[PROJECT]Nihei :: NOiSE :: Printing

So my 4800 has been running nonstop. I do have to remark that these machines really are built for production. 

After receiving a shipment of matte black ink, I started production. But I've been printing faster than I can edit pages. So for every 16 pages I edit, I print 4 pages and let them sit for 24 hours.

I am currently at 09 (of 12-13 signatures), after which I will take a small break to recollect my thoughts.

5 of 12 signatures

4800 Printing

[PROJECT]Nihei :: NOiSE :: Research

This article has visual descriptions of my research process...

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I figured I would start with a simple manga that could serve as an example for future projects. The manga chosen was: NOiSE by Tsutomu Nihei

So I've been messing around with the new acquisition of the Epson 4800 printer. I printed full spreads (in draft mode) on 20lb bond paper, with 1/4 graph printed on one side.

Draft printing of a full page spread @17in x 22in.

Comparative image showing the original print 5"x7.5" and draft printed signature 11"x17". Due to the thin, uncoated nature of 20lb bond, you can see the print from the back side.

This book was published in the original Japanese right-to-left imposition. I've had to manually impose each signature.

[PROJECT]Nihei :: NOiSE :: Halftones

Last night I conducted a small test with regards to halftone magnification. From my printing education, I was theoretically aware of this issue (which played heavily into comic selection). Still, I wanted to see the effects in print. I feared Moire patterns, but none appeared. Also for unsized papers there was no unruly dot-gain, a huge plus. If anything, it helped lessen the noticeable magnification, when viewed at a normal viewing distance.

It is noticeable if you pay attention to it but it is also acceptable. So if need be, underground projects like GITS and Akira are still a go. Those books are physically bigger and don't need much magnification...

Halftone :: Original

Halftone :: Comparison

Halftone :: 11in x 17in

Halftone :: 8.5in x 11in

Large Format Graphic Novels

I wanted to discuss an idea I've been consumed with for a few years now. I have desired to create large format versions of my favorite manga.

Issues with current manga publications:

• 5in x 7.5in is too damn small.
• Manga graphic novels are generally printed on paper that is one or two steps above toilet paper. Most manga are printed on lignin containing paper, which causes them to yellow and get brittle with time and exposure to light/heat.
• Binding quality (perfect binding) is just acceptable enough to last outside the store. Perfect bound books read with regular use, fall apart in short order.

One could make an attempt to convince comic publishers to increase standards, but why when there is currently no market for it. One could start a campaign to raise awareness of  the current manga readership in hope that they demand for higher quality from publishers. In the end all of these paths are a forms of coercion realized in someones checkbook.

If possible, I also want to recreate them from the best original materials. Scanning publish books will enlarge the offset line-screen patterns. So I started conversations with different publishers but only continued with one (of which keeps pushing our appointment date further along). I will be pursuing others after my the first project is complete. From what I've heard back, the licensing costs are rather steep, but not impossible. While I'm am probably insane enough to do this all on my own, I figured that others would be interested in something like this. I have tried to discuss this subject with others (on other forums) but I find that its always regarded as spam...

I figured I would just start with a single volume work. At the moment I'm taking the legally gray(in the states) route of scanning the original and privately producing one copy for myself. I describe it as "repairing my damaged copy". I am currently doing preliminary work before committing to production [scanning, editing, and doing mock-up printing]. I'm still shopping for the perfect paper and stocking up on ink.

The full repair will be a leather bound, 12in x 18in tome. I will use fine paper (cotton or alpha cellulose (won't yellow or get brittle with time)) and pigment inks that are waterproof / light-fast (+100 years). It might even have heavy wood covers with corner bosses and clasps... I have recently been asked: do you really think it is necessary that it will endure more than a hundred years? I would say yes, but I don't have much to follow this proposition up with. Its important to me and one never knows what will be valuable to anyone, in any future time period...

Is it expensive? Sure, relative to a copy of the original printing. I project the overall price per copy to be in the $100-$500 range. I don't think this is all that bad...