Translation of (a Short) Interview with Akari Funato from the Lunar SSS 100% Newtype Artbook SPECIAL THANKS - AKARI FUNATO Bringing the World of Lunar to Life from a Different Perspective We spoke about the charm of Lunar with the woman who brought its world to life from a perspective different from those of the game and novels. PROFILE mangaka * fond of the novels of Heinlein and M. [Michael] Ende * her distinguished and heartfelt aesthetic sense was recognized from the very beginning by President [of Game Arts] Miyaji Question: How were you introduced to Lunar? Akari Funato: I bought it, along with a Mega CD unit, the day it was released. I was just a fan then. I got a job on Lunar through an acquaintance. Q: How are the story, the designs, etc. for the manga decided upon? AF: For "Younenki no Owari", I had said that I wanted to draw Xenobia, so I consulted with Shigema-san, and the matter was settled. The basic story was Shigema-san's, but I ended up being able to draw it whatever way I liked. As for "Confissao", I was left to my own devices to draw it my own way. I asked Hajime Satou-san for the cool airship design. Q: Funato-san, what input did you contribute to this new Saturn version - what continuity sheets did you work on, etc.? AF: I contributed ideas for certain scenarios - the goddess's reincarnation scene, Ghaleon vs. Arhes [Alex], Arhes & Luhna's [Luna's] conversations, Ghaleon's way of thinking... Visually, I had a hand in Faithia [Phacia] and Rouyce's [Royce's] character designs and the original pictures [genga] for Mia's introduction. I also got to draw the storyboards for all the bromides except for Luhna's. Q: Funato-san, which character do you like the most? AF: Ghaleon, I suppose. I think that from the moment Dain [Dyne] left him, his heart lost its anchor, and he sank into deep loneliness. Because of that, he felt he couldn't define himself except through things that were reliable and certain, like strength and power. [Note: the expression Funato uses here, "jibun o kouchaku suru", does read as translated, but I'm tempted to use "...he felt he could depend only upon things that were reliable and certain..."] I guess he was a child after all... I like that concept of the character. Q: Do you have to take any special considerations into account in drawing the Lunar characters? AF: For starters, I have to increase the size of the characters' heads in proportion to their bodies and cut down on the number of the lines I normally use in drawing. The drawing style is different from mine, so I work hard to try to match it and not slip up, but I wonder how much I succeed... I apologize to those who don't like my illustrations. Q: Funato-san, what would you say would be Lunar's charm? AF: Its "innocence", I think. Its optimism even in the worst of times, and the wonder of first love being able to end up lasting a lifetime. Its relentless optimism and the idea that first love can overcome anything. The heroes' earnest persistence and pureness of heart, their unbridled free-spiritedness and good-heartedness, are what everyone aspires to, but what no one can attain, I think. So, I think this might possibly be what charms the fans. Since I'm interested in the drama generated between people, I like that even the boss of the game has his own life. Q: In closing, please share with us your hopes for the future of Lunar. AF: Now that players are developing their own interpretations [of the official works] separate from those the creators intended, I think the existing body of official works is still not yet enough. I hope that the creators aren't tempted to rest on their laurels and continue to hold themselves to their high standards of game design. As a player, I'll look forward to the next games in the Lunar series just being fun as RPGs. Translation by RACapowski@sceneryrecalled.com, revised slightly 5/14/10. Please don't repost this document without permission. Lunar is the property of Game Arts, JAM, Working Designs, and/or Sega; the Newtype 100% book was produced by Newtype; the translator and translation are mavericks workin' their own beat and not associated with any of the suits above, man.