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. An English-language version of the manga can be found in yoshitoshi ABe lain illustrations: ab# rebuild an omnipresence in wired, published in the United States by Digital Manga Publishing.

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.

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#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!

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#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.

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#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).

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#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]

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"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...

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