Manga

an omnipresence in wired, the hardcover lain artbook, contains a short color manga called the nightmare of fabrication by yoshitoshi ABe. It is uncertain where or how (if at all) the manga story fits into the anime and/or game continuity. Follow the links below to read the scanned and translated manga pages. This fan translation was produced by Jim Zubkavich. Thanks to Frederic Clement for pointing this out to us (the members of the lain ML).

page 1 | page 2 | page 3 | page 4 | page 5 | page 6 | page 7 | page 8 | page 9 |

The Japanese lain LDs and DVDs came with 4-panel comics (4-koma) by Yoshitoshi ABe not included with the US release. To see those comics, click on the images or follow the links below. I've also included a quick translation (graciously provided by Merche) so you can follow along.

Chibi-Chibi Lain: The Empire Strikes Back

#1 Lain: Oh, I can hear the electronic signal voices... Alice: Electronic signal voices? Lain: I can talk to the many electric waves that are transmited on the electrical wires Alice: I see... [No! Don't look away just by such a little thing!] Alice: And so...what does Mr. Electronic signal voice say? Lain: ...Conserve electricity. Alice: I'm transferring.

lif.01

#3 (there's no #2) Iwakura Fight! Lain vs. Ramen Lain: Oh, Oh, I can't break the chopsticks. Eew, it's a scallion. [fluster fluster] [sound of Mika: tick tock tick tock] Lain: Ok I'm ready to, Oh... [the broth wins 12 battles in a row] [flick flick] Mika: Just cut it already! it's annoying!

lif.02

#4 Iwakura Diary Lain: People often tell me that I'm a slowpoke. [fluster fluster] Oh, I forgot to put toothpaste... Oh, my hair got slept on in a weird way... This is perfect for me [accela] Now I have 12x speed! [Kids don't copy] [She can't drink it without water] This is dad's toothbrush. [fluster fluster fluster fluster] I though this was jam and it's kimchi paste. I have two right socks on. [the tears she sheds are also 12x] Lain: Today...is Sunday [fluster fluster fluster] Mika: So annoying.

lif.03

#5 Alice: ... Lain: What is it Alice? Alice: Lain, what is this angle? Lain: I haven't seen it yet either (from the other angle).

lif.04

#6 The Indie band Lains is formed [Eiri on the bass, he quits the company and becomes a musician] [the laughing keyboardist, Yas] [his handling of the mouse is first rate!] [the silent vocalist, Miho] [and the leader, Lain. Her instrument is um, um...the triangle!] [Goodbye everyone]

lif.05

"Slanted-Eye Paradise", Muteikei Fire's doujinshi "Super Withered*! A Sales Promotion Ad by Dame-dame Lain" Lain: Hi, I'm Lain. Toko: Hi, I'm Toko. Lain and Toko: Together, we're Lain-toko**. Lain: That's just as bad as "Segata Sanshirou"*** Toko: You look like you're in low spirits. Lain: Yeah... I get dizzy sometimes... (whir whir whir) Lain: See, again.... Toko: Are you a dragonfly?**** In your case, your eating habits are the problem. You're not a manga artist, so you should at least lead an average lifestyle. Lain: Occupational discrimination all of a sudden, eh? Toko: This is perfect for someone like you. "Cereal Experiments." It has lots of fiber and you'll be full of pep again. Lain: E-e-experimental food? Toko: Of course not. It's just mind expanding food. Lain: What's that? Toko: Just pour milk and you get 12 vitamins and minerals and assorted chemical substances and your health will soar. Lain: I don't need to soar. Are you sure, it's OK, Tony the Tiger? Toko: I am not. Toko: If you keep eating this everyday the symptoms you experience now such as dizziness, hallucinations...can all be blamed on this. (heh heh heh) [spew] Lain: That's just poison! Toko: Oh, but you know what they say, "poison can be medicine after a certain point." Lain: No it won't! What's this? Toko: Oh, Accela Lain: Drugs this time?! Toko: It's not drugs, it's smart supplements. Lain: Same thing! My stomach is starting to hurt. Toko: Oh yeah, you couldn't take milk. Lain: Is that what it is?! [Because of the Accela, the distance to the bathroom is 12x] Lain: Aargh, it's far...

page 1 of 2 page 2 of 2