Dallas Middaugh and Jason DeAngelis have announced the formation of Seven Seas Entertainment, a new Los Angeles-based publishing house dedicated to producing original (non-Japanese) manga for the international market.  CEO Dallas Middaugh, who also serves as Director of Manga for Del Rey Books, feels that there is considerable potential in manga style graphic novels produced outside Japan.  Jason DeAngelis, who serves as Seven Seas President, also has a considerable background in manga, having translated Berserk for Dark Horse and Gundam Seed for Del Rey.  Both Middaugh and DeAngelis see a bright future for 'world manga,' with Middaugh remarking, 'Working with Jason has opened my eyes to some incredible artists who I honestly believe are destined to take manga to the next level in America, and to expand the market for original manga throughout the world.'

Seven Seas will unveil the company's first four ongoing graphic novels at the Frankfurt International Book Fair on October 5.  A sneak peek of the four titles, Amazing Agent Luna, Blade for Barter, Last Hope, and No Man's Land is available at the company's Website.