Why Do People Dislike Funimation's Dubbing Despite Their Perceived Competence?

Funimation, a well-known streaming and dubbing company, has faced considerable criticism for their dubbing work, especially in recent years. Despite being perceived as competent by some, their recent dubs, such as Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid, have sparked controversy. This article explores the reasons behind this backlash and why perceived competence in dubbing does not always translate to satisfaction in the eyes of anime fans.

The Controversy with Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid

The biggest critique of Funimation's dubbing comes from their controversial handling of Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid. Critics argue that the dubbing team inaccurately inserted far-left identity politics, leading to a polarizing backlash from the audience. This situation highlights a significant gap between perceived competence and actual satisfaction in the dubbing process. Far from being a neutral action, dubbing can deeply impact the audience's perception of the story and its characters.

Perceived Competence vs. Actual Quality

The term “perceived competence” in the context of Funimation and other western dubbing companies often refers to the belief that these companies have the technical skills and talent to produce high-quality dubs. However, opinions on the quality of their work are subjective and can vary widely. Many people, including myself, view the bulk of Funimation's dubs as poorly acted parodies, opting for subtitles instead of dubbing.

The issue goes beyond just technical skill, however. Many affirm that Funimation's dubs ignore the original script and often rewrite entire sections, altering the original meaning and character motivations. Perceived competence does not automatically equate to actual quality, and this is evident in the negative reception to some of their dubs.

Market Trends and Audience Preferences

Despite the criticism, some still argue that Funimation has produced great dubs. Shows like DBZ, Fullmetal Alchemist, My Hero Academia, and Black Clover have garnered praise for the quality of their voice acting. However, the trend towards subtitled content is growing, with many viewers preferring to read the original language and texts.

Funimation is not the only company facing these issues. Other major dubbing companies, such as Vitaphone Media, have also seen declining interest in their dubs. At the heart of this trend is the built-in dislike for dubbing, combined with the polarizing statements made by voice actors and their attempts to change the message of the original content, which can alienate a significant portion of the audience.

Quality and Preferences in Dubbing

When it comes to dubbing, opinions are deeply divided. The term “sub-purist” refers to those who dislike all dubs, while there are also fans who enjoy dubs and reject the sub-purist viewpoint. In fact, the best dubs are those that maintain the original meaning while adding a touch of authenticity and relevance to the target audience. Some of the most praised dubs include those of Baccano! and Psycho-Pass, which balance colloquialisms and regional accents to enhance the storytelling.

Funimation has made some improvements in recent dubbing projects, such as the latest season of Slayers. However, even in these instances, there is room for improvement, particularly in the handling of scripts and dialogue that might feel forced or inauthentic. Ultimately, the key to successful dubbing lies in maintaining the integrity of the original script while enhancing it to meet the needs of the target audience.

Conclusion

The fundamental issue with Funimation's dubbing is not a lack of skill or talent but a mismatch between their perceived competence and the standards set by the broader anime community. The controversy over Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid and other dubs highlights the importance of maintaining the original meaning and context of the content. While some argue that Funimation has produced great dubs, the overall trend towards subtitled content suggests that the market is changing, and companies must adapt to meet the preferences of their audience.