Dengeki Bunko, the publisher of Reki Kawahara's Sword Art Online light novels, ran into a bit of trouble with its latest poll. The company is holding a character poll with the promise that the novels' artist abec will draw the top five characters for an upcoming art book cover. The poll drew the attention of internet jokers who saw the it as an opportunity to get a very minor character on the front of what would probably be a very popular art book.

The result was Kibaō ranking as the top choice when Dengeki Bunko published the poll's intermediary results. The staff soon realized this was a case of ballot stuffing and quickly adjusted the poll. Asuna resumed her place as the rightful lead, followed by her beau Kirito, and the sniper Sinon. Kibaō has dropped down to 17th place.

Asuna (SAO) Kirito (SAO) Sinon (GGO) Alice Schuberg Yūki Konno Eugeo Asuna (Alicization) Sinon (ALO) Asuna Yūki Suguha Kirigaya Kirito (GGO) Shino Asada Leafa Asuna (ALO) Silica (ALO) Kazuto Kirigaya Kibaō Silica (SAO) Yui (SAO) Ronye Arabel

The futuristic fantasy light novel series has inspired two television anime and a special. An anime film project is also in the works.

[Via Hachima Kikō, Link 2]