From Icarus Publishing's blog comes a preview (NSFW) of the adult manga coming out in August 2007, based on Diamond Previews for June (Shipping in August 07).

According to Comic Book Resources, Tokyopop announced at this year's Book Expo of America that it plans to release an English version of the popular Japanese magazine Gothic Lolita Bible in early 2008. Publishers Weekly and animeOnline has more.

Via: AoD

ICv2 reports that Yen Press has announced two new titles:

- Y Square by Judith Park
- The World of Quest by Jason Kruse

Yen Press's Kurt Hassler also explained Yen Press' plan on dealing with sound effect translations, and mentions that Yen Press plans to release over 50 graphic novel in 2008.

Papo de Budega reports that JBC Publishing has announced that it will release Gravitation (グラビテーション) by Maki Murakami in Brazil this week.

Source: Papo de Budega

According to Chuosha, with only 5 issues released, JC Shuppan's adult manga magazine COMIC CROSS (コミッククロス) will cease publication on June 2nd. The magazine was launched in October 2006. Comic Cross will be succeeded by Comic Manten.

Also, Core Magazine released the first issue of its new adult manga magazine Comic Mega GOLD on May 25th.

According to tokyojupiter.blog, the July issue of Shojo Beat has news that Arina Tanemura (Full Moon o Sagashite, Shinshi Doumei Cross) will appear at this year's San Diego Comic-Con, taking place from July 26th to July 29th.

Via: MangaBlog

ICv2 reports that Diamond Comic Distributors has, for the first time, released its annual sales figures:

On 2006 Diamond Comic Distributors as a whole (including Alliance and Diamond UK) had gross sales of over $350 million [...] sold more than 100 million comics and graphic novels in 2006, an increase of 18% over 2005.

The nominees for the 2007 Harvey Award are out. Two manga appeared under the "Best American Edition of Foreign Material" category: Abandon the Old in Tokyo and Ode to Kirihito.

Ode to Kirihito is also the only manga nominated for the 2007 Quills Awards under the Graphic Novels category.

Source: MangaBlog

MangaBlog points out that Comixpedia has posted an interview with artist Sonia Leong and writer Lloyd Prentice about Aya Takeo, their latest webcomic.

Recently a survey conducted in China on consumer's opinion regarding leisure and entertainment asked the following question:

Do you like to enjoy Japanese manga and anime during our leisure time?

Nearly 60% answered "I love manga" or "I like manga." Only a small group of people answered "I don't like manga" and very few answered "I hate manga." "Whatever" is also a popular answer.

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