International Translation Forum: Drawing the Future

Recorded live at the International Translation Forum in Riyadh, this episode brings together Eddie Arrieta and Odai Karzu—Head of Manga Creation at Manga Arabia—to explore how manga can champion Saudi culture and global ambition. Odai discusses the studio’s original IPs (including Road to 2034, about Saudi Arabia’s World Cup bid), the challenge of translating Japanese comics into Arabic while preserving emotion, and the shared values—family, courage, community—that drive every panel. He also reflects on Manga Arabia’s role in Vision 2030: empowering over 120 regional creators, publishing millions of chapters online and in print, and inspiring the next generation of storytellers to draw their own futures.