Tokyopop has announced that it will publish English language versions of two Love Hina novels based on the extremely popular manga created by Ken Akamatsu (Negima).  The first book in the two-volume series will debut on April 11th, 2006 and retail for $7.99.  Novels based on strong anime/manga properties have performed surprisingly well in the bookstore market in 2005 (see 'Anime/Manga-Related Novels Boffo').

Akamatsu's Love Hina was a key title in the development of the manga market in the U.S.  Sales of Love Hina (and Clamp's Chobits) dominated the U.S. manga marketplace in 2002-2003 and the Love Hina anime (released in the U.S. by Bandai) was also a major hit (see 'Love Hina Sales Break Trends').