For the record– I popped by the TOKYOPOP booth and asked about Kino no Tabi, given the slight confusion earlier (see the comments). Kasia told me that there is still hope for Kino no Tabi and that the license has NOT been killed yet. She also told me that after Slayers volume 8 they are done with the series officially.

Also, I should know better than to announce something like Yen Press acquiring the Haruhi manga when I’m in a rush– they have the light novels as well! The first volume of the manga is due out in October ‘08, and then be published every four months (at least until they’re caught up).

The novels will actually be published by Little, Brown Books for Young Adults jointly with Yen, and the first volume is due out in April 2009. They didn’t mention how much time will be between them all, but they’ve got all 9 to date. And yes, they really did say it’s “Hannah Montana meets Heroes.” I’m so, so sorry. I can only assume they’re hoping to seriously mainstream it.

Heard back from a T-pop rep on the Kino no Tabi cancellation et al. Apparently it’s all not true; Kino no Tabi has not been dropped and Slayers 9+ is not being published at this time. Apologies for the error, but hey, it’s good news for you Kino fans!

Tiamat’s Disciple reports on a TOKYOPOP event in the UK, and notes that Kino no Tabi– which was in limbo during Sakura Con –has officially been dropped due to licensing issues. Sorry, folks.

In happier news, two previously-suspended titles are back: Slayers and Scrapped Princess! T-pop is surely hoping that the new Slayers Revolution anime will rekindle interest; as for Scrapped Princess, well, why not? I’m sad about Kino but excited about Slayers, personally. ♥

EDIT: This article has a follow-up; Tpop reps say it’s all not true.