PHP Institute to Start the Light Novel Label Smash Bunko

5 Feb 2010 271 Comments

by NeoSam in

The Japanese publishing company PHP Institute (PHP Kenkyuujo) will start a new light novel label that's titled "Smash Bunko" (スマッシュ文庫). Its described as a super light new dimension light novel label that's loaded with illustrations.

The label is scheduled to start on March 10th, 2010 with the release of the following two light novel titles:

Shiken ni Deru Dragon Taiji

  • Author: Hiyoshi Akira
  • Illustrator: Akayama Toshifumi

Oshiete! Mermaid

  • Author: Mikazuki Kougetsu
  • Illustrator: Usatsuka Eiji (The illustrator of the "The Familiar of Zero" (Zero no Tsukaima) light novel series)

And the following light novel title will be released in April 2010:

Hakouji Neruno to Daten Ressha Jiken

  • Author: Kido Minori
  • Illustrator: Yamamoto Keiji

Updated: "Hakouji Neruno to Daten Ressha Jiken" will be released in April.
Updated again: The label is starting on March 10th, 2010.

Source: Ranobe no Mori

Blade Line; Ryou Mizuno's Latest Work

18 Aug 2009 200 Comments

by NeoSam in

Ryou Mizuno, the author of the light novel series' Record of Lodoss War (Lodoss Tousenki) and Rune Soldier (Mahou Senshi Louie), will have the first volume of a new light novel series published on September 1st, 2009. The light novel series is titled Blade Line (ブレイドライン) which is authored by Ryou Mizuno, and illustrated by Tsuyuki.

The light novel series will be published by Kadokawa Shoten under their light novel label Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko.

A promotional video for the first Blade Line light novel volume can be watched here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZZTThkeCes

A commercial for Kadokawa Sneaker Bunko's new publications for September 2009 can be watched here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHYXXtWgY_8

The Worlds First English Dedicated Light Novel Blog! Gasp!

30 Jul 2009 155 Comments

by Matthew Reeves in

So, it hit me sometime last week that there wasn't a single blog dedicated to Light Novels. Sure there are thousands of blogs for Anime and Manga, but not one single blog for Light Novel fans. I mean, yes, the occasional blog would do a side article on light novels, or have a section, but not a single one was DEDICATED to light novels.

That is....until now.

I have launched "The Ranobe Cafe" (cathy, no? lol). The first of its kind English Light Novel blog.

My goal is to unite the Light Novel fanbase under it and to update it with new material everyday.

News, Reviews, and Views, that's what we'll give you.

So come on by, bookmark the blog, and leave comments regularly.

http://www.ranobecafe.wordpress.com

Tell anybody you know who likes light novels to come and visit regularly. New stuff will be added daily, or at least attempted to, and I will do my best to give what you have sorely been lacking.

I cover the news you need (such as if a novel is being delayed, or out of print, or canceled), and the stories that just cause you to twitch (such as Tokyopop's light novels selling as high as $196!)

So check us out, you're sure to stay and come again and again.

-Matt ^_^

Special Pages for the "Sakura no Shita de Aimashou" and "Kuusou/Novelism" Got Opened

28 Jul 2009 90 Comments

by NeoSam in

Hobby Japan has opened special pages for two new light novel series:

- Sakura no Shita de Aimashou (meet under the cherry blossom) by Kuon Kudoo (author) and Yuki Takahata (illustrator).

- Kuusou/Novelism by Miyako Fujiharu (author) and Pan (illustrator).

The first volumes of both light novel series will be released on August 1st, 2009 under Hobby Japan's light novel label HJ Bunko.

Takeshobo Starts the Light Novel Label BZ Novels

23 Jul 2009 121 Comments

by NeoSam in

The Japanese publisher Take Shobo started the light novel label "BZ Novels" (BZノベルス) on July 17th, 2009, with the publication of the Seeder☆Luck! light novel by Koganemaru Yamato (author) and Tanahashi Namoshiro (illustrator).