Publisher PHP Institute has started their own light novel label- and not just any light novel label. Apparently the company is referring to the titles published under it's Smash Bunko division as "super-light", or illustration-heavy as opposed to text heavy. Three titles have been announced, and my favorite title of the bunch- Oshiete! Mermaid- is already listed on Amazon Japan. Actually, all three of them are- I just wanted an excuse to single that one out. Me likey mermaids.

Seriously, the "super-light" concept is interesting to me; it's like they're trying to get the best of the manga format and the best of the light novel format into one shiny little ¥500 package. I didn't used to take much of an interest in light novels, but one day I woke up and found that every freakin' anime is now based on a light novel as opposed to a manga (okay, not EVERY SINGLE ONE, but a lot.) I don't know if the new offerings from Smash Bunko will turn out to be my cup of tea, but I'm definitely going to pick up a few light novels the next time I find myself in Kinokuniya.

If you're interested in Smash Bunko, their first group of titles- Oshiete! Mermaid, Shiken ni Deru Dragon Taiji, and Hakouji Neruno to Daten Ressha Jikan, will drop March 9th.

[Via Lightnovel.org]