[Botan] Mommy Botan here!  Where are my two little brats!?  801-chaaaaaaaan!?  Tomo-chaaaaaaaaan!?
[801-chan] Mommmmmm~~y!
[Tomo-chan] Mommmmmmmmmmmmmm~yy!
[Botan]  Awh, here they are!!  *Big group hug! Group hug!*

MERRY CHRISTMAS, EVERYONE!

I hope you got your wish list for Santa and being good!  With 801-chan and Tomo-chan, their wishes are always the same:  “Mommy Botan, please draw me pretty.  Please make me look good!” and “lots of bishonen, bishonen and more bishonen!”  LOL  *sigh*   I hope I’m living up to their expectation!  It’s not easy being their creator!  Ya know!?

Have you been to MULTIMEDIA section yet?  I hope everyone enjoy what you see there.  I want to thank Kumana-chan for the design and layout.  Kumana-chan, you did a fantastic job!  Makes 801-chan and Tomo-chan look 100 times cuter!  Bravo!  Oh, in case you are wondering, the calendar for July and beyond will be coming in March 2010.  I’m working on that - so please stay tuned!

I read a whole bunch of news on DMP and 801 Media’s new licenses for next year.  Oh wow, congratulations on thsoe awesome titles!

Oh, I also wanted to say congrats and thanks to those 801-chan four panel comic contest winners.  It was alot of fun working with your stories.  I hope 801 Media will do more of that next year.

Thank you everyone for taking good care of 801-chan and Tomo-chan!  And thank you, 801 Media for making this all possible!  I’ll be back soon to check up on them!  Until then, be good!

Peace and Love,
Botan

[801-chan & Tomo-chan]  Merry Christmas, mommy Botan!

(Translated by Crayon)
…ok… Let me turn off my Okami 大神 game and get back to work…

Hello!  This is Rie!  Stop right there!  It’s pronounced “Ree-Eh.”  But those of you know how to read Roman-ji already knew that (^_^) So How are you?  Honestly, when I heard that Love Skit was being licensed by 801 Media, I was half jumping in joy going “yaaaay!” and the half… a bit nervous going “re…really…?”   I love a good story with a couple with a big age difference!  I think that way, people are more prone to troubles, don’t you think?  I kept that in mind when I worked on Love Skit.  I hope you like it    Feedbacks and honesty is greatly appreciated!

So here we go!  This is me!  See if you can profile me and figure me out (my answers are in BOLD):

Mountain or ocean?  Ocean
Coffee or tea?  Coffee
Train or bus?  Train
Policeman or fireman?  Policeman
Digital or analog?  Analog
Bath or shower?  Bath
B&W or color?  Color
TV or movie?  Movie
Pen or pencil?  Pen
Beer or sake?  Sake
Ramen or udon?  Udon
Rice or bread?  Rice
Zoo or aquarium?  Aquarium
Christmas or New Year?  New Year
Escalator or elevator?  Escalator
Candles or oil lamp?  Candles
Shoes or sandals?  Sandals
Sun or Moon?  Sun
80’s or 90’s?  90’s
Card games or mahjong?  Card games
Earthquakes or typhoons?  Typhoons
Satin or linen?  Linen
Doctor or dentist?  Doctor
Dogs or cats?  Cats

So?  What do you think of me now? 

Love, Rie

First of all, from all of us from DMP & 801 Media and the affilliate vendors of Digital Manga Inc, want to say a big official THANKS to those who came to our booth and gave us lots of love and support at AX2009 and making this event a success!  None of this is would have been possible without YOU fans!  THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!  Some of you stopped by in an unforgettable costumes made us laugh and became a good dinner conversation!  You know who we’re talking about!     And of couse, we’ll do it again next year! Only next time, bigger and better AND more manga!  Again, thank you so much for your support! 

Another review of On Bended Knee came in over the weekend!  (click here.)  This one is done by dear friend Michelle Smith.  And there’s another one - this one is done by Lissa Patillo (click here.)  Thank you both!  I’ll be sure to forward the link to Ruri.  She’d really appreciate that!  Oh, and another one:  This one also by Lissa (click here.)  on His Arrogance.  Thanks Lissa! 

Okay so remember, I told you I was going to look for Stupedia: The Most Useless Facts on Wikipedia… but DUH me, the pub date for this is September 15, 2009…  Why didn’t I catch that in PW weekly… aye aye…

This is for Cait who left me a comment for my July 3rd blog entry.  She asked, “if we, DMP, re-releasing Yellow? the omnibus version? Or is this something new?  The answer is yes, yes and yes.  YES, DMP will be re-releasing Yellow. and YES it will be re-released as an omnibus edition - yep, the link you gave me! (Omnibus volume 1 would contain volume 1 and 2 of the original series, and Omnibus volume 2 would contain volume 3 and 4 of the original series.)  And YES, the manuscript that I received on Friday is something new!  This is tentatively slated for October 2009 release, limited numbers of copies will be available - (hopefully) at Yaoicon 2009 as a Yaoicon Special Edition.  These are called Yellow 2: Episode 1.  It’s a sequel to the Yellow series.  These have never been published before, but they have been distributed only in Japan via cell phones and hand-held portable devices.  DMP is extremely lucky to be able to license these series!  Yes, there are many more to come, of course.  Episode 2, 3, 4 … etc etc  These will be hitting the US market as a short-comic style, containing approximately 60 pages or so.  It’s a classic Makoto Tateno!  I read this 5 times over the weekend!  It’s simply awesome and I can’t wait for everyone to have it!  

Speaking of Yaoicon 2009, yes, we will be there!  And that’s probably our last convention for the year.  Wait… but give us some time to unwind… and unpack…  let us go to the spa to recoop first…   We’ll make more official announcements then! 

If you need the gossip earlier, you know where to get it! twitter.com/digitalmanga 

Off to the spa now,
801-chan

So, lots and lots of things are happening this week.  Let’s start with the obvious - THE ANIME EXPO 2009!  Ladies and gentlemen!  Come to booth number 801!   Trust me, you won’t be dissappointed!  Lots of new titles, lots of new releases, lots of import books, lots of costumes, lots of everything!  - and they are all on convention discount price!  We also have tons of stuff to give away!  Come early and grab yours! 

+_+_+_+

Next, I just finished writing sales sheets for Q1 2010 book information.  They will be posted here this week!  So please be sure to stop by again soon!   

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This week, rolling out to reviewers are: Unsophisticated And Rude (June Manga), A strange And Mystifying Story v2 (June Manga), Steal Moon v2 (June Manga), Millenium Prime Minister v1 (DokiDoki), Color (DokiDoki) and Train Train v2 (DokiDoki) - so reviewers, listen for those doorbell ring “UPS Delivery!”   

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Since 801 Media has no new book for the month of July, I decided to put a spotlight on Botan Yamada.  She’s been with us since the grand opening of 801 Media Inc.  (Whaaat?  you didn’t know this?)  Who is she?  You ask? She is the creator of 801-chan & Tomo-chan characters.  Yep!  That’s right!  She’s the artist face behind our mascot!  801-chan & Tomo-chan’s mommy!  I think she’s under represented here so I decided to re-introduce here in July!  I will be doing a one-on-one interview and she will be here for the shout-out CELEBRITY BLOG!  Can’t wait!  She says she has treats for us too!  OOOhhh… I can’t wait to see what it is!  

+_+_+_+

eManga.com - the 2 weeks x2 Double promo has ended and we will be selecting winners for those!  The winners will be annouced here and also in the NEWS section of eManga.com site! 
801-chan 
No excuses! 
Twitter with us!  twitter.com/digitalmanga

Happy Friday everyone!  It’s going to be a quiet day at the office today.    I’m hoping I’ll get thru the day quickly and efficiently! 

Don’t miss out!  At eManga.com (www.emanga.com) - the Double x2 Promo is still in affect.  So you still have your chance to get your yaoi in and kick start your weekend right!  The featured new title of the week is Everlasting Love (from June Manga,)  FREE sample pages are also available - just click on the PINK botton that says [READ] 

We have another big annoucement~  *Drum Roll*  Some of our titles are now available in Kindle version!  (Read our NEWS here.)  This is exciting!  Well, right now, we have 3 Yaoi novels from June manga and 1 GN from DMP imprint.  Yesterday during the meeting, for the first time, I got to see this Kindle thingy with my very own eyes!  You hear about it so much - “kindle, kindle, kindle, kindle….”  I know what it is… I kinda know what it looks like from the web and news and stuff… but to see it with my own eyes… was something else.  I must say, I was very impressed and…  now I really really want one!  May be I won’t buy me a Bishonen at YaoiCon this year, and instead, I’ll rename my savings account from “Bishonen funds” to “Soon to be Kindle” and I’m thinking of getting me a second job!  I’ll definately going to be looking more into it this weekend.   I’m hoping they’ll come up with different color frames, cute carrying cases, covers and accessories!  Oh - you know they will - just like cell phones! 

801-chan

First of all, I want to thank all of you for your emails!  Recently, 801-chan’s email Inbox is flooded with questions!  Tons of questions!  I truely appreciate your support and inquiries!  Today, I thought I’d pick some interesting ones and feature them here.  So here you go:  
 
FAQ of The Day:  Do you plan to put more 801 Media titles on eManga.com? 
A: Thank you so much for supporting eManga.com and making it a success!  We’ve had overwhelming responses and I wanted to let everyone know that His Arrogance was Number ONE rented AND viewed title for 2 weekends in a row!  And answer to this question is “YES!  - YES-YES-YES!”  Of course, there’s going to be more 801 Media titles on eManga.com.  Next one in queue is Falling into Love.  And there’s more to come!

FAQ of The Week:  Is 801-chan billingual?  
A:  Yep!  This 801-chan is billingual!  Jealous much?  I get to read all those manga in advance - courtesy of 801 Media - specially shipped from Japan, just for me!  HeeHee.  In real life, this 801-chan, born and raised in Southern California and growing up, my parents made sure that I’d be fluent in Japanese.  In addition to Japanese, I know how to say “Hello,” “beer,” and “money” in dozen other languages and I also know plenty of bad words in Spanish!  Did you know, the word “manga” is universal.  “Manga” is “manga” worldwide! 

FAQ of the All-Time:  Can you please publish Yamane Ayano’s Love Finder Series? 
A:  No surprises here - This is the most, number ONE, frequently asked questions of All-Time.  I will have you know - our VP of Licensing is bombarded with this inquiry and it’s on her “to-do” list every week!  She is actively pursuing this title ALL THE TIME!  Yup, I’ve read it in Japanese!  Yup, I’ve seen them on ebay for over $200 - whoa! Cha-ching!  and YUP!  I’d love to see it in our 801 Media library too!  And yup I know what you mean… Sorry guys - for now, all I can say is we are trying very very hard…  and I hope, soon, one day, I can deliver the good news!  You’ll be the first ones to know! 

801-chan

(Translation by Crayon)
Hi everyone!  How do you do!  I’m Ruri and you have no idea how ecstatic I am that my book is being published in America!  I hope you enjoy!  Thanks a million to 801Media (and Digital Manga Publishing!)  *kisses*  Truth be told, my English is very limited - but I DO know how to say “hello,” “thank you,” and “where is the restroom?”  LOL    And how is it fair that my characters in my book are able to speak fluent English just-like-that?  Wish I had the same ability… I’m very envious!  LOL

Monsoon season is just around the corner for Japan -  expecting lots of rain and thunder storms in some parts of the country.  It’s muggy from time to time and I’m starting to feel lots of moisture in the air.  I wish I can take you around my neighborhood, purple hydrangea flowers are in full bloom and they are absolutely beautiful!

Okay - so little about myself:  earlier, 801-Chan asked me what inspired me to become a manga artist?  Well, manga is my passion!  Manga is my life!  I loved drawing and I loved reading manga as long as I can remember.  I’ve always carried pencils and papers everywhere I went.  I always knew that I wanted to become a manga artist.  I’m working on 2 new projects right now, I’m still penciling and in a stage of rough sketches though but they are coming along very well!

When I’m not working, I like to decompress and relax with my favorite movies:  SEX and the CITY, The Phantom of the Opera, Great Detectives Poirot… well, don’t get me started with my favorite movies list… cuz I have tons more and I can’t choose!   My taste buds are keen on soba, sushi and Chinese food!  *awh… drool*  I’m also a wine, tea and coffee connoisseur!  My current obsession includes: aromatherapy <-- highly recommended! very therapeutic!  Cosmology - okay I admit, I don't know much about it but it sounds interesting and I want to learn more!  ...and of course, SEX and the CITY!  <-- love this movie!  I'm hoping my next vacation destination will be Manhattan New York!  I’m dying to check out all the hot spots and all the buzz from the movie!

Thank you for reading my blog!  And thank you 801-Chan for this opportunity!  And oh, please visit my official website:  http://butterflykiss.rocket3.net/top.html  for more info!  (it’s in Japanese)  It is single-handedly maintained by me!  Yes, everyday!

Best, Ruri

Anyone got any exciting plans for this weekend?  It’s 3day weekend and yes, we are closed on Monday!  I’m going to the beach to get some tan then hit the malls for shopping - oh, there are tons of great memorial day sales everywhere!  cha-ching cha-ching. My credit card company loves me!  And what’s memorial day without BBQ party right?  I’m gonna start marinating the meat tonight and I just text my bishonen to go buy me some charcoals.  I can’t wait!

Speaking of Memorial day sales - emanga.com is having a super sale this weekend, (as a matter of fact the sale is already in effect!)  Everything - yes, this includes 801 Media titles too! - are on sale.  All books are 100 points to rent or 200 points to buy!  This is a super deal cuz usually 801 Media books are usually 300 points to rent or 400 points to buy.  This sale ends Wednesday May 27th, noon pst.   For those who are skeptical shoppers out there, try it first - we have tons of FREE SAMPLE pages before you commit to buying!  What can possibly go wrong with that, right? 

801-Chan

Thanks to everyone who came out to see ME at NYCC! *teehee* And if you picked up a few 801 Media Inc. books and freebies while you were there, it was just icing on the cake!!

While NYC was fun and great, it is nice to be back in Cali! (I can’t believe you people still smoke in public places!)

For those of you who haven’t heard the great news, 801 Media Inc. has 2 new titles coming up for 2009:

Ze by Yuki Shimizu

Don’t Rush Love by Mio Tennohji

Ze Volume 1 comes out February 2009 and you can expect subsequent volumes about every 3 months. Don’t Rush Love is slated for January 2009 and is related to Meeting You which comes out late this year. So 2009 is shaping up as a good year for yaoi!!

~801-chan aka Supreme Ruler of 801 Media Inc.

April 18, 2008 Los Angeles - 801-chan steps down from being the President of 801 media. Asked why, 801-chan responds, “I realized that I would never compare to Tomo-chan. She’s just sooo much better than me. In her words, she’s 1337.”

Tomo-chan was only more than happy to fill the position and become the world leader but only under one condition. “I had only one condition. 801-chan had to admit she was a cat. Since I’m now the President, it’s only obvious that she met my demands.”

When asking 801-chan whether or not she was a cat, she gladly responded, “meow meow”.

Always in a celebratory mood, Kampai popped the champagne and began drinking even before the announcement. In fact, she started drinking at 5:00 am, before she even woke up. Asked how she was able to do this, Kampai responded. “When it involves alcohol, I can drink anytime. Even in my sleep.”

Tomo-chan’s speech during the festivities, “I’m 1337. I pwn 801-chan. She suxorz. Now where’s my YAOI!!!”