I wasn’t able to attend the Deux panel at YaoiCon because of scheduling issues (I think they were on at the same time as DQ). So I was not really able to get the scoop on what their plans are for 2008 outside of 1-2 volumes a month with books at $12.95. Even though Aurora is new to this market they seem to have a steady game plan that is well thought out as they have all of 2008 scheduled only a few months after officially launching. I kinda think all of this activity - the three imprints, the TL and josei lines - might require a little more patience but I guess Ohzora wants to make a good impression quick. I would personally suggest they make some changes quick though; before they turn into a Japanese version of NETCOMICS or ICE Kunion. Looking at their first books, I’d hire better editors or better adaptors and I’d look for a new printer. But that’s just me.

Now pardon me if I am going on a tangent here, but I am always very curious about licensing. And this batch from Aurora have got me thinking about a few things. First off, Aurora has details on their previously announced Yakuza in Love series. While the covers they had mocked up were from the 2 volume Futbasha bunko version, they intend on releasing three volumes. Where is the third one coming from and did they go through Futabasha or through the mangaka directly for the license. New license Kiss all the Boys is the same way. The new Japanese license holder is releasing the title in two vols but it originally was three, and Aurora has it set for three. Curious.

After all the BiBLOS/Libre brouhaha BL pubs might be more inclined to do so (I think Icarus does this with some titles as well). Knowing that they are essentially a Japanese pub they could do the later much easier than most but that is a little different from what I have observed in this market.

The other curious fact I have noticed is Aurora’s ability to pick up titles from obscure or dead pubs. Two of their launch titles were from Asahi Sonorama (a pub that isn’t around). Ohzora Japan plucked I Shall Never Return from long dead pub Stellar (I wonder if they plan to release the novels??). Tomcats is from eromanga publisher OAKS. Published before they had full control of Oakla Shuppan this is one of the rare non-anthology BL titles from this publisher. Some of those BiBLOS titles have not been reprinted by Libre. Must be nice having the hook-up.

edit: Thanks Tina A. for finding the details on Two of Hearts!!

DEUX PRESS

できのいいキス悪いキス by: 鹿乃しうこ Kiss all the Boys by: Kano Shiuko Futabasha/Bunko Series BL / 3 Vols.	ショが跳ねたら逢いましょう by: えすとえむ Seduce Me after the Show by: Esuto Emu Tokyo Manga/Marble Comics BL / 1 Vol	ＰＬＥＡＳＥ by:宮本　佳野 Say Please by: Miyamoto Kano BiBLOS/BeBoy Comics BL / 1 Vol.
しっぽのきもち by: 南野　ましろ Tomcats by: Minamino Mashiro OAKS / Gust Comics BL / 1 vol.	メイク・ミー・ハッピー by: 宮本　佳野 Make Me Happy by: Miyamoto Kano BiBLOS/Super BB Comics BL / 1 Vol.	愛人☆淫魔 by: 神葉 理世 Mister Mistress by: Shinba Rize Libre / BeBoy Comics BL / 2 Vols.
手をつないで、空を by: 宮本　佳野 Two of Hearts by: Miyamoto Kano BiBLOS/Super BB Comics BL / 1 Vol.	未来の記憶 by: 国枝　彩香 Future Lovers by: Kunieda Saika BiBLOS/BeBoy Comics BL / 1 Vol.	水温む by: 山田　ユギ Spring Fever by: Yamada Yugi Houbunsha/Hanaoto Comics BL / 1 Vol

Oh and I added the Spring Fever info because I missed that the first time.