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Media Factory and Frontier Works, both key players in Japan’s entertainment industry, have pioneered a series of works for a new audience. The two companies have collaborated to create a new genre of light novels called "MF Books" that are as literary as novels. The new light novels are aimed at men in their 30s and 40s and tell stories of adulthood dreams for those who grew up as otaku.
The project has attracted much attention due to the collaborating companies. Media Factory has achieved great sales with their publishing label MF Bunko J by publishing light novels for young people and are basing the new venture on experiences gained through their current success. Frontier Works is known for developing mixed media content involving anime, drama CDs, and games mainly for young people. The joint venture is much anticipated for its potential to open up a whole new market aimed at adults through the debut of MF Books.
The official website for introducing the first label and works to be released opened on June 25. The first three titles to be released on Aug. 23 include Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari 1 (written by Yusagi Aneko, illustrated by Seira Minami), Riot Grasper: Isekai de Skill Tottemasu 1 (written by Kei Asuka, illustrated by Dokkoi) and Tsumi Kake Tensei Ryoushu no Kaikaku 1 (written Hisumi, illustrated by DOMO). The novels will start at 1,260 yen each, will be available in a softcover format, and will be more than 288 pages. The thicker volumes are indeed aimed at an older audience.
Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari is the book version of a popular web novel. It tells the story of how the protagonist, who has been summoned back into the supernatural world, climbs his way to the top. The book has been read more than 53 million times online. Riot Grasper: Isekai de Skill Tottemasu 1 recounts the tale of a protagonist who dies in an accident and in the process gains a special skill, being reborn as a phantom thief into the world of swords and magic. It's a story about growth and struggle in the other world. The last story, Tsumi Kake Tensei Ryoushu no Kaikaku, is about a 29-year-old protagonist who passes away and is reborn into another world as the son of a noble family. It is apparent that all these novels have a strong fantasy theme.
The second series of novels will be released on Sept. 25. Three more titles, Netooku Otoko no Tanoshii Isekai Boueki Kikou, Dragoon, and Fairy Tale Chronicles have been announced on the official site. New books will thereafter be published on the 25th of each month.
MF Books Official Website
Source: AnimeAnime
