In August, Be Beautiful set to release its first two graphic novels, Kizuna - Bonds of Love: Book 1 and Golden Cain priced at $15.99 SRP each.

New York, NY (June 7, 2004) – A18 Corporation is pleased to announce the upcoming August launch of Be Beautiful, a brand new graphic novel imprint devoted to romance and relationships aimed at adult female readers. This alluring imprint will release books written and illustrated by some of the most talented female Japanese artists of our time. In August, Be Beautiful will release its first two graphic novels: Kizuna – Bonds of Love: Book 1 and Golden Cain.

Both books are examples of "yaoi"- a popular Japanese publishing genre created by female artists and writers for the enjoyment of female readers, usually featuring relationships involving impossibly beautiful men, and diverse interpretations of the “pure love" concept. Be Beautiful graphic novels offer beautifully illustrated stories of romantic fantasy similar to traditional romance novels.

"We are tremendously excited to be working with some of the leading female artists in Japan to bring beautiful and exciting graphic novels to the United States for female readers 18 years of age and older. Be Beautiful will publish titles which today’s shojo reader will read as they become older." as Masumi Homma O’Donnell, Vice President of Business Affairs of A18 Corporation stated.

Be Beautiful books will often contain explicit content, so they are meant for readers 18 years of age and older. These books will be published in a right-to-left page presentation, as the creators originally intended. Be Beautiful will release two exciting yaoi graphic novels a month beginning in August 2004 through October 2004. Titles scheduled for release this year are: Kizuna – Bonds of Love (3 volumes), Golden Cain (1 volume), and Selfish Love (2 volumes).

Kizuna – Bonds of Love: Book 1
Story and art by: Kazuma Kodaka. Ranmaru and Kei have a strong and passionate relationship built on years of trust, sacrifice, and love. When the mysterious son of a Yakuza boss starts to have designs on Ranmaru's affection, tempers flare, and hidden emotions rise to the surface. Will Ranmaru and Kei's love for each other be able to survive this difficult test, or will the emotional conflict finally come to a head?

Golden Cain
Story and art by: You Asagiri. Shun works very hard to live up to the memory of his older brother, even at the cost of his personal life. Suddenly, a beautiful stranger comes into his life and takes Shun on a ride down a dangerous road of love, loss, lust, guilt, passion, and taboo! Shun craves excitement, and the stranger gives it to him, but at what cost?

A18 Corporation is the industry leader in mature anime and manga graphic novels. Be Beautiful, a graphic novel imprint aimed at college age and older female readers, depicts stories about love and relationships similar to those found in traditional romance novels. A18 Corporation products are distributed exclusively by Central Park Media.

For high resolution, downloadable artwork and information, please visit A18’s electronic press kit at www.centralparkmedia.com./cpmdb/presskit.cfm.