#brandon bovia

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Kaiju No. 8 Vol. 10 is packed with action though a bit predictable at times

Kaiju No. 8 Vol. 10 is packed with action though a bit predictable at times #comics #ncbd #graphicnovel #manga

With the highest kaiju-emergence rates in the world, Japan is no stranger to attack by deadly monsters. Enter the Japan Defense Force, a military organization tasked with the neutralization of kaiju. Kafka Hibino, a kaiju-corpse cleanup man, has always dreamed of joining the force. But when he gets another shot at achieving his childhood dream, he undergoes an unexpected transformation. How can…

[bigbigtruck]

This is probably quite random but I was looking at your portfolio and I am just enamored by how you do SFX lettering. It looks so good. I wish I could manage that. Absolutely gorgeous. 😭

Ahhh thanks so much! Lettering was something I had to learn by sticking my hands right in the goop, so to speak. I’d already had some design & typography training before starting comics, but that’s what got me down to it. Been making a (modest) living as a comic letterer for 7 years as of 2024.

If you’re interested in learning more, I highly and wholeheartedly recommend Nate Piekos’ THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO COMIC BOOK LETTERING. It’s geared towards mainstream American comics, but the design principles, tech info, and readability/formatting guidelines apply just about anywhere. Nate apparently also has a YouTube channel with process videos, but I haven’t had the chance to check that out yet. Also check out Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou’s Twitter, (@HassanOE) where he posts recent samples of his sfx and dialog work. Most of the lettering work I do is for translated manga, and Sara Linsley and Brandon Bovia have been big inspirations there.

Anyway thanks again!! SFX lettering falls at the exact intersection of my passion for comics and my passion for quick textual/design communication and signage so aaaaa <3

[brainbuffering]

12 Days of Manga (2022)

Day 1: Favourite Ongoing Series - Snow White With The Red Hair by Sorata Akiduki from Shojo Beat (T: Caleb Cook L: Brandon Bovia E: Karla Clark)  

[ID: English cover for Snow White With the Red Hair Vol 19 by Sorata Akiduki. Kiki wears a burgendary psudo-european-medievial style dress with long flowing sleeves. In on hand she holds a wine glass, and in the other she gently clasps her sword. She sits sideways but looks knowingly at the viewer. Behind her, a festival at dusk is in full swing and we see the backs of Hisame (left) and Mitsuhide (right)]

This year (as of writing) the UK has been gifted Volumes 17 - 19 of SWWTRH*, covering the Bergat Arc which finally gave some more time for our beloved Kiki to shine and the return of everyone’s (read: my) favourite beloved arsehole Hisame Rougis. This more action and romance based arc was a nice return to form last year’s Orimmallys arc. As wonderful as it was to see the STEM elements of SWWTRH come to the forefront, with no doubt Cook’s experience on Dr Stone helping him translate all that psudo-science, I’m a simple Blogger who likes to see some swords and swooning.

That said, this combination of genres and themes really does highlight what makes the series so good. Anyone who tries to tell you that Shojo is all the same really needs to read this series because it will swing from mystery to romance to action adventure to science explainer in only a few chapters. I’ve said it elsewhere but I will say it again: it i also just so nice to have a manga I can confidently recommend to literally anyone! It’s a great starter for those looking to get into Shojo, be they a 10 year-old who has some book tokens to use up, or a 40 year old who wants to finally branch out beyond the Shonen Jump Sphere of Influence.

The series is also beautifully unintentionally queer, and that was highlighted again this year. Well, I say unintentionally. Some of SWWTRH’s contemparies in LaLa include explicitly queer stories such as Ouran High School Host Club, so who is to say how it will end? I can hold out for my bisexual polyamorous ending in which Obi, Zen and Shirayuki end up married with 2.5 children, right? With lines like this, it’s starting to feel more like text than subtext. 

[ID: Zen smiles widely. “You might have a trio who lived completely separate lives... ... but came together in the palace... ... to now spend their lives together, side by side.”]

But I digress. As I said! This was the year of the Kiki. We got to get more of a glimpse into her role as heir to the Seiren Family, and what expectations that holds. She got some closure on her relationship with Mitsuhide that, without spoilers, was very afirming from an Aro/Ace perspective, and started to see her take new steps with Hisame in a way that allows them both some character development and encourages world building! We also got to see her beat people up with a sword, although perhaps not as much as I would have liked. She did get her own dramatic “I’ll be shooting for my own hand” moment, with all the paralels and metaphors of working hard to choose your own fate and your own destiny, and to not get thrown by romantic rejection but rather remain to stay true to yourself no matter what. So I suppose I can’t really complain. 

[ID: Two manga pages of Kiki shooting arrows in the middle of the night, the range lit by fire light/beacons. The first ten arrows have missed the center of the target completely. Kiki looks disapointed and uncertain about everything. Then she appears to center herself and manages a bullseye.] 

I’ve said many times before, that I don’t think there is any reason for a series to go beyond 30 volumes. I can’t imagine any story that needs to go on for that long without it becoming far too repetative. However SWWTRH is one of those series that I will happily be buying for the next ten years! For one, unlike a lot of ongoing series, SWWTRH is not restricted to a time scale (e.g. three years of high school) or singular goal (e.g. entering the olympics). Shirayuki and Zen confirmed their romantic feelings early on, and whilst we want to see their relationship develop the pace it is going at feels realistic for people of their age, and in their situation.

Why should they get married at age 19? Shirayuki becoming a well respected court herablist will help her standing in marrying him, sure, but it’s also the goal she wants to achieve without romance being on the line either. Heck, even if her only goal was marriage, it’s perfectly reasonable to want to finish your studies before settling down! The story is not lessened by its slower pacing, but rather enhanced by it. Much like real life, it takes its time with each arc, meandering rather than steamrolling. Yet it doesn’t feel repetative, it doesn’t feel as though Akiduki dragging things out for the sake of it, but rather just allowing the characters to take moments to breathe inbetween events.

The characters are allowed to grow and change with the narrative, and have that be reflected within the story. There’s a whole time skip that takes place without it feeling like some big terrifying event, rather just the nature of what happens in adult life where you just spend a year focussing on your work and your studies, and so naturally don’t get up to the sort of major adventures that you might tell your grandkids about.

The series finds strength in the age of its characters, young adults growing into themselves and finding a purpose in life without fear of falling and failing. Obi is allowed to find comfort in the mundane, and not having to go on life changing ninja adventures all the time. Shirayuki’s focus on her studies living away from Zen doesn’t mean that their romantic relationship must come to an end, and she is allowed to develop completely independently of their love whilst still having that love be incredibly important to her! Mitsuhide is happy to live a life without marriage and kids because he cares more about the platonic relationships in his life, and wants to put his time and energy into those. Kiki is still working out what to do next now that her initial plan for life has turned side ways, and that’s good too! She has a support network in place to help! Zen meanwhile continues to be the perfect prince, the white haired anime boy all white haired anime boys should aspire to be, and I hope that he is able to move back in with his girlfriend and boyfriend full time. 

The joy here is in the journey, not in the destination, and i’ll happily continue on with these characters for years to come!

*The Americans have up to Vol 21, but the ongoing supply chain crisis and paper shortage are out to get me personally.

[onepiecepodcast]

Episode 624, "Marco Rises to the Occasion!" (with @BrandonBovia)

Episode 624, “Marco Rises to the Occasion!” (with @BrandonBovia)

On this week’s episode of The One Piece Podcast we have hosts Zach, Ed, Steve & Alex with Stephen Paul (translator for One Piece in Shonen Jump and Manga Plus), Brandon Bovia (letterer on Dragon Ball Super, Transformers: The Manga and more), and our high-level Patron Dan a/k/a GAMEAPARTMENT1C! This week we go through One Piece Chapter 981, “Joining The Fight.” We also have some Piece Together and…

[lumranmayasha]

Trying to resume posting on my Instagram regularly! Yesterday was Letterers Appreciation Day, so here’s the illustration I drew for our Letterers Roundtable on Manga Mavericks, featuring superstar Letterers Ace Christman, Brandon Bovia, Sara Linsley, and Aidan Clarke! Fun to draw all these guys and wonderful to chat the craft and career of lettering with them! Listen to the episode here! - http://all-comic.com/2022/manga-mavericks-ep-187-letterers-roundtable/ #letterersappreciationday #mangamavericks #manga #letterers #mangaletterers https://www.instagram.com/p/CiA318cuo1B/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[mangamavericks]

Our Mavericks go the extra mile with not just discussing their thoughts on this new hit series, but also invite on the entire localization team responsible for bringing new chapters to English readers every week, including editor Karla Clark,  translator David Evelyn, and past guest, letterer Brandon Bovia (who may or may not be an industry legend)! The Mavericks discuss with this lovely trio about the process of simulpubbing a series and the thought that goes into every single decision made in process, whether it be choosing the right type and size of font for the dialogue or translating certain honorifics. Enjoy!!

[sailor-harmony]

If the Millennium Puzzle houses a 3,000 year old ancient pharaoh, the Millenial Puzzle is a 30 year old who's just tired

— Brandon Bovia (@brandonbovia) July 28, 2020

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Kaiju No. 8 Vol. 9 is another fantastic volume that amps up the action

Kaiju No. 8 Vol. 9 is another fantastic volume that amps up the action #manga #comics #comicbooks #graphicnovel

With the looming threat of a cataclysm induced by No. 9, the next generation of the Defense Force takes steps to prepare. Reno undergoes training and becomes the first compatible user of No. 6 in history. Kafka sharpens his skills by learning squadron-style combat techniques under Hoshina’s tutelage. Meanwhile, Kikoru gets clearance from Narumi to inherit a powerful memento that once belonged to…

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Taking Care of God is an amazing manga that'll leave you pondering its meaning

Taking Care of God is an amazing manga that'll leave you pondering its meaning #comics #comicbooks #manga #graphicnovel

One strange day, roughly 20,000 otherworldly spaceships flew into stable orbit around the Earth. After six months with no contact from the mysterious spacecrafts, in a certain Asian village, a young girl named Zihan discovers an old man who fell from the sky. Soon, many more elderly drifters in similar clothing begin popping up all over the world-their numbers surpassing two billion in total.…

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Kaiju No. 8 Vol. 8 shows off why this series is so good as it focuses on Reno and his Numbers Weapon

Kaiju No. 8 Vol. 8 shows off why this series is so good as it focuses on Reno and his Numbers Weapon #comics #comicbooks #manga #ncbd #graphicnovel

Reno’s chance to show off the fruits of his Numbers Weapon training arrives when he’s ordered to take part in a live kaiju-combat field test. Meanwhile, Iharu, feeling left behind after witnessing Reno’s explosive progress, shifts his focus to improving his own skills-that is, until an abnormality strikes Reno during their neutralization mission and forces Iharu into action! Story: Naoya…

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Kaiju No. 8 Vol. 7 feels like it's the end of one chapter and kicks off the next

Kaiju No. 8 Vol. 7 feels like it's the end of one chapter and kicks off the next #manga #comics #comicbooks #graphicnovel #ncbd

Kafka is a kaiju clean-up man with dreams of joining the defense force. Now that they’ve raised the age of admission, he has a second shot to do so. Unfortunately, he’s also become part kaiju. Story: Naoya MatsumotoArt: Naoya MatsumotoBackground Art: Osamu KoiwaiFinishing Work: Jiro SakuraWeapon Design: Mantohihi BintaTranslation: David EvelynTouch-up Art and Lettering: Brandon BoviaDesign:…

[graphicpolicy]

Kaiju No. 8 Vol. 6 rocks the action and delivers some twists

Kaiju No. 8 Vol. 6 rocks the action and delivers some twists #comics #comicbooks #graphicnovel #manga

Kafka is a kaiju clean-up man with dreams of joining the defense force. Now that they’ve raised the age of admission, he has a second shot to do so. Unfortunately, he’s also become part kaiju. Story: Naoya MatsumotoArt: Naoya MatsumotoBackground Art: Osamu KoiwaiFinishing Work: Jiro SakuraWeapon Design: Mantohihi BintaTranslation: David EvelynTouch-up Art and Lettering: Brandon BoviaDesign:…

[graphicpolicy]

Kaiju No. 8 Vol. 5 begins a bit of a shift for the series

Kaiju No. 8 Vol. 5 begins a bit of a shift for the series #comics #comicbooks #manga #graphicnovel

Kafka is a kaiju clean-up man with dreams of joining the defense force. Now that they’ve raised the age of admission, he has a second shot to do so. Unfortunately, he’s also become part kaiju. Story: Naoya MatsumotoArt: Naoya MatsumotoBackground Art: Osamu KoiwaiFinishing Work: Jiro SakuraWeapon Design: Mantohihi BintaTranslation: David EvelynTouch-up Art and Lettering: Brandon BoviaDesign:…

[graphicpolicy]

Review: Kaiju No. 8 Vol. 4

Kaiju No. 8 Vol. 4 is another fantastic volume with solid action and takes the series in a new direction at the end #comics #comicbooks #manga

Kafka is a kaiju clean-up man with dreams of joining the defense force. Now that they’ve raised the age of admission, he has a second shot to do so. Unfortunately, he’s also become part kaiju. Story: Naoya MatsumotoArt: Naoya MatsumotoBackground Art: Osamu KoiwaiFinishing Work: Jiro SakuraWeapon Design: Mantohihi BintaTranslation: David EvelynTouch-up Art and Lettering: Brandon BoviaDesign:…

[brainbuffering]

12 Days of Manga 2022

Day 7: Favourite Trope

I have so many favourite tropes (especially when it comes to Shojo) that range from “The Grumpy One is Soft for the Sunshine One” to “Pretty Sure This Makes Me a Furry”. But instead here I’m going to give a tribute to all the Women With Weapons! May we one day get to see you all animated properly. (Seriously, Prince Freya might not be my favourite, but it would make for a great action anime when’s that gonna happen?)

So in alphabetical order, and only from those volumes/chapters I have read this year:

Edda from Prince Freya with a wood axe (M: Keiko Ishihara T: John Werry L: Sabrina Heep E: Pancha Diaz)

[ID: A woman in a long cloak holds a wood axe in two hands with an almost sensual expression. The handle on the axe is in line with her lips and the blade just above her head. She is in a castle, surrounded by skeletons in rotting clothes, many of them with swords sticking out of them. Black Speech bubbles read “All ye who wander the empty night... your names are... brother of sleep...”]

Freya from Prince Freya with a sword (M: Keiko Ishihara T: John Werry L: Sabrina Heep E: Pancha Diaz)

[ID: An adrogynous looking person (Freya) in a medievil-inspired soldier’s uniform and half-plate, smacks a sword into the side of a man in a full set of plate armour. The impact looks immense. Freya’s eyes are bright white, her teeth clenchd in determination.]

Kiki and her sword from Snow White With The Red Hair (M: Sorata Akiduki T: Caleb Cook L: Brandon Bovia E: Karla Clark)

[ID: Kiki points her sword directly at the head of a young soldier collapsed on his knees in the pouring rain. Her expression is that of showing no mercy as the boy yells at her. “This grand scheme may come to naught... ... but if he is permitted to live, my brother...”]

Lucy Yang from Blue Exorcist with her black daggers (M: Kazue Kato T: John Werry L: John Hunt)

[ID: A short, elderly chinese woman with her hair in a bun wears a traditonal robe. She stands ontop of a circular platform made of rock. She has a pipe in her mouth, and three daggers stick out of the long sleeves of her robes. Sound effects on either side of her read “Kting” and “Klang”. Someone off panel shouts: “The smaller demons disappeared!”]

Margret of Anjou from Requiem of the Rose King with a dagger, proving that I support women’s wrongs as well as women’s rights. (M: Aya Kanno T: Jocelyne Allen L: Sabrina Heep E: Joel Enos)

[ID: A faceless woman in Mid-1400s British Clothing stabs the leg of a blooded and batterd man tied to a pole causing him to cry out in pain. “Show me the same of your disgrace... ... or else my anger shall never be quenched!!”]

Mitsuri from Demon Slayer: Stories of Water and Flame with her Katana (M: Ryoji Hirano & Koyoharu Gotogue T: John Werry L: John Hunt E: Jennifer Sherman) 

[ID: Mitsuri protects a terrified woman and child from an unknown enemy. She brandashes her katana in one hand and holds a bomb made of stuck together dynamite. Her braided hair flies about dramatically, she has a fearsome expression.]

Rangetsu and her trusty polearm from The King’s Beast (M: Rei Toma T: JN Productions L: Monaliza De Asis E: Pancha Diaz)

[ID: An androgynous looking person with fox ears and a tail wearing an ancient chinese-inspired soldier’s uniform sits ontop of a pile of rocks. She is surrounded by dead bodies that at first glance appear to just be part of the rock formation. She has a mournful expression as she rests her bloodied polearm against her body. ‘No matter how much blood got on my hands. Even when... it coated me so heavily that the weight of it never went away.]

Silvia Sherwood from Spy X Family using a belt as an improvised weapon. (M: Tatsuya Endo T: Casey Loe L: Rina Mapa)

[ID: A middle aged woman with a ponytail and wearing a black skirt suit uses a belt to elegantly smash in the face of a security officer, sending him flying backwards. Sound effect in japanese is translated as ‘fwak’.]

Yae from Demon Slayer: Stories of Water and Flame and her hunter’s rifle (M: Ryoji Hirano & Koyoharu Gotogue T: John Werry L: John Hunt E: Jennifer Sherman)

[ID: A girl in traditional japanese winter mountain clothing, wearing a bandana/scarf over her black hair. She has a sad yet determined expression, as if holding back tears with everything she has. In her hands she holds a 1910s style hunting rifle with two spare bullets in her fingers. In boxed text: Aim for your target’s vital spot... And then squeeze.. the trigger.]

Yoshino from Yakuza Fiance with a knife (M: Asuka Konishi T: M. Fulcrum A: Sopha Tyrant L: Arbash Mughal E: Abb Lehrke)

[ID: Colour Page of a high school girl straddling the lap of a high school boy. She is pulling him aggressively by the collar, the wooden shieve of a knife in her mouth, and said knife at the boy's throat having already begun to slit it. She looks at the viewer with a ferocious glare. The boy is looking way too into all this. Text reads "Chapter 1: No place for a sore loser (Part 1)’]

Zacro from Tokyo Mew Mew and her whip (M: Reiko Yoshida & Mia Ikumi T: Elina Curran L: AndWorld Design)

[ID: An Older Teen Girl with long black hair, large wolf ears and a tail wears shorts and a heart shaped crop rop. She has a fur lined collar. She aggresively holds on to the end of a lasso/whip that is wrapped around a large moth like beast creature that is looking threateningly at her. A younger girl in a tunic and shorts raises her hands in the air in celebration. She has a monkey tail.]

[graphicpolicy]

Review: Kaiju No. 8 Vol. 3

Kaiju No. 8 Vol. 3 is a great volume that shifts the focus of the series a bit. An awesome spin on the #kaiju genre #comics #comicbooks #manga

Kafka is a kaiju clean-up man with dreams of joining the defense force. Now that they’ve raised the age of admission, he has a second shot to do so. Unfortunately, he’s also become part kaiju. Story: Naoya MatsumotoArt: Naoya MatsumotoBackground Art: Osamu KoiwaiFinishing Work: Jiro SakuraWeapon Design: Mantohihi BintaTranslation: David EvelynTouch-up Art and Lettering: Brandon BoviaDesign:…