SEIKAI: CREST OF THE STARS
Princess of the Empire
Letter From the Editor:
Dear Seikai: Crest of the Stars Fan:
Thank you so much for purchasing Princess of the Empire. I'm very proud to have been a part of bringing this long-anticipated novel to English-speaking audiences.
Morioka-sensei's epic space opera is a unique masterpiece. In the original Japanese version, all the text is in kanji, and then above those Japanese characters are the Abh language words (called Baronh) in rubi (a smaller, phonetic alphabet). Because of the way left-to-right English text is formatted for print, it was not possible for TOKYOPOP to put the entire book in English with foreign words in between the lines. So the decision was made to have most of the book in English, but to put phonetic Baronh in parentheses next to the English counterparts in narration, so that fans wouldn't miss out on the experience of Morioka-sensei's fantastic alien language. The only time Baronh is left untranslated is when it occurs in dialogue — this is to ensure the reader's suspension of disbelief, as no one speaks in parenthetical asides.
While working for several weeks with Fan Consultants from the Abh Nation to ensure a fair treatment of the Abh language, TOKYOPOP opted for a phonetic spelling of Abh words, rather than true, authentic Baronh (which has many silent letters and unusual spellings, confusing for a first-time reader not equipped with the Japanese-Baronh grammar guides available exclusively in Japan).
As you read, please check out the Glossary in the back of the book. I hope you enjoy getting familiar with all the different elements of language and culture that Morioka-sensei has created. If you are interested in learning more about Baronh in its complex form, please use the resources listed in the Notes and Glossary section.
I must thank Troy Christopher Haskin, Daniel Bonnell (aka ACIDSTEALTH), and Larry S. Moreland II, for all their passion and hard work.
Feedback is always welcome at the TOKYOPOP message boards! Please stay tuned for the second volume, Seikai: Crest of the Stars: A Modest War. And without further ado, enjoy Princess of the Empire!
Kara Allison Stambach
Junior Editor, Manga Novels
SEIKAI: CREST OF THE STARS
A Modest War
Letter From the Editor:
Dear Seikai: Crest of the Stars Fan:
Thank you so much for continuing to support this space opera saga by purchasing A Modest War.
In the original Japanese version of these books, the Abh language (Baronh) was written in a smaller phonetic alphabet called rubi and placed above the regular narration's kanji. Such treatment was not possible in an English text format. Thanks to the dedicated work of our translator, rewriter, and fan consultants, our adaptation uses phonetic Baronh in parentheses next to the English counterparts in narration; Baronh is left untranslated when it occurs in dialogue so as to ensure the reader's suspension of disbelief. As you read, please check out the Notes and Glossary in the back of the book—the Abh have a complex culture, and Baronh proves quite a challenging language to master!
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Tomas Montalvo-Lagos, who rendered such beautiful images for these books, inspired by Toshihiro Ono's art. In the first volume, he drew a military insignia with seven snakeheads to represent the badge worn by Spyunej Ramaj Elmita in the manga. In this volume, he drew Jinto's family crest, which depicts a furry flying fish found on Planet Martine. For the next crest. . . well, you'll have to check out the final book!
Feedback is always welcome at the TOKYOPOP message boards! Stay tuned for the third and final volume, Seikai: Crest of the Stars 3: Return to a Strange World.
Now please enjoy A Modest War!
Kara Allison Stambach
Junior Editor, Manga Novels
SEIKAI: CREST OF THE STARS
Return to a Strange World
Letter From the Editor:
Dear Seikai: Crest of the Stars Fan:
Many thanks for your continued support of Morioka's space opera saga!
Please note that in the original Japanese version of these novels, the Abh Language (Baronh) was written in a tiny phonetic alphabet known as rubi, and placed above the narration's kanji. Such treatment was not possible in an English text format. Thanks to our dedicated translator, rewriter, and fan consultants, our adaptation uses phonetic Baronh in parentheses beside the English counterparts in narration. Baronh is left untranslated in dialogue to ensure suspension of disbelief. Please check out the Notes and Glossary in the back for more insight into the Abh's complex culture and language!
I'd like to mention Tomas Montalvo-Lagos, who designed the cover and interior illustrations for all three novels, based off of Toshihiro Ono's art. This volume features the Basroil. Furthermore, I'd like to extend my gratitude to the wonderfully dedicated members of www.abhnation.com and my Fan Consultants — those flowers were lovely, Aviator!
Feedback is always welcome at the TOKYOPOP message boards! Now, please enjoy Return to a Strange World, the final volume of Crest of the Stars.
Kara Allison Stambach
Editor, Novels