So I bought the CoD mangas in french, just to see the differences the translation had with the english one, and if there was some pearls... well, there was <3 (and also big fails such as a succubus saying that Trevor is Dracula's son LMAO) I don't have the will to follow everything with pictures so it's only going to be english quotes VS the french version I'm sorry lol
Tl;Dr: Isaac and Hector have raw gay sex in the French translation
At the beginning of the first volume, in the english version, Isaac refers to Dracula as "chief our clan of the night". But the french version have him say "master of our dark family" instead, that's cute. <3
English Isaac: Humans shall regret their sins, and the glory of god shall fall to earth.
French Isaac: They were promised forgiveness for their sin, but all they got is death. Men will end up disavowing their god
That's RAW. (the french translation had such savage lines I SWEAR)
Also I will refer to "English X" and "French X" to separate the english dialogues VS the french versions, because it's much more simple, and also kinda funny.
English Isaac: I beg of you, grant me the duty to hunt down Belmont.
French Isaac: Lord ! Let me prove this Belmont that you are the greatest !
Isaac is as much, if not even more of a simp in french. Good for him. Good for him.
In english, when Dracula talks about Hector's disappearance, and think about the possibility that he might have betrayed him, he says "I hesitate to consider the possibility"
In french, he says "I hope I am mistaken" :) Do with this what you will. :)
English Isaac: F-forgive me, I was out of line...
French Isaac: Forgive me, master... I dared doubting you.
As @beevean said: "French W. For the "master" and for Isaac admitting he doubted his Lord... And he was right <3"
At some point, as Isaac is on the hunt for Hector with some dudes, said dudes start talking among themselves in the english version.
"But at a critical time like this... to have us search for someone who might not even be alive ? The count must be mad." "That's true."
Isaac is listening to them, because they're like, right here. But they're not talking to him directly... FRENCH TRANSLATOR DECIDED THEY WERE GOING TO WISH FOR DEATH, THOUGH. By making the dudes directly ask Isaac: "Sir Isaac, don't you think Count Dracula lost his mind ?"
THOSE GUYS HAVE A DEATH WISH I SWEAR. YOU DON'T ASK ISAAC SUCH A QUESTION UNLESS YOU WANT TO SEE YOUR HEAD ROLLING ON THE FLOOR THE VERY NEXT SECOND-
On another note, they also refer to Isaac and Hector as "the two wings that leads [their] army". Symbolism <3
On the same page:
English dude: Oh well, it means that the count favored Lord Hector that much...
French dude: Hector... He was the Count's protégé, so he-
Do you hear it ? The sound of Isaac's heart breaking under the weight of his inferiority complex ? :)
Oh Hector wasn't just "favored", he was Dracula actual protégé. That's worse <3 I love this <3 (for those who didn't read the manga, Isaac gets mad and almost cut the guy's throat for this. Just in case you doubted his inferiority complex <3)
English dude: F- Forgive me...
English Isaac: You greenhorns. You can't even sense his presence.
French dude: I... I'm sorry...
French Isaac: Shut up ! You're nothing but a worthless punk not even capable of feeling an aura !
ISAAC IS SO MAD AND OFFENDED IN FRENCH LMAO
English Isaac: We're going. Hector is not dead.
English dude: ! That means..
English Isaac: That's right. He's close. Hector... So after all, he is...
French Isaac: We're going ! Hector is not dead !
French dude: ! Do you think he...
French Isaac: Yes, he is close. Hector... I tracked you down.
So, in the manga, this is the moment the realisation that Hector is alive and might have betrayed them starts to settle in... And all Isaac can think of is getting to Hector, more than the implication that he is a traitor. He's obsessed. <3
Alright... Hector has a whole speech about strenght. Here how goes the english version:
"Power is absolute. That's right. I used to always believe that. No matter how much I prayed, no matter how much I knelt, God would do nothing for me. In the end, it was about power. Pure power... and when it came to power, there was nothing greater than a demon's power.. Even if it was learned from a demon. Power itself was neither good nor evil... But. But after all, a demon's power is a demon's power. No matter how powerful it is, cursed powers bring nothing but unhappiness. And that is.. the demon's power."
Now, how the french version goes:
"In this world, strenght is power. I've been thinking about this for a while... men can pray with all their spirit, god will never do anything for them. In the end, pure strenght wins. However, there is nothing more powerful than the demon's power. And even if your learned it from the devil... you forgot strenght doesn't know neither good nor bad. So...That I am one of yours or not doesn't matter to me ! The demonic power doesn't make any distinction ! As great as they are... Demonic powers can only bring chaos. This is... The strenght of the devil !"
Do with this what you will.
For context, he is in a house rn, with Rosaly, his future love interest, and a little boy, Ted, who asked for his help to kill a werewolf (who went into the house because he was tracking Hector). At the end of the speech, he kills him. Then comes this dialogue:
English Hector: Is this my power that you wanted ? A demon ?
French Hector: Was that... the help I begged for ? The help of the Devil ?
Oh yes, Hector asking Ted if this horrible cursed power is what he truly wished for when he pleaded for his help and comparing himself to a demon is great. But Hector talking to himself ? Realising how horrible Dracula's "help" actually was, that he turned him into a monster ? That's the real deal. <3
But this even made Hector's aura known by Isaac and the guys hunting him down with him. In both english and french, the random guys sense it this time (they didn't the first time, only Isaac), as much as they sensed the werewolf dying. They don't want to believe Hector killed him, at first, but then Isaac smirks and says:
English Isaac: It was Hector.
French Isaac: I know it's him !
:) And as if French wasn't fruity enough...
English Isaac: Even if you guys can't tell... I can.
French Isaac: You, you don't feel anything ! But me, I feel it in the deepest part of my body !
He is literally SO GAY AND I LOVE HIM.
English dude after Isaac slashed one of hem: What are you doing, sir Isaac !?
French version: Sir Isaac !!! Have you lost your mind ?!?
French translation doesn't take no shit.
English Isaac There is no need to report...
French Isaac: Inform the count ? Pff ! Useless...
I'm sorry but FRENCH ISAAC REALLY WANTS THAT FRENCH HECTOR'S ASS.
Ok so this is the part where we see small Isaac and Julia (because even without a name and a face, I'm still sure it's her), and DAMN
English bapy Julia: Falls
English bapy Isaac: What are you doing ? Hurry and get up.
English bapy Julia: But I'm so--
English bapy Isaac: We have to hurry.
French bapy Julia: Falls
French bapy Isaac: What the hell are you doing ?! Get up, come on !
French bapy Julia: Yes but I...
French bapy Isaac: Shut up ! We gotta hurry !
FRENCH MADE BABY ISAAC SO MEAN. POOR JULIA. SOBS.
Interesting fact: When a servant comes to teenager!Isaac to tell him that Dracula "summons him to his room", french use the word "chambre". Wich is a word commonly used to refer to the bedroom. :) So he's saying "Count Dracula summons you to his bedroom." :) Mhm. :) Not to mention Hector is already there... So if anyone ships Isaacula or Isaactor or Draactor, that one's for you. <3
Start of the second volume. The french translation is kinda weird. In english, we see (what I assume are) distressed demons' voices, saying Death has been killed and it was the Belmont's fault. They clearly don't like him. And then we see a succubus who says "well, of course, the one coming with Belmont is your son, after all, count.".
But in french... the voices are HAPPY to see Trevor ?? So it seems they're not devils' voices but regular people's ? AND THE SUCCUBUS SAYS "the presence of the Belmont is not surprising, since he is the son of Count Dracula" ???????? Looks the french can't get a W everytime. :(
English Hector: A great many of us will be coming...
French Hector: You can be sure he will come !
We're back on Hector, who tells Ted that he has to go to make sure him and Rosaly stay safe. English version refers to the hords of monsters / servants of Dracula that will come (including him in it, because he sees himself as a demon <3).
But french Hector doesn't care about them. He only cares about one person, who he knows is on the hunt for him. I guess it's up to the reader to decide if he's thinking of Isaac or Dracula. :)
Then in english, he also says he learned the dark arts in a castle.
"I immersed myself in evil. And I commanded evil. My powers attract the ways of darkness. They are cursed".
While in french, he goes:
"To the east from here, there is a castle where the devil lives. I learned from him. He taught me how to give life to demons."
I just think it's pretty gay nice that he gives credits to Dracula. He almost sounds like he cares about his old mentor... :)
Then comes the Isaactor raw gay sex reunion scene:
English Isaac: I've been wanting to see you, General Hector.
French Isaac: I missed you so much, Hector !
FRENCH ISAAC IS LITERALLY SO NOT STRAIGHT I'M OERIGHMSELKGMRESKLGNMSEKLDRNGMN
Pretty sure the french translation shipped Isaactor (but also Hecula but also Draactor), because Hector responds with
English Hector: So, they've caught up with me already... Isaac.
French Hector: At last, you caught up to me, Isaac !
French Isaac and Hector are so happy to see each other <;3 Kiss with tongue when?
English Isaac (after a little speech to convince Hector to come back): Otherwise... You'll fall victim to my spear right now, Hector.
French Isaac: If you refuse... Then you'll be forced to taste the rust of my spear.
Holy FUCK, ISAAC. WAW. That's hot.
English Hector: Ha ha ! You... Did you acquire your powers just so you could become Dracula's pawn ?
French Hector: Haha ! I see. So you acquired all this power to become Dracula's pawn, right ?
The change here is pretty subtle, but it makes Hector more agressive and I kinda like it <3 He's like a salty ex lmao
English Hector: I am human. I sought this power so that I could remain human ! Not for anyone's sake ! For me !! For myself !! Not to be the pawn in some ridiculous plot for revenge !!
French Hector: I am human ! I wanted these powers to accept myself as a human ! I didn't do it for anyone else ! Only for me ! Got it ?! Unlike you, it wasn't for a stupid and selfish plot for revenge !!
FRENCH HECTOR IS LITERALLY SO RAW.
English Isaac: Damn... You. You dare speak in contempt of your Lord ?
French Isaac: That's it ? Are you finished yet ? As you wish ! Let's end it now !
I'm kinda sad we lost the mention of Dracula (because it showed Isaac putting Him over everyone else, himself included), but I'll excuse it because French Isaac was probably so shocked by French Hector's pure rawness <3 (in french, he then says "die!", but in a crude way. it shows how upset he is lol)
And then comes a very interesting part... :)
English Hector: Impossible... does this mean that Belmont has already...?
French Hector: No ! Could it be Belmont ?
French so shipped Hecula. Look at how english Hector is shocked to feel the death of Dracula, not because he seemingly cared, but because Dracula is such a powerful being that he thought could not be easily defeated, and it happened so fast, and is the Belmont really that strong ? Did he really get to the Castle so quickly ?
But French Hector literally screams "No !", like he actually cared. Just like a victim of abuse who gets away from their abuser, but still loves them nonetheless. And friendly reminder that the French translation called Hector Dracula's "protégé". <3 I think the french translation shipped Hecula. <3
Anyway, Isaac goes mad, not much interesting fact to note except for some translation fuckery (Hector going "the count fled" instead of "they're out of control" (referring to Isaac's devils) ??? And Isaac "Dracula must lose" instead of "It can't be true, there's no way..." ??? this is an official translation btw, guys), but:
English Isaac: It's your fault, Hector.
French Isaac: You are the one responsible for all of this, Hector.
Just a slight difference, but it makes French Isaac look even more salty lol
English Isaac: If... You... hadn't betrayed us... If... You hadn't run away... Then I wouldn't have had to leave count Dracula's side ! If I... If you and I had been there !! Then scum like Belmont would never have...!! Ngh... N- No... That's not it... If I... If I were at his side, at least... why...? why, sir ?! Why ?!! Why can we not even die together ?!!
French Isaac: Hector... If you hadn't betrayed us... If you hadn't tried to flee like a coward ! Then I wouldn't have needed to get away from count Dracula ! You and... You and I... And also that Belmont. Us... Kh... Kh... No ! No no ! If I... If I had been by his side.. Dracula and I... why ? Why ? Why ? Why can't I disappear too, by his side ?
I'll let y'all decide wich one is more heartbreaking. <3 (I kinda struggle to properly translate the last french sentence tbh)
English Isaac: Damn you ! You, I will never forgive !!
French Isaac: Never ! Never will I ever be able to forgive you !"
Aouch. <3 I don't know why is french making everyone even angrier, but I'm not complaining lmao
Then Isaac says, right before falling off a cliff:
English Isaac: Why...? Why ?! Why ?! Damn you !!
French Isaac: Why... Tell me ! Why ! You...
How poetic. English Isaac curses Hector before his fall... Meanwhile French Isaac is only looking for answers. He is so not okay. <3
A bit later on, we see Isaac again, hurt in the forest:
English Isaac: Hector, damn you...! In that moment... Just barely... You missed ! You cut me... But you were being merciful with me !! Generous commander Hector... [The shame of having survived alone... How shall I make you pay for it ?] Hector... You always... You alone always kept yourself looking human ! You possessed more powerful sorcery than I !! And you were able to get closer to count Dracula over me !! You..
French Isaac: Ha... Hector ! During the battle... You only scratched me with the tip of your blade ! You mocked me... Look at how pathetic you made me ! You, the great Hector... [Being the only survivor makes me so pitiful... How do you intend to repay me ?] Hector... Since the beginning, you... you were the only one to act like a human... even though you wielded the satanic powers better than me, and you always were closer to count Dracula than me... You...
Did I say Isaac was not okay ? Every translation included. <3
Anyway, we leave the broken boy to join the healing boy and his future wife. <3
English Hector: You're so very optimistic always... Wait, no, I'm sorry. Why don't you ask me anything ? Didn't that boy tell you anything ? What I did, what I was running away from, how I killed that werewolf ? Who I am, and where I came from...
English Rosaly: Your name is Hector. You have pretty silver hair, and you were injured. And you've never done laundry in your life. And you saved Ted and I. That's enough for me.
French Hector: Rosaly, you always see the bright side of things, don't you ? I mean... Didn't the young boy tell you anything about me ? Or are you avoiding talking about it ? What I used to do. Who I was running away from and how I killed that werewolf. Who I am and where I came from...
French Rosaly: What I know about you ? Your name is Hector, and you are hurt. You never hanged clothes, and you saved Ted and I's lives. All of this is enough for me.
Them. <3 There's a little, painful difference beetween "you are hurt" and "you were injured". Hector sure is hurt, haha ! :D
And now it's Isaac spying on Hector time !
English Isaac: Haha! Don't you seem so very happy... But... Have you not forgotten all about me ? But I've been thinking about you so much everyday since then.
French Isaac: Haha ! Oh how happy he looks ! It looks like... It looks like Hector already erased me from his memory... And to say that I think about him all day !
French Isaac is so in love and broken <3
English Isaac: I see. That's right.. You must think I've died ! But I'm alive, all right-- A bit tired, but alive ! I have to teach you. Definitely in a way that'll make you happy. But not yet. First, I have to get a taste of what happiness is for people. That way, it'll be more... fun. Enjoy your temporary moment of peace... Hector. I shall send a gift to a coward such as yourself. You can look forward to it.
French Isaac: I see... you are convinced I'm already dead. I might be a bit tired, but I am very much alive ! I will send you signals, and I'm sure you will appreciate it. But not now. First, you have to get a taste of what this famous "happiness" is for people. This way, the follow up will only be more... delightful. Enjoy your little peaceful life ! Hector ! I'm making you a gift that you are never going to forget... you are not going to be disappointed by the journey.
I have no idea what "signals" french Isaac is referring to, but hey, the rest is pretty cool <3 I like that in the french version, he says that HECTOR have to get a taste of what "happiness" is for people. <3 So he can break him harder. :)
There, it's over ! Of course I skipped most of the manga because the differences are not always worth mentioning, when the translations are not just, exactly the same in both languages, but I think I shared the most interesting. <3
I don't know if y'all understand how raw the french is without reading it directly yourself oerighermlgrelmsngmesklng I AM STILL NOT OVER HOW MEAN BABY ISAAC IS.
I hope y'all enjoyed ! I sure did. <3 Y'all feel free to ask questions or clarifications on the french version ! :3
Random detail when translating the Prelude of Revenge manga (what I can read anyway, which is not much)
When talking to Hector in a flashback (the part where he says “I’m not as smart as you”), he just calls him “Hector”. They’re on friendly, casual terms.
When they’re about to fight after Hector’s betrayal, it’s Hector-dono. -dono “is used to indicate that the person referred to has the same (high) rank as the referrer, yet commands respect from the speaker”, which is their situation down to a T. And, well, it puts much more emotional distance between the two.
This is the sort of nuance that is nearly impossible to convey in other languages: it would be weird in English if Isaac suddenly said “Lord Hector”, as the literal translation would be.
The fact that -dono sounds almost samurai-esque is not a coincidence: Isaac is also being surprisingly honorable in this scene. He correctly guessed that Hector would be defenseless, and came with two swords in hand to give him one to fight with, instead of just killing the traitor where he was laying (implied to have been cast off the castle keep after confronting Dracula, holy shit). Of course, he also drives away his own devils. The whole “I’ll only fight you when you’ll be strong enough” song and dance he does in CoD wasn’t just part of his plan: Isaac genuinely cares about fair fights.
I made a Hector sprite to go with my Isaac sprite!
I wanted to make a Hector because I’m putting my Forgemaster boiz on my twitch stream screen to join me in BATTLE as I fight things in mostly FF14 and hopefully Curse of Darkness if I can make it work.
I plan to stream on Saturday at 1:00 pm CST (Saskatchewan time, which doesn’t have daylight savings haha)