Back in the Bay Area and I have around 10 hours of audio to splice... GAH!!!
Before I head into the "studio" let me give you part two of the new title round up... Oh and I'll do the 801/June books tomorrow. 20 BL titles have to be processed with care you know.
More from Suzuki Yasushi! There wasn't a large crowd at the Suzuki panel on Sunday but the few dozen that were there did get to see a number of slides featuring some of the most stunning art this side of Amano (Yes David even better than naked ape... And maybe as good as Inoue, Jarred). This latest from Suzuki is actually a web manga Suzuki made as a short some time ago. The story will be fleshed out and released as a one-shot next year.
Their second title is impressive in a different way. Metro Survive is the type of manga that Dark Horse should be releasing. A very cool seinen action drama about Japan after a major earthquake devastates the nation. Released in Akita Shoten's version of IKKI, Play Magazine, this title has some sexy art and a short tight story that could bring in new readers to DrMaster. I really hope they market this right, because this title would appeal to the small number of sophisticated manga readers out there. You know the 10 people read Old Boy, MONSTER, EDEN, Phoenix and Hard Boiled Angel... Luckily this title is only two vols long.
The LDP only had a crowd of 40 or so at the TP panel on Monday. Apparently the panel wasn't listed on some schedules but we had it on ours since mid-June... Even with a small audience and after their PR department confirmed 38 new titles a few weeks back, as you can see Lillian still had new stuff to share. Seriously how deep is TP's bag of licenses??
Juuousei was a last-minute announcement that was released because of the recent anime license. The seinen title that is huge with the fujoshi might even get its schedule pushed up to coincide with the DVD release. Another Mizuki Hakase title was licensed. Asian Beat has a yanki style cover and has me seriously considering this "josei" one-shot. Oh and the LDP also noted that Mizuki Hakase's Demon Ororon will have a ultimate collection reprint. Ride the Shojo Omnibus baby!!
On the Global, OEL, Manga Ai tip, TP will be releasing Undertown by Jim Pascoe, We Shadows by Sonny Straight, Dark Moon Diary by Che Olson</b> and Harper Collins' Vampire Kisses with art from REM.
TP's manga revolution has taken them to Japan, Canada, Korea, Germany and other places in between. Now it will land in Taiwan with a title from Jo Chen the Other Side of the Mirror.
Additional news has INVU continuing past volume 4. The series is now published by a new company in Korea. And TP has confirmed that Shin Pet Shop of Horrors is delayed... What? Why? Well don't forget that Asahi Sonorama folded a few weeks back. So the license needs to be negotiated again. (See TP knows the deal...)
MediaBlasters have confirmed a title I was curious about Seiryou Returns. I am pretty sure they will pick up the option on the third volume of that trilogy sometime soon.
Ummm, does Dark Horse realize they just went into the BL market?! Manly Manga for Manly Men has a new meaning now. Seriously Gombos, either you are a genius or clueless but either way BLOOD+ was going to do well and now it will definitely do better than EDEN.
Speaking of which... GANTZ has made a number of fanboys very happy over the weekend. I honestly would love to know how many though. GANTZ is a hyper-violence title that will definitely be 18+ and shrinkwrapped that will cater to a part of the market that I am not sure really has any strength or cohesiveness (the seinen market). On top of that this is a 21+ volume series which undoubtedly means sales will not be great by the time we get to the halfway mark. Personally GANTZ isn't my cup of tea in the first place. Character designs are not very clean and I am not a fan of the costume or mechanical designs either. The game is quite exhilarating but honestly I don't see the overall appeal. This is going to be a niche manga, even if DH doesn't see it that way, mainly because its content limits its market reach to a small part of the market that struggles to sustain titles of any sort. (HELLSING being a rare exception but that title has crossover appeal)
SiJones beat me in the guess where Vulgar Ghost is going office pool. I thought CMX (just because they have had a number of Kadokawa shounen lately) but Simon said DH and honestly considering the style... Yeah, its DH all the way. The type of title they are going for is still quality but I can see a funny pattern developing and this one is based on aesthetics not narrative (can you figure it out... hmmm).
I am totally offended by the latest Koike license! Why? Well I think either Simon, Gombos or Horn decided to pick this one up to spite me. Last year at SDCC I asked Koike about his golf manga and the possibility of those coming over. The man clammed up and rejected the notion. Well, DH did the next best thing by licensing a manga from Koike's personal golf artist Kanou Seisaku!! Oh you freaks!! Just license a golf title already. Pick up a short one or something but this is going too far.
New titles from many of Go! Comi's launch artists. David Wise personally came up to me to tease me about my grammar... and more shounen. More shounen is always a good thing, even if it this might be a harem manga (more love for the MangaCast's Jack I guess). All in all G!C's library is filling out nicely and they keep to test out the more mature areas of shoujo with most of their new acquisitions. If I ever see a pub go on a limb and bring out the Teen Love genre, I would think G!C would be the first.
DH has BL and now so does Seven Seas. Dance in the VampireBund is recommended by ComiPress, so that means I should be checking that one out.
The two light novel pick ups are extremely intriguing. Here is why. 7S has built up a nice novel catalog over the last year plus, with some name brands in their as well. Will that mean future manga licenses of Shinigami Ballad, Zero Tsukaima, Gun Princess..? Licensing is a funny deal but these novel licenses ought to get their foot in the door with licensors and with fans out there.
Yuri!! With Strawberry launching at AX we should soon see what the market is like for Yuri in the States. The potential is there for Strawberry. If it can capture the ladies it should do fine; if it can also get the stupid fan boys then it will be a big success. I got to pick up the Last Uniform over the weekend. Too cute for words. Kinda in that ToriKoro vein but with romance instead of comedy at the core.
Before I head into the "studio" let me give you part two of the new title round up... Oh and I'll do the 801/June books tomorrow. 20 BL titles have to be processed with care you know.
DrMaster
メトロ・サヴァイブ by: 藤澤勇希 Metro Survive by: Fujisawa Yuuki Akita Shoten/Play Comics 2 vols/seinen | Phantom the Comic by: 鈴木康士 Phantom by: Suzuki Yasushi doujinshi/online 1 vols/seinen |
More from Suzuki Yasushi! There wasn't a large crowd at the Suzuki panel on Sunday but the few dozen that were there did get to see a number of slides featuring some of the most stunning art this side of Amano (Yes David even better than naked ape... And maybe as good as Inoue, Jarred). This latest from Suzuki is actually a web manga Suzuki made as a short some time ago. The story will be fleshed out and released as a one-shot next year.
Their second title is impressive in a different way. Metro Survive is the type of manga that Dark Horse should be releasing. A very cool seinen action drama about Japan after a major earthquake devastates the nation. Released in Akita Shoten's version of IKKI, Play Magazine, this title has some sexy art and a short tight story that could bring in new readers to DrMaster. I really hope they market this right, because this title would appeal to the small number of sophisticated manga readers out there. You know the 10 people read Old Boy, MONSTER, EDEN, Phoenix and Hard Boiled Angel... Luckily this title is only two vols long.
TOKYOPOP
アジアンビート by: 水月博士 Asian Beat by: Mizuki Hakase Shinshokan/Wings Comics 1 vols/Josei |
獣王星 by： 樹なつみ Juuousei by: Itsuki Natsumi Hakusensha/Jets Comics 5 vols/seinen |
鏡子的另一邊 by: 咎井淳 Other Side of the Mirror by: Jo Chen Tong Li Comics 2 vols/josei |
．ｈａｃｋ／／ＸＸＸＸ by: 松山洋 .hack//XXXX by: Matsuyama You Kadokawa/Comics Ace 2 vols/shounen |
The LDP only had a crowd of 40 or so at the TP panel on Monday. Apparently the panel wasn't listed on some schedules but we had it on ours since mid-June... Even with a small audience and after their PR department confirmed 38 new titles a few weeks back, as you can see Lillian still had new stuff to share. Seriously how deep is TP's bag of licenses??
Juuousei was a last-minute announcement that was released because of the recent anime license. The seinen title that is huge with the fujoshi might even get its schedule pushed up to coincide with the DVD release. Another Mizuki Hakase title was licensed. Asian Beat has a yanki style cover and has me seriously considering this "josei" one-shot. Oh and the LDP also noted that Mizuki Hakase's Demon Ororon will have a ultimate collection reprint. Ride the Shojo Omnibus baby!!
On the Global, OEL, Manga Ai tip, TP will be releasing Undertown by Jim Pascoe, We Shadows by Sonny Straight, Dark Moon Diary by Che Olson</b> and Harper Collins' Vampire Kisses with art from REM.
TP's manga revolution has taken them to Japan, Canada, Korea, Germany and other places in between. Now it will land in Taiwan with a title from Jo Chen the Other Side of the Mirror.
Additional news has INVU continuing past volume 4. The series is now published by a new company in Korea. And TP has confirmed that Shin Pet Shop of Horrors is delayed... What? Why? Well don't forget that Asahi Sonorama folded a few weeks back. So the license needs to be negotiated again. (See TP knows the deal...)
BoyBoy by Kitty
| 星陵最恐物語リターンズ by: 龍川 和ト Scandalous Seiryou Univ 2 by: Tatsugawa Kazuto Libre/Super BeBoy Comics 1 vol/BL |
MediaBlasters have confirmed a title I was curious about Seiryou Returns. I am pretty sure they will pick up the option on the third volume of that trilogy sometime soon.
Dark Horse
ＢＬＯＯＤ＋ by: 桂明日香 BLOOD+ by: Katsura Asuka Kadokawa/Comic Ace 5+/shounen | ＢＬＯＯＤ＋Ａ by: スエカネクミコ BLOOD+ A by: Suekane Kumiko Kadokawa/Beans Ace 2 vol/seinen |
低俗霊ＤＡＹＤＲＥＡＭ by: 奥瀬サキ Ghost Talkers DAYDREAM by: Okuse Saki Kadokawa/Comic Ace 9 vols/shounen |
ＢＬＯＯＤ＋夜行城市 by: 如月弘鷹 BLOOD+ Yakou Joshi by: Kisaragi Hirotaka Kadokawa/Ciel 1 vol/BL | GANTZ by: 奥 浩哉 GANTZ by: Oku Hiroya Shueisha/Young Jump 21+ vols/seinen |
からぁ怒 by:小池一夫 & 叶 精作 Color of Rage by: Koike Kazuo/Kanou Seisaku Koike Shoin/King Series 1 vol/seinen |
ロシアン・ローズ by: 漲月かりの BLOOD+ Russian Rose by: Karino Kadokawa/Beans Bunko 2 vols/novel | ＢＬＯＯＤ＋ by: 池端亮 BLOOD+ by: Ike Ryo Kadokawa/Sneaker Bunko 4 vols/novel |
風の名はアムネジア by：菊池秀行 Wind Named Amnesia by: Kikuchi Hideyuki Asahi/Sonorama Bunko 1 vol/novel |
Ummm, does Dark Horse realize they just went into the BL market?! Manly Manga for Manly Men has a new meaning now. Seriously Gombos, either you are a genius or clueless but either way BLOOD+ was going to do well and now it will definitely do better than EDEN.
Speaking of which... GANTZ has made a number of fanboys very happy over the weekend. I honestly would love to know how many though. GANTZ is a hyper-violence title that will definitely be 18+ and shrinkwrapped that will cater to a part of the market that I am not sure really has any strength or cohesiveness (the seinen market). On top of that this is a 21+ volume series which undoubtedly means sales will not be great by the time we get to the halfway mark. Personally GANTZ isn't my cup of tea in the first place. Character designs are not very clean and I am not a fan of the costume or mechanical designs either. The game is quite exhilarating but honestly I don't see the overall appeal. This is going to be a niche manga, even if DH doesn't see it that way, mainly because its content limits its market reach to a small part of the market that struggles to sustain titles of any sort. (HELLSING being a rare exception but that title has crossover appeal)
SiJones beat me in the guess where Vulgar Ghost is going office pool. I thought CMX (just because they have had a number of Kadokawa shounen lately) but Simon said DH and honestly considering the style... Yeah, its DH all the way. The type of title they are going for is still quality but I can see a funny pattern developing and this one is based on aesthetics not narrative (can you figure it out... hmmm).
I am totally offended by the latest Koike license! Why? Well I think either Simon, Gombos or Horn decided to pick this one up to spite me. Last year at SDCC I asked Koike about his golf manga and the possibility of those coming over. The man clammed up and rejected the notion. Well, DH did the next best thing by licensing a manga from Koike's personal golf artist Kanou Seisaku!! Oh you freaks!! Just license a golf title already. Pick up a short one or something but this is going too far.
Go! Comi
神様家族 by: たぱり Kamisama Kazoku by: Tapari Media Factory/MF Comics 3 vols/seinen |
賢者は眠る by: 竹内 未来 Wise Man Sleeps by: Takeuchi Mick Akita Shoten/Princess Comics 2 vols/shoujo |
天使の柩 by: 氷栗優 Angel's Coffin by: Higuri Yuu Akita Shoten/Princess Comics 1 vol/shoujo |
電脳ビリーバーズ by: 海月 志穂子 CY-Believers by: Mizuki Shioko Akita Shoten/Princess Comics 3+ vols/shoujo |
New titles from many of Go! Comi's launch artists. David Wise personally came up to me to tease me about my grammar... and more shounen. More shounen is always a good thing, even if it this might be a harem manga (more love for the MangaCast's Jack I guess). All in all G!C's library is filling out nicely and they keep to test out the more mature areas of shoujo with most of their new acquisitions. If I ever see a pub go on a limb and bring out the Teen Love genre, I would think G!C would be the first.
Seven Seas
神様の腕の中 by: ねこ田 米蔵 In God's Arms by: Nekoda Yonezo BiBLOS/BeBoy Comics 3 vols/BL |
ダンス イン ザ ヴァンパイアバンド by: 環 望 Dance in the VampireBund by: Tamaki Nozomu Media Factory/MF Comics 3 vols/seinen |
ゼロの使い魔 by: ヤマグチノボル Zero no Tsukaima by: Yamaguchi Noboru Media Factory/Bunko J 11+ vols/novel |
陰からマモル！ by: 阿智太郎 Kage kara Mamoru by: Achi Tarou Media Factory/Bunko J 9+ vols/novels |
DH has BL and now so does Seven Seas. Dance in the VampireBund is recommended by ComiPress, so that means I should be checking that one out.
The two light novel pick ups are extremely intriguing. Here is why. 7S has built up a nice novel catalog over the last year plus, with some name brands in their as well. Will that mean future manga licenses of Shinigami Ballad, Zero Tsukaima, Gun Princess..? Licensing is a funny deal but these novel licenses ought to get their foot in the door with licensors and with fans out there.
Strawberry
ｖｏｉｃｅｆｕｌ by: ナヲコ voiceful by: Nawoko Ichijinsha/YuriHime Comics 1 vol/yuri |
初恋姉妹 by: 東雲 水生 First Love Sisters by: Shinonome Mizuo Ichijinsha/YuriHime Comics 2+ vols/yuri |
Yuri!! With Strawberry launching at AX we should soon see what the market is like for Yuri in the States. The potential is there for Strawberry. If it can capture the ladies it should do fine; if it can also get the stupid fan boys then it will be a big success. I got to pick up the Last Uniform over the weekend. Too cute for words. Kinda in that ToriKoro vein but with romance instead of comedy at the core.
Got some new licenses to talk about this weekend. Four new from Kitty Press and later will be a pair of rumored titles from TP.
Boys on Boys on Film has word that Kitty Media has announced two new licenses. I wonder if these are some of the... what were they 5 licenses that were in that Kitty contest back from Jan/Feb 07? I wonder who won that thing?
Gah, back on topic... BoBoF also has word from MB's managing editor Frank Pannone (who I saw in San Jose a few weeks back) noting that Yamane Ayano-sensei is very pleased with Kitty Press and is looking forward to releasing new titles through the imprint in the future. Good stuff, but news about smoother, high quality paper is giving me the chills.
People paper quality does matter but please please if you are looking to improve paper quality either use heavy white paper like BroBooks or use the high quality yellow-ish paper that NETCOMICS use. If you can't afford either as long as your source material is looking good DrMaster Taiwan's paper is great. (Good weight, good color and no bleed through like super sharp thin paper does. Just make sure those files are clean though cause some of the books they print are on the dark side... Not sure if thats their print press or the source material but that has been an issue in the past)
Two things I want to point out about those new licenses, though. Dog Style #1 from BiBLOS has not seen a Libre reprint. Don't know if that will be a problem since volume two was published by Libre but I am always curious to see how quickly titles that are transferred come out (generally speaking there have often been delays but it has been a while since Dog Style 2 was released by Libre - 11/06). ***UPDATE- Looks like Dog Style 1 is coming from Libre this August. Hopefully any extras added to that release will make their way to the Kitty version!
The other is that I am not sure if the other two Seiryo titles - Scandalous Seiryou Monogatari RETURNS and Scandalous Seiryou Monogatari LIMITED - have been picked up. So you'll have to live with the first volume of this BL romance comedy. Oh and check out how the gakuen has become a university... Everyone is "18+" in this manga! WOOF! ** UPDATE MaruNi - BoBoF has confirmed that Kitty will be releasing three volumes of Seiryo, which ought to include RETURNS and LIMITED. Ask and you shall receive. I love you all!! Maidou Arigatou!
Boys on Boys on Film has word that Kitty Media has announced two new licenses. I wonder if these are some of the... what were they 5 licenses that were in that Kitty contest back from Jan/Feb 07? I wonder who won that thing?
Gah, back on topic... BoBoF also has word from MB's managing editor Frank Pannone (who I saw in San Jose a few weeks back) noting that Yamane Ayano-sensei is very pleased with Kitty Press and is looking forward to releasing new titles through the imprint in the future. Good stuff, but news about smoother, high quality paper is giving me the chills.
People paper quality does matter but please please if you are looking to improve paper quality either use heavy white paper like BroBooks or use the high quality yellow-ish paper that NETCOMICS use. If you can't afford either as long as your source material is looking good DrMaster Taiwan's paper is great. (Good weight, good color and no bleed through like super sharp thin paper does. Just make sure those files are clean though cause some of the books they print are on the dark side... Not sure if thats their print press or the source material but that has been an issue in the past)
Two things I want to point out about those new licenses, though. Dog Style #1 from BiBLOS has not seen a Libre reprint. Don't know if that will be a problem since volume two was published by Libre but I am always curious to see how quickly titles that are transferred come out (generally speaking there have often been delays but it has been a while since Dog Style 2 was released by Libre - 11/06). ***UPDATE- Looks like Dog Style 1 is coming from Libre this August. Hopefully any extras added to that release will make their way to the Kitty version!
The other is that I am not sure if the other two Seiryo titles - Scandalous Seiryou Monogatari RETURNS and Scandalous Seiryou Monogatari LIMITED - have been picked up. So you'll have to live with the first volume of this BL romance comedy. Oh and check out how the gakuen has become a university... Everyone is "18+" in this manga! WOOF! ** UPDATE MaruNi - BoBoF has confirmed that Kitty will be releasing three volumes of Seiryo, which ought to include RETURNS and LIMITED. Ask and you shall receive. I love you all!! Maidou Arigatou!
Kitty Media
全部俺のモノ by: 桜賀めい I Want to Be Naughty! by: Sakuraga Mei Houbunsha/Hanaoto Comics 1 vols/BL | ラインの薔薇 by: みなみ恵夢 Roses of the Rhine by: Minami Megumu Houbunsha/Hanaoto Comics 1 vol/BL | DOG STYLE by: 本仁戻 Dog Style by: Motoni Modoru Libre/Super BeBoy Comics 2 vols/BL |
星陵最恐物語 by: 龍川和ト Scandalous Seiryou Univ by: Tatsugawa Kazuto BiBLOS/Super BeBoy Comics 1 vols/BL |
Digital Manga could not be left out of the licensing festivities that took place over the last 10 days or so. The group has licensed a number of titles... A large number of titles. These titles will begin to street this summer and this will make up the majority of their 3Q and 4Q calendar.
More JOEL from DMP. Those who are curious or can't afford to go on a PJT tour then sample the manga here.
And what is left from Yoshinaga Fumi?
So I haven't read a single book from this list, but I know those names are familiar. And sign me up for Taiyou no Shita de Warae. Any book with boxing gloves on the cover I will automatically classify as SAMA.
Keep this between the two of us but Sakura Ashika she does mainstream manga. Had to mention that as she is one of my favorite artists. No one does loli-bunnies and big-boobed meganekko like Sakura Ashika.
If you can find info on Stepping Stone, send it on over.
DMP Books
| ポップJapan Travel by： マコト ナカジマ Pop Japan Travel by: Makoto Nakajima DMP Books/JOEL shounen/1 vol |
彼は花園で夢を見る by: よしながふみ Garden Dreams by: Yoshinaga Fumi Shinshokan/Wings Comics shoujo/1 vols |
9th SLEEP by: 立野 真琴 9th Sleep by: Tateno Makoto BiBLOS/Zero Comics BL/1 vol |
More JOEL from DMP. Those who are curious or can't afford to go on a PJT tour then sample the manga here.
And what is left from Yoshinaga Fumi?
June
| ほしがりません！勝つまでは by: 樹 要 After I Win by Itsuki Kaname Houbunsha/Hanaoto Comics BL/1 vol |
カメラ・カメラ・カメラ by: 松本花 Camera Camera Camera by: Matsumoto Kazura Shinshokan/Dear+ Comics BL/2 vols |
てのひらの星座 by: 穂波ゆきね/桜木知沙子 Constellations in My Palm by: Honami Yukine/Sakuragi Chisako Tokuma Shoten/Chara Comics BL/1 vol |
| 愛のチカラで恋をするのだ by: 夏水りつ Crushing Love by Natsumizu Ritsu Houbunsha/Hanaoto Comics BL/1 vol |
かわいいビースト つげ雨夜 Cute Beast by: Tsuge Amayo Houbunsha/Hanaoto Comics BL/1 vols |
ダッシュ！ by: 夏目 イサク Dash! by: Natsume Isaku Oakla Shuppan/Aqua Comics BL/1 vol |
| デュエット by: 九条ＡＯＩ Duetto by: Kujou AOI Oakla Shuppan/Aqua Comics BL/1 vol |
落下速度 by: 富士山 ひょうた Freefall Romance by: Fujiyama Hyouta Frontier Works/Daira Comics BL/1 vol |
ある日 空から 突然に。 by: 暮越咲耶 From Up Above by: Sakuya Kurekoshi Oakla Shuppan/Aqua Comics BL/1 vol |
| 小さなガラスの空 by: 山田ユギ Glass Sky by: Yugi Yamada Houbunsha/Hanaoto Comics BL/1 vol |
君の愛は見えにくい by: 本庄りえ Invisible Love by: Honjou Rie Houbunsha/Hanaoto Comics BL/1 vol |
花信風 by: 立野真琴 Ka Shin Fu by: Tateno Makoto Oakla Shuppan/Aqua Comics BL/1 vol |
| 太陽の下で笑え。 by: 山田ユギ Laugh Under the Sun by: Yugi Yamada Houbunsha/Hanaoto Comics BL/1 vol |
感情回路 by: やまがたさとみ Maniac Love by: Yamagata Satomi Houbunsha/Hanaoto Comics BL/1 vol |
どうせ、めろめろ by: タクミ ユウ Melted Love by: Takumi Yuu Kaiohsha/GUSH Comics BL/1 vol |
| プリンスチャーミング by: 高井戸あけみ Prince Charming by: Takaido Akemi Houbunsha/Hanaoto Comics BL/3 vols |
スペル by: 富士山ひょうた Spell by: Fujiyama Hyouta Frontier Works/Daria Comics BL/1 vol |
君の名はスター☆ by: 紺野 けい子 Star by: Konno Keiko Frontier Works/Daria Comics BL/1 vol |
| その時ハートは盗まれた by: 金丸マキ/穂波ゆきね Stolen Heart by: Kanamaru Maki/Honami Yukine Houbunsha/Hanaoto Comics BL/1 vol |
てっぺんのひまわり by: 富士山ひょうた Sunflower by: Fujiyama Hyouta Frontier Works/Daria Comics BL/2 vol |
ヴァニラ by: やまかみ梨由 Vanilla by: Yamakami Riyu Shinshokan/Dear+ Comics BL/2 vol |
So I haven't read a single book from this list, but I know those names are familiar. And sign me up for Taiyou no Shita de Warae. Any book with boxing gloves on the cover I will automatically classify as SAMA.
801 Media
| センシティブ・ポルノグラフ by：さくらあしか Sensitive Pornograph by: Sakura Ashika Magazine Magazine/June Comics BL/1 vol |
生意気。 by: 鹿乃 しうこ I'm Not Your Stepping Stone by Shiuko Kano Magazine Magazine/June Comics BL/1 vol |
Keep this between the two of us but Sakura Ashika she does mainstream manga. Had to mention that as she is one of my favorite artists. No one does loli-bunnies and big-boobed meganekko like Sakura Ashika.
If you can find info on Stepping Stone, send it on over.
I promised you all details for the DQ titles. I only gave you one of the Boysenberry covers. And maybe you remember something about more NETCOMICS titles??
Sorry... Been busy and well there is a con or something that is distracting me for some reason.
I'll take this one in chronological order. DramaQueen announced their six new titles a little more than a week ago.
Broccoli unloaded these juicy Boysenberries today.
And finally the real new stuff from NETCOMICS. We saw one of them mentioned in the latest Diamond Previews in the form of Kang KyungOk's shoujo horror title - Two Will Come. Now NETCOMICS adds three to their growing shoujo catalog.
Oh and for the seinen fans out there, Passionate Two Face will finally be published in 2007. Expect volume one of this crazy romance in November and the shoujo titles will start this summer.
Sorry... Been busy and well there is a con or something that is distracting me for some reason.
I'll take this one in chronological order. DramaQueen announced their six new titles a little more than a week ago.
DramaQueen
| 欲望少年 by： 直野儚羅 Awakening Desires by: Naono Bohra Takeshobo/Bamboo Comics BL/1 vol |
裏刀神記 by: 小笠原宇紀 Chronicle of the Divine Sword by: Osagawara Uki Kousai Shoubo/Kousai Comics BL/2 vols |
百日の薔薇 by: 稲荷家房之介 Maiden Rose by: Inariya Fusanosuke Oakla Shuppan/Aqua Comics BL/1 vol |
| 不埒な愛の詩 by: 京極薫 Wicked Love Song by: Kyougoku Kaoru Oakla Suppan/Aqua Comics BL/1 vol |
人生は薔薇色だ 本間アキラ La Vie en Rose by: Honma Akira Shinkousha/Chocolat Comics BL/1 vol |
無傷じゃいられねぇ by: 定広 美香 Can't Help Getting Hurt by: Sadahiro Mika Magazine Magazine/June Comics BL/1 vol |
Broccoli unloaded these juicy Boysenberries today.
Boysenberry
| 宅配キューピッド by: CJ Michalski Delivery Cupid by: CJ Michalski BiBLOS/SuperBeBoy Comics BL/1 vol |
ペット・お仕事中 by: 大和 名瀬 Pet on Demand by: Yamato Nase Libre/BeBoy Comics BL/1 vol |
エスエフ by: カムロ コレアキ Sex Friend by: Kamuro Koreaki Kaiousha/Gush Comics BL/1 vol |
And finally the real new stuff from NETCOMICS. We saw one of them mentioned in the latest Diamond Previews in the form of Kang KyungOk's shoujo horror title - Two Will Come. Now NETCOMICS adds three to their growing shoujo catalog.
Oh and for the seinen fans out there, Passionate Two Face will finally be published in 2007. Expect volume one of this crazy romance in November and the shoujo titles will start this summer.
NETCOMICS
| 바람의 나라 by: 김진 Kingdom of the Wind by: KimJin Sigongsa shoujo/22 vols |
남성해방 대작전 by: 이미라 Operation Liberate Men by: Lee MiRa Sigongsa shoujo/9 vols |
클릭 by: 이영란 Click by: Lee YoungRan Haksan shoujo/8 vol |
Defintely never too late for BL at the MangaCast. Why do I say that? Well looks like DMP and DH weren't the only poorly attended panels because there apparently was a June Manga (DMP's BL imprint) panel where four new titles were dropped and not a single word came out until this afternoon. (thanks to David from LoveManga for keeping the announcement fire burning).
Jarred we need to get more staff to cover all of this! I mean seriously. :)
Okay, some of you who can read Nihongo might be laughing at the second one. So I'll let the rest of you into the secret. The title actually reads "Sake, Wife beaters and Kisses" (wife beaters being Y-shirts). Now that's what I call sophisticated!
Jarred we need to get more staff to cover all of this! I mean seriously. :)
by: よしながふみ Solfege by: Yoshinaga Fumi Hakusensha/Hakusensha Ladies Comics 1 vol/BL Kugayama is a gifted music teacher, but a man with little ambition or desire. Born to a wealthy and prominent family, Kugayama passes his days simply going through the motions and existing. When ex-student, Azuma Tanaka, requests his help in studying for a prestigious music school's entrance exam, his budding youth and enthusiasm invoke a passion in Kugayama that he has never experienced before. | |
by: 桑原 祐子 Alcohol, Shirt and Kiss by: Kuwabara Yuuko BiBLOS/BeBoy Comics 1 vol/BL Crushed beneath the weight of lost love, Naru hopes to mend his broken heart by drinking his nights away with fellow detective Kita. The morning after their third night of drinking they wake up naked? The cute but rough and wicked couple has arrived! | |
by: 夢花 李 The Day Which I Became a Butterfly by: Yumeka Sumomo Taiyou Publishing/Million Comics 1 vol/BL There is a rumor going around school that Mikami can “hear” when one’s death is near. Uka has just turned fifteen, but doesn’t know how much longer he’ll live. Will the budding love between Mikami and Uka have a happy ending? From the creator of Same Cell Organism comes a beautiful tale of love and loss. | |
by: 天禅 桃子 Seven by: Tensen Momoka Taiyou Publishing/Million Comics 1 vol/BL Nana has no memory of his childhood earlier than age 12 when a store owner took him in and named him Nana, meaning no-name in Japanese. Mitsuha is on a quest to find a missing childhood friend. The two meet when Mitsuha ends up crashing at Nana�s place at the insistence of a mutual friend. At first Nana loathes the very existence of Mitsuha. However, he gradually warms up to his sincerity and kindness and finds happiness in awakening beside him. | |
by: 川唯 東子 Love Holic by: Kawai Touko BiBLOS/BeBoy Comics 2 vols/BL 27-year-old Nishioka is a selfish and irresponsible yet talented young photographer living on his own in the world. Then there's Matsukawa, a man working for an advertisement agency, who infallibly makes Nishioka�s work a smash hit. At first glance, these two look like they don�t get along, but underneath it all there's actually a burning love for each other! |
Okay, some of you who can read Nihongo might be laughing at the second one. So I'll let the rest of you into the secret. The title actually reads "Sake, Wife beaters and Kisses" (wife beaters being Y-shirts). Now that's what I call sophisticated!
TOYKOPOP's turn this afternoon and I can finally exhale. Phew!!! Maybe not a secret, but I kept this underwraps for a little while. TP finally announced they picked up a couple of the dropped ADV Manga titles. Some of them are MagGarden and two were not. Was? Well its kinda tricky. But once again pretty light on the shojo tip.
UPDATE: Looks like the titles are just trickling in.
***Correction: As news comes in, Peter Alstrom (TOYKOPOP) has confirmed that Shinsengumi Ibun PEACEMAKER has been brought over and will launch the TP version! Wow now that's service! Though, I will say that Peter also noted that with Shinsengumi still a year away the Kurogane part is still "technically" up in the air. Looks like we should expect to hear something definite around NYCC 07 then.
Speaking of AQUA, last night's AOD AX reports had ADV stating they are still working on ARIA. Hmmmm.
Man, these publishers are not making this summer easy for me. There are around a dozen Gakuen Heaven releases. Practically all of them are anthologies. Some based off the manga. Others are off the PlayStation game. But buried at the bottom of the list was the original by Cantarella srtist Huguri You. Add these two titles to the BL side (though I wonder how TP will market Wild Adaptor after Saiyuki and Bus Gamer).
UPDATE: Looks like the titles are just trickling in.
tactics by: 木下さくら tactics by: Kinoshita Sakura MagGarden/Blade Comics 8+vols/shonen |
ＡＱＵＡ by: 天野 こずえ AQUA by: Amano Kozue SquarEnix/Stencil Comics 2 vols/Josei |
新撰組異聞 PEACEMAKER by: 黒乃 奈々絵 Shinsengumi Ibun Kurogane by: Kurono Nanae SquarEnix/GanGan Comics 6 vols/Shonen |
***Correction: As news comes in, Peter Alstrom (TOYKOPOP) has confirmed that Shinsengumi Ibun PEACEMAKER has been brought over and will launch the TP version! Wow now that's service! Though, I will say that Peter also noted that with Shinsengumi still a year away the Kurogane part is still "technically" up in the air. Looks like we should expect to hear something definite around NYCC 07 then.
Speaking of AQUA, last night's AOD AX reports had ADV stating they are still working on ARIA. Hmmmm.
WILD ADAPTER by: 峰倉 かずや Wild Adapter by: Minekura Kazuya Tokuma Shoten/Chara Comics Special 5+ vols/BL |
学園ヘヴン by: 氷栗 優 & Ｓｐｒａｙ Gakuen Heaven by: Higuri You & Spray BiBLOS/BeBoy Comics 1 vol/BL |
太陽と風の坂道 by: 山田典枝/よしづきくみち Taiyou to Kaze no Sakamichi by: Yamada Norie/Yoshizuki Kumichi Fujimi Shobo/Dragon Jr Comics 5 vols/Shonen |
悩殺ジャンキー by： 福山リョウコ Nousatsu Junky by: Fukuyama Ryouko Hakusensha/Hana to Yume Comics 6 vols/Shojo |
ソウルレスキュー by: Kanno Aya Soul Rescue by: Sugeno Fumi Hakusensha/Hana to Yume Comics 2 vols/Shojo |
ＳＥＸ ＰＩＳＴＯＬＳ by: 寿 たらこ Sex Pistols by: Kotobuki Tarako BiBLOS/BeBoy Comics 4 vol/BL |
きらら☆プリンセス by: 小鷹 ナヲ & 田中利花 Kirara Princess by: Kodaka Nawo & Tanaka Rika Kodansha/Nakayoshi KC 2+ vols/Shojo |
Man, these publishers are not making this summer easy for me. There are around a dozen Gakuen Heaven releases. Practically all of them are anthologies. Some based off the manga. Others are off the PlayStation game. But buried at the bottom of the list was the original by Cantarella srtist Huguri You. Add these two titles to the BL side (though I wonder how TP will market Wild Adaptor after Saiyuki and Bus Gamer).
by: ホームラン・拳
Clan of the Nakagami
by: Homerun Ken
Rated: 16+
Price $12.99
Love between a student and teacher is not just taboo but it could be a crime. In Clan of the Nakagamis the cast is concerned about authorities finding out their secret. However, they were much more afraid of their crazy families finding out! This cooky BL romance comedy teases readers and its supporting cast with the promise of throw-down passion.
This one shot series will be released by Digital Manga on June 28, 2006 and was originally released by BiBLOS.
by: 水名瀬雅良
Empty Heart
by: Minase Masara
$12.50
Rated 18+
Empty Heart is another BL student-teacher romance. But this one is set in an all boys school. Everyone is cool with Boy/Boy relationships, but the two lovers in this book take their sweet time learning to do more than just use each other for comfort. They both have empty hearts and friends, family and a few fights will bring the two together.
This one shot from Oakla Shuppan is published in English by DramaQueen with some of the best production values I have seen in ages.
Listen to Review Here:
As always, be aware that the review might contain spoilers.
These reviews were read by Ed Chavez for the MangaCast.
Subscribe to the MangaCast at
email at mangacast@gmail.com
Next review: Hinadori Girl
| Midori Days #5 by Inoue Kazurou 美鳥の日々 (5) by: 井上和郎 $9.99us/$13.95can Rated 16+ Midori no Hibi (aka Midori Days) is being released in the US by Viz Media and was originally released Japan by Shogakukan. There are 8 volumes total from their Shonen Sunday Comics imprint. | |
| Alone in My King's Harem by: Lily Hoshino ハレムでひとり by： 星野 リリィ $12.95 Rated 18+ Harem de Hitori (translated as "Alone in the Harem") is a one volume collection of BL fantasy manga from prolific mangaka Lily Hoshino. Originally released by BiBLOS through their BeBoy Comics line, this title is printed in the US by Digital Manga's Yaoi Manga. Readers can find more from Hoshino through Kaiosha, Magazine Magazine, Gentousha and Hobunsha as well as Digital Manga. |
Listen to Review Here:
As always, be aware that the review might contain spoilers.
This review was written and read by Ed Chavez for the MangaCast.
Subscribe to the MangaCast at
email at mangacast@gmail.com
Next review: Gloom Party and Crimson Hero
JesusHairdo - Pretty
Ah got to love technology.
A little more information on the BiBLOS Bankruptcy.
First off with the situation in North America. Titles are still coming out and as artists move their properties over to new publishers, the North American publishers will begin negotiating as things settle down.
As stated before there will be a few issues with long currently running titles as new licenses will need to be acquired but in general there seems to be optimism about those titles continuing in Japan and coming over through the same channels.
In Japan there are already court procedures going on with all parties directly involved in the bankruptcy. Shinbunka News a leading publishing journal has information on the cour proceeding of BiBLOS President Yamamoto Hiroaki:
To summurize the piece, BiBLOS President Yamamoto Hiroaki, who filed for bankruptcy on March 31, was in court on April 6 where he announced he had accumulated a debt in excess of 824,000,000yen ($7million). Along with HILAND Publishing President Mizuno Haruo the two appeared in court for hearings on the bankruptcy of the Hekitensha Group (the partnership group formed by the directors of BiBLOS and doujinshi publisher HILAND). Yamamoto took full resposnibility for the unskilled management of the group that in turn brought down both publishers (as both publishers in turn filed for bankruptcy on April 5, 2006).
At the hearing in Tokyo's Kasumigaseki Courthouse, the two Presidents and their lawyer got boos from writers and avoided a full explanation of what transpired to bring down the group and instead quickly moved into a Q&A segment. Around 250 authors with works/books in progress demanded payment for their works. Moreover artists wanted their "manuscripts" (I assume their originals) back now that their contracts have been in effect cancelled. This point was so forcefully made there were some who were willing to sue to get their manuscripts back.
The piece also notes that Yamamoto explained that the Hekitensha Group was managed with loses from its creation. It also notes that Yamamoto put in 600,000,000yen to help put the group out of debt but his efforts did not succede. Reprints and backlog books are being currently being held by BiBLOS' former printer, Ohmura Shigyou (Oomura Printing). Manuscripts that were in Hekitensha's hands are under the control of property lawyer Tagawa Junichi. Mr Tagawa will from here on out control this case as it continues to through its processing.
Hopefully things will go well in regards to artists getting their titles. The piece also noted that some properties were already in negotiations with new publishers, which is in line with all of the news about artists already moving their titles to new magazines.
I also found that book stores that ordered the scheduled release of YEBISU Celebreties #4 (and vol #3 restocks) were sent a message from b-boyshop.net. Posted at Doujinshi Seikatsu Bunka, the message apologizes for the inconvenience and also redirected full responsibility for returning deposits to another Yamamoto company, IT publishing/media firm BIBLOPORT (which operated BiBLOS' BeBoy.net and B-boyshop.net).
Inquiries on b-boyshop.net and their dealings should be sent to:
BIBLOPORT
162-0825
Kamitani Bldg 4th Floor
Kagurasaka 6-77 Shinjuku-ward
Tokyo Japan
mail:shop@bibloport.com
Funny thing about BIBLOPORT, which mainly does online doujinshi and eManga, is that it is still operating. There have been rumors that BiBlOPORT might be the un-named IT group that has been mentioned around the internet (including an unconfirmed message from Yamane Ayano). BiBLOPORT has its hands in all sorts of things. It runs a bunch of online manga/doujin sites. Some for BiBLOS and some for HILAND, but then there are a couple other businesses involved as well. There are also rumors about restructuring at one of BiBlOPORT's doujin sites to get that business out of the red. At the same time, no one can confirm if the problems are with BiBLOPORT or the other IT companies they work with/for. forestall operates one of BiBLOPORT's bishojo websites and is is run by HILAND President Mizuno (who was also involved with Hekitensha). And then HILAND had a website operated by BiBLOPORT - ELNAVI. Then there is the connection with Plasett. Plasett owns the domain of BiBLOS imprint Colorful's website. Nothing at all has been released or confirmed about Plasett and how deep their involvement is outside of them owning colorful.co.jp (which is no longer in operation).
Overall looks like some questionable dealings between some businessmen and their mulitple businesses. From my perspective I think there was a solid branch on one side of the aisle run by Mr Yamamoto. And a shaky business also run by Yamamoto. He tries to get good business to support bad business, good business gets dragged down by its increasing reliance on bad business (specifically for online sales, advertising and distribution) and then things start to snowball. Bad business begins to level out, though is still not entirely profitable, but good business collapses. Same thing, exactly the same thing, for HILAND, but the online distrbution of doujinshi has been somewhat established; so while HILAND died forestall and ELNAVI are operating fine.
So in the end 18years of BiBLOS is gone. Writers and editors are scrambling to get their property back. They are also scrambling to get new contracts. New magazines and maybe even publishers might be made from all of this (that reminds me of the MagGarden exedus when Square merged with Enix, only to have Square become a partner in the business). And a large chunk of that back catalog is possibly not going to be seen again and foreign markets have to look elsewhere for BL.
Sad ending to the #1 name in BL manga. At the same time, the outpour of comments really shows how BL has become a part of the culture in Japan (and in a way how BL has carved a good niche in other markets as well).
A little more information on the BiBLOS Bankruptcy.
First off with the situation in North America. Titles are still coming out and as artists move their properties over to new publishers, the North American publishers will begin negotiating as things settle down.
As stated before there will be a few issues with long currently running titles as new licenses will need to be acquired but in general there seems to be optimism about those titles continuing in Japan and coming over through the same channels.
In Japan there are already court procedures going on with all parties directly involved in the bankruptcy. Shinbunka News a leading publishing journal has information on the cour proceeding of BiBLOS President Yamamoto Hiroaki:
To summurize the piece, BiBLOS President Yamamoto Hiroaki, who filed for bankruptcy on March 31, was in court on April 6 where he announced he had accumulated a debt in excess of 824,000,000yen ($7million). Along with HILAND Publishing President Mizuno Haruo the two appeared in court for hearings on the bankruptcy of the Hekitensha Group (the partnership group formed by the directors of BiBLOS and doujinshi publisher HILAND). Yamamoto took full resposnibility for the unskilled management of the group that in turn brought down both publishers (as both publishers in turn filed for bankruptcy on April 5, 2006).
At the hearing in Tokyo's Kasumigaseki Courthouse, the two Presidents and their lawyer got boos from writers and avoided a full explanation of what transpired to bring down the group and instead quickly moved into a Q&A segment. Around 250 authors with works/books in progress demanded payment for their works. Moreover artists wanted their "manuscripts" (I assume their originals) back now that their contracts have been in effect cancelled. This point was so forcefully made there were some who were willing to sue to get their manuscripts back.
The piece also notes that Yamamoto explained that the Hekitensha Group was managed with loses from its creation. It also notes that Yamamoto put in 600,000,000yen to help put the group out of debt but his efforts did not succede. Reprints and backlog books are being currently being held by BiBLOS' former printer, Ohmura Shigyou (Oomura Printing). Manuscripts that were in Hekitensha's hands are under the control of property lawyer Tagawa Junichi. Mr Tagawa will from here on out control this case as it continues to through its processing.
Hopefully things will go well in regards to artists getting their titles. The piece also noted that some properties were already in negotiations with new publishers, which is in line with all of the news about artists already moving their titles to new magazines.
I also found that book stores that ordered the scheduled release of YEBISU Celebreties #4 (and vol #3 restocks) were sent a message from b-boyshop.net. Posted at Doujinshi Seikatsu Bunka, the message apologizes for the inconvenience and also redirected full responsibility for returning deposits to another Yamamoto company, IT publishing/media firm BIBLOPORT (which operated BiBLOS' BeBoy.net and B-boyshop.net).
Inquiries on b-boyshop.net and their dealings should be sent to:
BIBLOPORT
162-0825
Kamitani Bldg 4th Floor
Kagurasaka 6-77 Shinjuku-ward
Tokyo Japan
mail:shop@bibloport.com
Funny thing about BIBLOPORT, which mainly does online doujinshi and eManga, is that it is still operating. There have been rumors that BiBlOPORT might be the un-named IT group that has been mentioned around the internet (including an unconfirmed message from Yamane Ayano). BiBLOPORT has its hands in all sorts of things. It runs a bunch of online manga/doujin sites. Some for BiBLOS and some for HILAND, but then there are a couple other businesses involved as well. There are also rumors about restructuring at one of BiBlOPORT's doujin sites to get that business out of the red. At the same time, no one can confirm if the problems are with BiBLOPORT or the other IT companies they work with/for. forestall operates one of BiBLOPORT's bishojo websites and is is run by HILAND President Mizuno (who was also involved with Hekitensha). And then HILAND had a website operated by BiBLOPORT - ELNAVI. Then there is the connection with Plasett. Plasett owns the domain of BiBLOS imprint Colorful's website. Nothing at all has been released or confirmed about Plasett and how deep their involvement is outside of them owning colorful.co.jp (which is no longer in operation).
Overall looks like some questionable dealings between some businessmen and their mulitple businesses. From my perspective I think there was a solid branch on one side of the aisle run by Mr Yamamoto. And a shaky business also run by Yamamoto. He tries to get good business to support bad business, good business gets dragged down by its increasing reliance on bad business (specifically for online sales, advertising and distribution) and then things start to snowball. Bad business begins to level out, though is still not entirely profitable, but good business collapses. Same thing, exactly the same thing, for HILAND, but the online distrbution of doujinshi has been somewhat established; so while HILAND died forestall and ELNAVI are operating fine.
So in the end 18years of BiBLOS is gone. Writers and editors are scrambling to get their property back. They are also scrambling to get new contracts. New magazines and maybe even publishers might be made from all of this (that reminds me of the MagGarden exedus when Square merged with Enix, only to have Square become a partner in the business). And a large chunk of that back catalog is possibly not going to be seen again and foreign markets have to look elsewhere for BL.
Sad ending to the #1 name in BL manga. At the same time, the outpour of comments really shows how BL has become a part of the culture in Japan (and in a way how BL has carved a good niche in other markets as well).
Quickly going through most of the manga-sphere is news that the largest name in BL manga has gone bankrupt as of April 5, 2006.
The following message is currently posted on the BeBoy.net (the Biblos Manga Website):
(sorry my keigo, especially this humble, is a little rusty. so I am not sure about the last line)
Founded March 1988 and based in Tokyo's Shinjuku-ward, Biblos was one of the largest publishers of BL manga in Japan. Known for its BeBoy (manga and novels) and Super BeBoy imprints Biblos was the rights holders to a majority of manga for the North American BL manga publishers:
That's a good number of titles and a lot of volumes there. Major titles include Finder Series, Kizuna, and Embracing Love from BeBeautiful (thats a total of 23+ volumes right there from BL superstars Yamane Ayano and Nitta Youka); Love Mode, Menkui! and Black Knight from BLU; Level C and I'm Your Teacher (due next week) from MediaBlaster's Kitty Media; and the Don't Worry Mama novel series including the Man Who Doesn’t Take Off His Clothes from DMP's June.
Responses posted at AnimeNewsNetwork have generally stated that most titles announced (specically those with release dates in the near future) will not be impacted. At the same time ongoing titles and titles that were just recently announced might see delays as source material and new licenses might be needed.
As you can see there is a ton of manga there. And as noted above there are some big names attached to BIBLOS. Hopefully many of these artists, along with their editors, will be able to take their titles to other publishers. But if there is a concern is how large, relatively, BIBLOS was. They used to pride themselves as the source, the home for BL manga. They published magazines, novels, mooks and even CDs almost exclusively around BL. While there are publishers like Magazine Magazin, Oakla Shuppan and Tokuma Shoten that release BL, many of their magazines are every other month with a handful of titles released a month (usually you can count them on one hand). BIBLOS would release around 6-10 volumes a month for BeBoy and Super BeBoy alone and would toss in a few novels and a ZERO title as well (the ADV titles are all from the Zero line which are sometimes shojo titles from BeBoy mangaka).
Definitely sad and a little shocking to see this news. After all the strides BL has made over the last few years I hope this does not slow down the progress for this important wing of manga.
Contact information for BIBLOS was:
東京都新宿区神楽坂6-67 FNビル3F
FN Building 3f
Kagurasaka 6-67, Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03(3235)0331
FAX:03(3235)7780
The following message is currently posted on the BeBoy.net (the Biblos Manga Website):
株式会社ビブロスは、2006年4月5日、自己破産の申立を致しました。
Kabushiki Kaisha Biblbos wa, 2006-nen 4-gatsu 5-ka, JigoHasan no MoushiTade wa Itsashimashita.
Biblos Corporation has on March 5, 2006 announced its entrance into bankruptcy.
それに伴いまして、当サイトも閉鎖させていただくことになりました。 突然のことで皆さまにご迷惑をおかけいたしますことを、深くお詫び申し上げます。 皆さまには、ながらくご利用いただき、本当にありがとうございました。
Sore ni Tomonaimashite, Tou-website mo Heisa-sasete Itadaku-koto ni Narimashita. Tousen no koto de Minna-sama ni Go-Meiwaku wo Okake Itashimasu koto wo, Fukaku O-Wabi MoushiAgemasu. Minna-sama niwa, Nagaraku Go-Riyou Itadachi, Hontou ni Arigatou Gozaimashita.
Therefore in response we have come to have to close this website down. We deeply apologize to everyone for the for the inconvenience of the abrupt action. To everyone, who utilized the services, thank you very much.
(sorry my keigo, especially this humble, is a little rusty. so I am not sure about the last line)
Founded March 1988 and based in Tokyo's Shinjuku-ward, Biblos was one of the largest publishers of BL manga in Japan. Known for its BeBoy (manga and novels) and Super BeBoy imprints Biblos was the rights holders to a majority of manga for the North American BL manga publishers:
| Publisher | Manga | Novels |
| ADV Manga | 3 | N/A |
| BeBeautiful: | All 10 | N/A |
| BLU: | 6 | N/A |
| Digital Manga: | 7 | 3 |
| DramaQueen: | 1 | N/A |
| Kitty Media | 3 | N/A |
That's a good number of titles and a lot of volumes there. Major titles include Finder Series, Kizuna, and Embracing Love from BeBeautiful (thats a total of 23+ volumes right there from BL superstars Yamane Ayano and Nitta Youka); Love Mode, Menkui! and Black Knight from BLU; Level C and I'm Your Teacher (due next week) from MediaBlaster's Kitty Media; and the Don't Worry Mama novel series including the Man Who Doesn’t Take Off His Clothes from DMP's June.
Responses posted at AnimeNewsNetwork have generally stated that most titles announced (specically those with release dates in the near future) will not be impacted. At the same time ongoing titles and titles that were just recently announced might see delays as source material and new licenses might be needed.
| Magazines included: Magazine BE×BOY Novel b-Boy BE・BOY GOLD Magazine ZERO Novel BEaST JUNK!BOY Chojin Locke magazine elfics | Manga Imprints BeBoy Comics Super BeBoy Comics Colorful Comics ZERO Comics Megu Comics Biblos Comics | Novel/Books Imprints b-BOY LUV Series BeBoy Novels B-BOY SLASH NOVELS BeGame Novels F'PACKS Series B-MIXED Series |
As you can see there is a ton of manga there. And as noted above there are some big names attached to BIBLOS. Hopefully many of these artists, along with their editors, will be able to take their titles to other publishers. But if there is a concern is how large, relatively, BIBLOS was. They used to pride themselves as the source, the home for BL manga. They published magazines, novels, mooks and even CDs almost exclusively around BL. While there are publishers like Magazine Magazin, Oakla Shuppan and Tokuma Shoten that release BL, many of their magazines are every other month with a handful of titles released a month (usually you can count them on one hand). BIBLOS would release around 6-10 volumes a month for BeBoy and Super BeBoy alone and would toss in a few novels and a ZERO title as well (the ADV titles are all from the Zero line which are sometimes shojo titles from BeBoy mangaka).
Definitely sad and a little shocking to see this news. After all the strides BL has made over the last few years I hope this does not slow down the progress for this important wing of manga.
Contact information for BIBLOS was:
東京都新宿区神楽坂6-67 FNビル3F
FN Building 3f
Kagurasaka 6-67, Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03(3235)0331
FAX:03(3235)7780
With AnimeonDVD's forums down due to maintenance, I had to scour the internets for manga news. Fortunately a few pages over at Digital Manga the crew has posted up a press release announcing some interesting stuff for their Fall 06 line-up.
BL fans will celebrate more titles for the June line-up including a BL novel. Some fanboys will continue to drink their hearts dead as news for Worst, IWGP, Bambi and any new non-BL manga licenses are not forthcoming. And while I think my heart falls into the second category, I am excited to see that BL is doing well enough for DMP that they can continue to announce titles on a regular basis.
“The yaoi manga industry has really taken off in the US!” exclaims Fred Lui, General Manager of DMP Production. “Everyday we receive requests from fans for more titles,” adds Erica Jeng General Manager of Digital Manga, Inc, “Our lineup of fall releases is a nice mixture of light shounen-ai as well as more mature titles. Everyone should find something they like.”
I would love some WORST personally but who knows I might end up reading "the Man Who Doesn't Take off His Clothes". Still, I considering the quality of product DMP releases, I really wish they would make an effort to keep some diversity in their line-up. Series like Project X and How to Read Manga will do that but in an extreme way targetting very specific audiences (Project X would be a great early education tool for children from grammar school to middle school; while HtRM might work for those who want to use manga as a Japanese learning tool while reading sophisticated titles). There are plenty of good cross-over titles like Antique Bakery out there (though few are as charming) especially from smaller publishers so I don't think they are unattainable. I just find it sad that while Yaoi/June seems to be flourishing, DMP Books only has a handful of titles that are still running (Antique Bakery, Cafe Kichijoiji de, ROBOT and the recently released Day of Revolution).
For those of you wondering about Cold Kiss that was found a few weeks back.
Also of note, the mangaka for HERO・HEEL is Tateno MAKOTO the creator of Hakusensha's
ＣＵＴＥ×ＧＵＹ and DMP's YELLOW (not Makoko).
| |
ｋｉｓｓｉｎｇ by: 佐々木 禎子/高久 尚子 (Sasaki Keiko/Takaku Shoko) Tokuma Shoten/Chara Comics 1 vol/$12.95 October 25, 2006 Haru is shocked by the sudden confession from his best friend Kazushi and the passionate kiss that follows! However, he can’t bring himself to see the perfect and widely admired Kazushi as anything more than a friend. Determined to win Haru’s admiration and love, Kazushi steals a kiss every chance he can get. How long can Haru ward off his increasingly strong and bold advances? |
| ＲＩＮ！ by: 神奈木 智/穂波 ゆきね (Kannai Satoru/Honami Yukine) Tokuma Shoten/Chara Comics 3 vols/$12.95 October 25, 2006 Katsura, a second year in his high school’s archery club, has a hard time controlling his nerves. His “secret weapon” is his brother’s best friend and childhood buddy, Sou! One hug from Sou and Katsura’s nerves are soothed to a peaceful calm. But he can’t keep Sou around him forever. As he wonders how he’ll survive without Sou’s hugs, his friend Kouichi suddenly asks if he can be the one to save him, and kisses him! What now?! | |
| 脱がない男 The Man Who Doesn’t Take Off His Clothes by: 木原音瀬／志水ゆき (Konohara Narise/Shimizu Yuki) Biblos/BeBoy Novels Don't Worry Mama Series 2 vols/$8.95 October 25, 2006 After leading anything but a fashionable collegiate life, Kaitani is entering his third year at a major cosmetics company. His boss is the Adonis, Fujiwara. Although any number of women have had their eyes on Fujiwara, Kaitani can’t think of him as anything but an ill-mannered snob. Word around the office is that Fujiwara keeps his clothes on even when making love! Things start to heat up when the two clash over a marketing campaign for a new line of men’s cosmetics. | |
| ＨＥＲＯ・ＨＥＥＬ－英雄と悪漢－ HERO・HEEL by: 立野 真琴 (Tateno Makoto) Biblos/Super BeBoy Comics 1+ vols/$12.95 November 8, 2006 Minami is a young actor who has been cast as the main character of a superhero TV program. Although he takes the job half heartedly, thinking of it as a mere children’s show, he’s soon taken by the talent of his costar, Sawada. One day, Minami stumbles upon Sawada kissing a man! Deeply confused, he’s unable to hide his growing attraction for him... A hero’s love is always filled with trials! |
BL fans will celebrate more titles for the June line-up including a BL novel. Some fanboys will continue to drink their hearts dead as news for Worst, IWGP, Bambi and any new non-BL manga licenses are not forthcoming. And while I think my heart falls into the second category, I am excited to see that BL is doing well enough for DMP that they can continue to announce titles on a regular basis.
“The yaoi manga industry has really taken off in the US!” exclaims Fred Lui, General Manager of DMP Production. “Everyday we receive requests from fans for more titles,” adds Erica Jeng General Manager of Digital Manga, Inc, “Our lineup of fall releases is a nice mixture of light shounen-ai as well as more mature titles. Everyone should find something they like.”
I would love some WORST personally but who knows I might end up reading "the Man Who Doesn't Take off His Clothes". Still, I considering the quality of product DMP releases, I really wish they would make an effort to keep some diversity in their line-up. Series like Project X and How to Read Manga will do that but in an extreme way targetting very specific audiences (Project X would be a great early education tool for children from grammar school to middle school; while HtRM might work for those who want to use manga as a Japanese learning tool while reading sophisticated titles). There are plenty of good cross-over titles like Antique Bakery out there (though few are as charming) especially from smaller publishers so I don't think they are unattainable. I just find it sad that while Yaoi/June seems to be flourishing, DMP Books only has a handful of titles that are still running (Antique Bakery, Cafe Kichijoiji de, ROBOT and the recently released Day of Revolution).
For those of you wondering about Cold Kiss that was found a few weeks back.
Also of note, the mangaka for HERO・HEEL is Tateno MAKOTO the creator of Hakusensha's
ＣＵＴＥ×ＧＵＹ and DMP's YELLOW (not Makoko).
Cage in the Finder
by Yamane Ayano
ファインダーの檻
by: やまね あやの
Rated: 18+
Price $15.99
Cage in the Finder is the second volume in the Finder Series released by BeBeautiful. This BL crime drama series was originally released in Japan by Biblos under their BeBoy line.
Bambi and her Pink Gun #2
by: Kaneko Atsushi
バンビ (2)
by: カネコ アツシ
Rated: 18+
Price $12.99
Bambi and her Pink Gun (aka: Bambi) is currently being released in the US by Digital Manga. I really hope this 6 volume title from ASCII's Aspect Comics imprint will get to be completed for I don't see a solicitation for volume 3 in sight.
For some reason I think this title is in danger, so if you found this title interesting check it out, buy it, tell your store to get more and contact DMP about the next volume. Seriously this is a great title.
Listen to Review Here:
As always, be aware that the review might contain spoilers.
This review was written and read by Ed Chavez for the MangaCast.
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MoShang - DragonBeat
Manda and the Marbles - Upside Down
Being a contributor over at AnimeOnDVD I am often treated to information from some of the more devoted manga fans around. This week they have outdown themselves. Earlier this week they beat out Go!Comi in announcing their two new titles for Summer 2006. Now the gang has dug up a handful more from three different publishers.
The first from Viz is almost certainly a lock. This title was found in the April edition of Shojo Beat magazine by Phoebe-chan under a heading that read:
"All-New Manga Series!"
"But wait--there's more Matsuri Hino manga on the way! The debut of her gorgeously drawn gothic Vampire Knight is coming soon--stay tuned for more info. Plus, get ready for an exclusive interview with the creator herself next issue!"
These two Sakurai Shushushu titles from DramaQueen were found by keksimonsteri by simply checking the DramaQueen website.
Expect the first by July 2006 and the second a couple months later.
The final title has not been confirmed and had given me a tizzy. One of the increasingly tricky parts of maintaining a manga database is finding out whether titles are manga or novels. I mean finding manhwa info is hard but I am getting used to it. But there are so many novels out there, they can really eat up a lot of searching time.
Digital Manga's rumored new novel was found by Kismet. To make things more confusing the $8.99 price point had me seriously doubting Amazon. But I'll post this up anyway to give fans of Konohara Narise's work something to think about.
The first from Viz is almost certainly a lock. This title was found in the April edition of Shojo Beat magazine by Phoebe-chan under a heading that read:
"All-New Manga Series!"
"But wait--there's more Matsuri Hino manga on the way! The debut of her gorgeously drawn gothic Vampire Knight is coming soon--stay tuned for more info. Plus, get ready for an exclusive interview with the creator herself next issue!"
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ヴァンパイア騎士(ナイト) Vampire Knight by： 樋野まつり (Hino Matsuri) Hakusensha/Hana to Yume Comics 2+ vols |
These two Sakurai Shushushu titles from DramaQueen were found by keksimonsteri by simply checking the DramaQueen website.
Expect the first by July 2006 and the second a couple months later.
| われら宝裸コーポレーション Warera Takarara Coporation by: 櫻井 しゅしゅしゅ Magazine Magajin/June Comics 1 vol | |
| 燃えよ！宝裸コーポレーション Moeyo! Takarara Coporation by: 櫻井 しゅしゅしゅ Magazine Magajin/June Comics 1 vol |
The final title has not been confirmed and had given me a tizzy. One of the increasingly tricky parts of maintaining a manga database is finding out whether titles are manga or novels. I mean finding manhwa info is hard but I am getting used to it. But there are so many novels out there, they can really eat up a lot of searching time.
Digital Manga's rumored new novel was found by Kismet. To make things more confusing the $8.99 price point had me seriously doubting Amazon. But I'll post this up anyway to give fans of Konohara Narise's work something to think about.
| Ｃｏｌｄ ｓｌｅｅｐ by: 木原 音瀬 (Konohara Narise) Biblos/BeBoy Novels 1 vol |
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naniwa : AX New Title Round-up - Part 2 [+5]