Azumanga Daioh interview with Susan Itin (ADV Manga)

David Rasmussen : Tell us a bit about yourself, who are you, what your job at ADV is, etc.

Susan Itin : My title is publishing editor. Back in May 2003, I joined ADV Manga and helped launch this new division of ADV Films. ADV Manga has quickly grown to more than 30 employees, in addition to a myriad of freelance translators and graphic artists. These figures are a testament to our astonishing growth.

Rasmussen : How did you become an Editor with ADV in the first place? And what did you do prior to joining ADV?

[image2]Susan Itin : I first heard about the opportunity through a connection with the first Newtype USA editor-in-chief, Kimberly Guerre (Gary Steinman now holds this position). It sounded very interesting and well suited to my diverse background that spans some 20 years in publishing and printing. During my career, I have served in a variety of management roles supervising graphic artists, illustrators, writers, and proofreaders, as well as directing the production process for a wide range of printed materials. I have worked for some of the world's leading brands, including American Express, Continental Airlines and Coca-Cola Foods, to name a few. This rich, well-rounded background has proved indispensable for ADV Manga, as we have pushed forward into this burgeoning market.

Rasmussen : Is there any mangas or animes that you're presently into right now? Tell us about them (even if they're from a rival company).

Susan Itin : I personally love the series Those Who Hunt Elves (ADV Manga). Incidentally, this title is currently running on The Anime Network, the first cable channel in North America dedicated to anime. The story features an actress, a martial arts expert and a military specialist who are magically transported to a strange land, filled with magic and mystery. The book follows their adventures as they struggle to find their way back home, which can only happen if they uncover the elusive "return spell," which has divided into pieces and tattooed onto six female elves. It's quirky, it's adventurous, and you couldn't pry it from my hands if you tried!

Rasmussen : For those readers not familiar with Azumanga Daioh, can you tell them a bit about it?

Susan Itin : Well, the first thing that's important to know about Azumanga Daioh is that it has a large following, and the reason for that is simple: it's funny, side-splittingly funny. What could be more entertaining than the trials, tribulations, and hijinks of a child-genius and her high school classmates? This manga is hilarity at its best.

Rasmussen : In your opinion, what is the appeal of Azumanga Daioh the Manga to it's readers? And does that appeal for the manga stay the same or change when you consider the Anime series? (Is the things about the manga that appeals to readers stay the same or change when it comes to Azumanga Daioh the Anime?)

Susan Itin : The format is more like U.S. comic strips and it's a quick read. I think many American readers, especially teens, can relate to the comical situations and relationships. As is the case for most titles, an anime only enhances the manga, and vice versa. The Azumanga Daioh anime will release this summer from ADV Films.

Rasmussen : This summer? But all the ads I've seen point to Azumanga Daioh DVD V. 1 having a late April release date. Is this incorrect? And if it is when during the summer will DVD Vol. 1 become available for public consumption? And if it is being moved up to Summer 2004 why the implied delay (from April to Summer?)

Susan Itin : The first volume of the anime release of Azumanga Daioh is slated for April 27, 2004.

Rasmussen : Does Azumanga Daioh hold any appeal in your case? And if so what is it about the title that you find interesting and appealing?

[image3]Susan Itin : For one thing, it been called the Seinfeld of anime because it has no real plot, but the most compelling aspect of Azumanga Daioh is its characters. There's something in each one of them that you can relate to.

Rasmussen : When the first volume of the Azumanga Daioh Anime hits what can fans of the manga expect from it? Can you tell us abit about it?

Susan Itin : Just like the manga series, the Azumanga Daioh anime will be uproariously funny.

Rasmussen : Will Newtype carry an Episode 1 preview for Azumanga Daioh as they did recently for Kino's Journey (Newtype V. 3 Issue #2)? And if so, when?

Susan Itin : Yes, Newtype USA will have Episode 1 of Azumanga Daioh on the April DVD included with the magazine.

Rasmussen : Besides Azumanga Daioh, is there any other ADVMangas that your presently supervising Editorially?

Susan Itin : As publishing editor of ADV Manga, I oversee editorial decisions on all of our manga books in production, as well as those scheduled for future release.

Rasmussen : A typical day for you. What kind of work do you do on a day-by-day basis for ADV? Give us a look at a normal working day for you.

Susan Itin : My morning begins with answering a lot of email, including email from Japan and Korea. After that, I am off to a succession of meetings, which include the editorial, translation, production and art staff, as well as with sales, marketing, public relations and executive management. My role is to provide leadership and guidance for the entire ADV Manga staff, developing and recommending ideas for new research, editorial, merchandising and marketing.
Always with a watchful eye for our next title, I review hundreds upon hundreds of new books from foreign publishers. I also work with our team of translators to select English titles and coordinate approval from foreign publishers and creators; review publisher regulations and guidelines; provide the age rating for all ADV Manga books; approve advertisements for placement in trade and consumer publications; schedule the release of all titles and all non-book projects; and approve color reproduction proofs of! all covers and some book art.
Wheh! It's a very busy job, but loads of fun!

Rasmussen : When reviewing new titles for ADVManga to publish, what are you looking for when you pick up these titles? What is it about one title that might scream "Perfect for publication" while another might beg to be thrown to the side and forgotten from consideration?

Susan Itin : It's hard to say that we pick a title because of any one thing. So many elements play into our selection process. The most important thing is that we look for titles that we think will appeal to American manga fans. Anime tie-ins are helpful, as are those titles that experienced success in Japan (or Korea). But sometimes it's just a gut feeling. Our fans are a diverse group, and that means we go after diverse titles. And last but not least, we certainly respond to books that appeal to us personally.

Rasmussen : Any parting words for our readers?

Susan Itin : Keep reading manga, and expect many new and exciting titles from ADV Manga.