric units can break immersion and create anachronisms. If the original specifies a weight or distance in a non-standard unit, use the romanized term, perhaps with an editor's note if a direct comparison is crucial for understanding.

For unique spell names, if the original is purely phonetic, create an English equivalent that sounds impactful and mystical, often by translating descriptive elements (e.g., 'フレイムボール' to 'Flame Ball'). If it's a romanized word like 'Heal,' keep it. Consistency is key, especially if spells have ranks or variations (e.g., 'Firebolt,' 'Greater Firebolt').

Yes, many fantasy manga incorporate English loanwords (e.g., 'レベル (level)', 'クエスト (quest)', 'パーティー (party)'). These are generally kept as their English equivalents. Be mindful, however, that sometimes a Japanese loanword might have a slightly different nuance than its English origin; confirm its specific meaning in context.