: Would rather be an agent for creators & continue e-book initiative

Japanese financial newspaper Nikkei reported in an article posted on Sunday that manga creator Ken Akamatsu (Love Hina, Negima) plans to launch a new manga series this summer. In its interview with Akamatsu, Nikkei noted that Negima, which ended last March after nine years, has 19 million copies in circulation. Nikkei then mentioned that Akamatsu has a new series starting this summer.

Akamatsu responded that it is really hard to release three hit series in a row. He then added that he would rather promote works as an agent and continue his efforts to upload e-books. He had originally wanted to become an editor, and he likes fostering a creative environment for creators.

Tokyopop published Love Hina in North America, and Del Rey published Negima. Both manga and Akamatsu's Itsudatte My Santa manga inspired various anime projects, and Negima also inspired a live-action television series.

[Via Yaraon!]

Update: Akamatsu added, "I'm thinking I'm going to retire when the next [manga] ends."