Light Novel

LightNovel.org staff Matt was recently interviewed in an article published by Haikasoru Blog on Japanese light novels:

What are light novels? And why are people using that term (sometimes incorrectly) to describe our books? I thought it was time to clear the air. And, as such, I solicited the input of three tummlers who know a thing or two about Japanese fiction. [...]

LN.org reports that France Shoin is launching a new light novel label called Tiara Bunko:

The Japanese publisher France Shoin will be starting a new "otome system & adult" light novel label that's titled "Tiara Bunko". Unlike shoujo novels and otome games which do not satisfy adult women, this label will publish new type of "otome system" novels which will do; an "otome system" novels that contain sexual content. The label will contain many lovely males, adult's romantic love, and adult scenes.

The label will start on June 3rd, 2009 with the release of 5 light novels.

First-Of-Its-Kind Imprint Launches This Summer To Publish The Best In Contemporary Japanese Science Fiction Novels

San Francisco, CA, January 27, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the launch of a brand-new imprint called Haikasoru, which will publish an array of contemporary Japanese science fiction (SF) and fantasy stories for English-speaking audiences. This is the first time an imprint with a dedicated focus on Japanese SF has launched in North America.

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The sci-fi love comedy anime CODE-E by Studio Deen, and the action manga Black Lagoon by Hiroe Rei, will both be adapted into light novels. The CODE-E light novel will be authored by Sakaki Ichirou (Strait Jacket light novel series) and illustrated by Ogata Kouji (Boogiepop light novels), while Black Lagoon will be authored by Urobuchi Gen (Fate/Zero light novel) and illustrated by Hiroe Rei himself.

Also, the fantasy light novel Densetsu no Yuusha no Densetsu written by Takaya Kagami and drawn by Saori Toyota will be adapted into a manga by Chouzou Hiroko and start serialization in the August issue of Dragon Age (on sale July 9th).

Source: LightNovel.org

Bungaku Shoujo, a light novel series by Nomura Mizuki (author) and Takeoka Miho (illustrator), will be adapted into a manga by Kousaka Rito and will be serialized in GanGan Powered starting with the August issue (6/21).

Another light novel series, Young Gun Carnaval by Fukami Makoto, will be adapted into a manga by Satou Yuko, and will serialize as an e-manga on FlexComix Next beginning June 3rd.

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A round-up of various new reports on the this year's NYCC (updated constantly):

General:

Photos:

Videos:

ICv2 Graphic Novel Conference:

Publisher-Specific:

The June 2008 issue of Ichijinsha's Comic Yurihime magazine will officially announce the titles of girl's light novels that will be published under Ichijinsha's new light novel label, Ichijinsha Bunko. LightNovel.org has a list of the titles in English.

Source: 2ch