Continue to Publish "Slayers" Novels

Throughout 2003 and into 2004, TOKYOPOP Inc. commissioned a survey on its website that asked manga fans to request titles for TOKYOPOP to license. A massive campaign culminated in fans of the "Slayers" anime, novel, and manga franchise to request the original "Slayers" novel series on which the anime and manga series were based.

On March 3, 2004, TOKYOPOP formally announced (LINK) its acquisition of and intent to publish "Slayers," a 15-book Japanese novel series written by Hajime Kanzaka and illustrated by Rui Araizumi.

TOKYOPOP established a website (LINK, SCREENSHOT), to promote the series. The site makes a distinct and explicit point of stating the series consists of 15 books, the first of which was released in the United States by TOKYOPOP on September 7, 2004. TOKYOPOP's summarizations of the novels went up to Book 6, the release date of which was December 13, 2005.

In November 2005, TOKYOPOP, when asked by a fan via e-mail when it would be releasing Book 7, TOKYOPOP responded with the statement that it would no longer be publishing the "Slayers" novel series.

In December 2005, TOKYOPOP announced in its official newsletter that "The novel series that sparked the anime-manga phenomenon comes to a rousing finale!" with Book 6. This is clearly not the case, as the series finale is contained in what should be Book 15.

The fans of "Slayers" are deeply disappointed in TOKYOPOP's decision to cancel the series. Before TOKYOPOP's acquisition of the series, several fan projects were working to translate the novels for English-speakers. When TOKYOPOP announced it had acquired the series, all fandom work voluntarily ceased. Even though TOKYOPOP is stopping its production and translation of the series, it still holds the license to the English-language version; fan projects will still be prohibited even though they will pose no competition to TOKYOPOP.

QP/Diana, a Japanese "Slayers" fan who runs QP's Slayers Page, previously provided rough translations of portions of the novels (LINK). When TOKYOPOP licensed the series in the United States, she removed her translations. However, summaries of each novel remain. By reading the summary of Book 6 (LINK), it is clear that it is not the end of the "Slayers" novel series.

As earlier stated, "Slayers" fans are deeply disappointed in TOKYOPOP's lack of commitment. What once were feelings of gratitude and deep respect for the company are now reduced to mistrust and resentment. "Slayers" fans feel misled and underrepresented, and many will voice their concerns by refusing to purchase TOKYOPOP's products.

We, the Undersigned, request that TOKYOPOP continue translation and production of the English-language "Slayers" novel series through its true finale, Book 15. TOKYOPOP should honor its commitments to manga and novel fans regardless of what series it licenses.