This Chrome extension, called Fakey, translates Japanese manga and Korean manhwa in real-time. It uses machine translation to overlay the original text with the chosen target language, allowing readers to enjoy these comics without needing pre-translated versions. Fakey supports a variety of languages and aims to make manga and manhwa more accessible to a global audience. It works directly within the browser, making the translation process seamless and convenient for readers.
TranslateManga offers a free web-based tool to instantly translate manga. Users simply upload a manga page image, and the service automatically detects text bubbles, translates them into the chosen language, and overlays the translation onto the original image. It supports a wide range of languages and aims to make reading manga in any language accessible and effortless. The translated manga pages can then be downloaded for offline viewing.
HN users discussed the legality and ethics of TranslateManga, given that it translates and republishes manga without explicit permission from copyright holders. Some expressed concern about the potential for abuse and negative impact on the manga industry, while others argued that it provides valuable access to content otherwise unavailable to non-Japanese speakers. Technical discussion centered around the quality of the translations, with some praising its accuracy while others pointed out frequent errors and awkward phrasing. Several commenters also suggested alternative translation methods and tools, and debated the practicality of machine translation versus human translation for manga. The potential for the site to improve language learning was also mentioned. A few users questioned the site's monetization strategy and the long-term viability of the project.
Summary of Comments ( 8 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43309261
HN commenters generally expressed skepticism and concern about Fakey's claims. Several pointed out the difficulty of accurately translating comics, especially with nuances like slang, onomatopoeia, and visual context. Some questioned the feasibility of real-time translation within a browser extension, suspecting significant server-side processing was involved, raising privacy concerns. Others mentioned existing, albeit imperfect, solutions and wondered about Fakey's comparative advantages. A few commenters requested information on pricing and the languages supported, while others simply dismissed the project as unlikely to deliver on its promises. The overall sentiment leaned towards cautious disapproval.
The Hacker News post discussing the "Fakey" Chrome extension for translating Japanese manga and Korean manhwa generated several comments, primarily focusing on the technical aspects, potential use cases, and ethical considerations of the tool.
Several commenters expressed interest in the technology behind the extension. One user questioned how Fakey handles different text placements and font sizes within manga, specifically asking about its accuracy in extracting and translating text embedded within speech bubbles and complex panel layouts. Another user inquired about the underlying OCR engine utilized by the extension and whether it uses pre-trained models or employs a proprietary solution. The discussion also touched upon the challenges of accurately translating onomatopoeia, common in manga and manhwa, and how Fakey addresses this specific linguistic hurdle.
Practical applications of the extension were also a topic of discussion. Some users highlighted its potential for language learning, suggesting that it could be a valuable tool for those studying Japanese or Korean. Others discussed its usefulness for accessing and enjoying content not readily available in translated formats, opening up a wider range of manga and manhwa to international audiences.
Ethical concerns surrounding the use of such a tool were also raised. One commenter questioned the implications for official translators and the potential impact on the manga and manhwa industry. The discussion touched on the possibility of the extension facilitating the consumption of pirated content and the potential repercussions for creators and publishers. This prompted further discussion about the responsibilities of users and the importance of supporting official releases whenever possible.
Finally, some users offered suggestions for improvement and expansion. One commenter proposed adding support for other languages, expanding the extension's utility beyond Japanese and Korean. Another user suggested integrating features for managing translated manga and manhwa, potentially creating a library or reading list within the extension itself. These suggestions highlight the potential for future development and the community's interest in seeing the tool evolve.