Sol Press

Last updated

Sol Press
Sol Press logo.png
StatusDefunct [lower-alpha 1]
FoundedFebruary 2017;6 years ago (February 2017)
FounderMichael Valdez
DefunctOctober 2021;2 years ago (2021-10) [1]
Country of originUnited States
Headquarters location Orange County, California
Publication types Visual novels
Light novels
Manga
Owner(s)Michael Valdez
Official website https://solpress.co/

Sol Press was an American publishing company that focused on localizing Japanese visual novels, light novels, and manga. Located in Orange County, California, it was formed in 2017. In October 2021, it was prohibited from doing business in the state of California for non-payment of taxes.

Contents

The company had licensed nine visual novels, nine light novels, and six manga for release on the Steam and Kadokawa's BookWalker platforms.

History

Sol Press was founded in February 2017 by Michael Valdez, who was unhappy with the slow translation processes and products of other video game localization companies. [2] For the company's titles, Valdez emphasized the importance of not charging players for patches as he believed it was unnecessary and an unpopular business tactic. Although Sol Press-licensed visual novels are censored when released on Steam, free patches to receive adult content in the original games are downloadable on external websites. [2] [3]

In September 2017, Sol Press created a Kickstarter fundraiser to support the localization of the Haikuo Soft visual novel/eroge Sakura Sakura . [4] Despite Sakura Sakura's age and obscurity, Sol Press elected to pick up the game following positive feedback from the staff. [2] Funding for the Kickstarter was completed a month later. [5] It was released on Steam on November 19, 2018.[ citation needed ] A second Haikuo Soft visual novel, Yotsunoha , saw a Western release on July 13, 2019, on Sol Press' website after it was denied publishing by Steam. [6]

Joined by MiKandi Japan, another campaign was launched on December 1, 2017, to fund the Laplacian VN Newton and the Apple Tree. [7] After just three days, it had already reached its goal of $31,200. [8] It was released on August 15. [9] Later in the year, DareSora: Tears for an Unknown Sky was localized and released on September 14. [10]

In April 2018, it began expansion into licensing light novels with the books Strongest Gamer – Let's Play in Another World and Battle Divas – The Incorruptible Battle Blossom Princess. The two were digitally released on April 30. [11] At Kumoricon 2018 in Oregon, Sol Press announced the creation of Project Hyourin, a digital distribution client for works licensed by the company. It also formed an alliance with Japanese game publisher Entergram to release visual novels on consoles in North America. [12]

On May 24, 2019, Sol Press announced a partnership with Kadokawa Corporation to release light novels and manga on Kadokawa's BookWalker platform. [13]

The company was forfeited by the California FTB for failure to pay taxes in late October 2021. [14] [1] Citing requests from the original Japanese publishers, BookWalker removed series licensed by Sol Press on February 21, 2022. [15]

Licensed works

Visual novels

TitleDeveloperRelease dateRef
Newton and the Apple TreeLaplacianAugust 15, 2018 [16]
DareSora: Tears for an Unknown SkyAnagramAugust 31, 2018 [10]
Sakura Sakura Haikuo Soft November 19, 2018 [17]
Under One Wing Harmorise February 28, 2019 [18]
Yotsunoha Haikuo SoftJuly 13, 2019 [19]
Onii-Kiss: Onii-Chan Where Is My Kiss? Tinkle Position September 24, 2019 [20]
My Fair Princess PeasSoft November 8, 2019 [21]
Choose Your MistressPeasSoftN/A [22]
Love Among the SunflowersMoreN/A [23]
Irotoridori no SekaiFavoriteN/A [24]

Light novels

TitleAuthorIllustratorRelease dateRef
Battle Divas Vol. 1: The Incorruptible Battle Blossom PrincessKouka KishineNekonabeaoApril 30, 2018 [25]
Strongest Gamer: Let's Play in Another World Vol. 1Yuki ShinobuItsuwa KatouApril 30, 2018 [26]
Battle Divas Vol. 2: The Unshakable Winter Blossom PrincessKouka KishineNekonabeaoApril 12, 2019 [27]
Strongest Gamer: Let’s Play in Another World Vol. 2Yuki ShinobuItsuwa KatouApril 12, 2019 [28]
Redefining the META at VRMMO Academy Vol. 1HayakenHika AkitaApril 26, 2019 [29]
Saving 80,000 Gold in Another World for my Retirement Vol. 1FUNATouzaiApril 26, 2019 [30]
Battle Divas Vol. 3: The Unyielding Twin Blossom PrincessKouka KishineNekonabeaoMay 17, 2019 [31]
Why Shouldn't a Detestable Demon Lord Fall in Love?! Vol. 1Nekomata NukoTeffishSeptember 20, 2019 [32]
Chivalry of a Failed Knight Vol. 1Riku MisoraWonNovember 16, 2019 [33]
Chivalry of a Failed Knight Vol. 2Riku MisoraWonNovember 16, 2019 [34]
Chivalry of a Failed Knight Vol. 3Riku MisoraWonNovember 16, 2019 [35]
Why Shouldn’t a Detestable Demon Lord Fall in Love?! Vol. 2Nekomata NukoTeffishMay 1, 2020 [36]
Redefining the META at VRMMO Academy Vol. 2HayakenHika AkitaJune 15, 2020 [37]
Chivalry of a Failed Knight Vol. 4Riku MisoraWonJuly 6, 2020 [38]
Why Shouldn’t a Detestable Demon Lord Fall in Love?! Vol. 3Nekomata NukoTeffishJuly 20, 2020 [39]
Redefining the META at VRMMO Academy Vol. 3HayakenHika AkitaAugust 17, 2020 [40]
Saving 80,000 Gold in Another World for my Retirement Vol. 2FUNATouzaiDecember 14, 2020 [41]
Chivalry of a Failed Knight Vol. 5Riku MisoraWonDecember 28, 2020 [42]
I Surrendered My Sword for a New Life Vol. 1Shin KoudukiNecömiDecember 28, 2020 [43]
Let This Grieving Soul Retire! Woe is the Weakling Who Leads the Strongest Party Vol. 1TsukikageChykoDecember 28, 2020 [44]
The Game Master has Logged In to Another World Vol. 1AkatsukiMerontomari/YuuiDecember 28, 2020 [45]

Manga

TitleAuthorManga adaptationRelease dateRef
Harem Royale ~When the Game Ends~ Vol. 1Ryukishi07Yukari HigaJanuary 7, 2019 [46]
Saving 80,000 Gold in Another World for my Retirement Vol. 1FUNAKeisuke MotoeJanuary 7, 2019 [47]
How to Treat a Lady Knight Right Vol. 1Kengo MatsumotoN/AJuly 6, 2019 [48]
The Ride-On King Vol. 1Yasushi BabaN/AJuly 6, 2019 [49]
Harem Royale ~When the Game Ends~ Vol. 2Ryukishi07Yukari HigaDecember 16, 2020 [50]
Is the Order a Rabbit? Vol. 1KoiN/ADecember 16, 2020 [51]
Blend S Vol. 1Miyuki NakayamaN/ADecember 23, 2020 [52]

Notes

  1. Under California law, a business that is suspended/forfeited can not legally close or dissolve, until the matter that lead to suspension/forfeit is resolved. The business is also legally prohibited from engaging in business operations, such as selling goods. [lower-alpha 2]
  2. California Franchise Tax Board. "My business is suspended". ftb.ca.gov. State of California. Archived from the original on August 27, 2021. Retrieved February 18, 2022.

Related Research Articles

<i>Sakura Sakura</i> (video game) 2009 video game

Sakura Sakura (さくらさくら) is a Japanese adult visual novel developed by Haikuo Soft. It was released on June 26, 2009, for Microsoft Windows as a DVD after making several postponements. The game is described by the development team as a "school dormitory romance see-saw game". The gameplay in Sakura Sakura follows a linear plot line, which offers pre-determined scenarios and courses of interaction, and focuses on the appeal of the female main characters.

Yukari Higa is a Japanese manga artist from Miyagi Prefecture. She has also published doujin under the name Nodoame Ishida.

<i>No Game No Life</i> Japanese light novel series and its adaptations

No Game No Life is a Japanese light novel series by Yuu Kamiya. It is published under the MF Bunko J imprint with twelve novels released between April 25, 2012, and February 25, 2023. The author and his wife, Mashiro Hiiragi, adapted the novels into a manga series for Monthly Comic Alive in 2013. Later that year, an anime adaptation of No Game No Life by Madhouse was announced. It premiered on AT-X between April and July 2014, and was simulcast outside Japan by Crunchyroll. An anime film adaptation of the sixth volume, No Game, No Life Zero, premiered on July 15, 2017. A spinoff manga, No Game No Life, Please!, focusing on the character Izuna, ran from May 27, 2015, to November 27, 2017. The No Game No Life franchise was localized in North America by several companies: Seven Seas Entertainment licensed the manga, Sentai Filmworks the anime, and Yen Press the light novel series.

<i>Saekano</i> Japanese light novel series and its franchise

Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend, known in Japan as Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata and the short form Saekano, is a Japanese romantic comedy light novel series written by Fumiaki Maruto, with illustrations by Kurehito Misaki. Fujimi Shobo published thirteen volumes between July 2012 and October 2017 under their Fujimi Fantasia Bunko imprint. The story follows high school student Tomoya Aki, who recruits a trio of beautiful girls to help him develop a visual novel to sell at the Comiket convention.

<i>Overlord</i> (novel series) Japanese light novel series and its franchise

Overlord is a Japanese light novel series written by Kugane Maruyama and illustrated by so-bin. It began serialization online in 2010, before being acquired by Enterbrain. Sixteen volumes have been published since July 2012. A manga adaptation by Satoshi Ōshio, with art by Hugin Miyama, began serialization in Kadokawa Shoten's manga magazine Comp Ace from November 26, 2014. Both the light novels and the manga are licensed in North America by Yen Press since 2016.

<i>Chivalry of a Failed Knight</i> 2013 Japanese light novel series

Chivalry of a Failed Knight is a Japanese light novel series written by Riku Misora and illustrated by Won. 19 volumes were released from July 2013 to December 2023. The story is set in a fantasy world where the titular "failed knight" Ikki Kurogane meets Stella Vermillion, who is considered a prodigy. The two make up for each other's weaknesses and form a relationship while training to become great knights. A manga adaptation was published from March 2014 to December 2017. An anime adaptation aired from October to December 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sekai Project</span> American video game publisher

Sekai Project is an American video game publisher. They are best known for licensing and translating Japanese visual novels into English, but they have also published manga and other non-visual novel video games.

<i>Nekopara</i> 2014 visual novel series

Nekopara, taglined Cats Paradise, is a series of adult visual novels developed by NEKO WORKs and published by Sekai Project. The first game in the series, Nekopara Vol. 1, was released in December 2014. Taking place in a world where humans live alongside catgirls. The series follows Kashou Minaduki and Shigure Minaduki, siblings who have a family of catgirls named Chocola, Vanilla, Coconut, Azuki, Maple, Cinnamon and Cacao. It is centered around work life at Kashou's pâtisserie and home life at Shigure's family house.

<i>Goblin Slayer</i> Japanese dark fantasy light novel series and its franchise

Goblin Slayer is a Japanese dark fantasy light novel series written by Kumo Kagyu and illustrated by Noboru Kannatsuki. A manga adaptation by Kōsuke Kurose is serialized in the Monthly Big Gangan magazine, and a second adaptation by Masahiro Ikeno ran in the same magazine. A prequel manga by Kento Eida runs in Young Gangan. Both the novels and the manga adaptations have been licensed by North American publisher Yen Press. Three audio drama CDs have been released, bundled with the fourth, sixth, seventh, and eighth light novels. An anime television series adaptation by White Fox aired from October to December 2018. An anime film, titled Goblin Slayer: Goblin's Crown, premiered in February 2020. A second season by Liden Films aired from October to December 2023.

<i>Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card</i> Manga series

Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card is a Japanese shōjo manga series written and illustrated by the manga group Clamp. It is a sequel to Clamp's manga Cardcaptor Sakura and focuses on Sakura Kinomoto in junior high school. The manga was serialized in Kodansha's Nakayoshi magazine between the July 2016 and January 2024 issues, with the chapters being collected in 16 tankōbon volumes. A 22-episode anime television series adaptation produced by Madhouse, featuring the cast and staff from the original series, aired from January to June 2018, which loosely adapts the first 24 chapters.

J-Novel Club is a publishing company specializing in the translation of Japanese light novels into English. It streams light novels and manga in regular installments before publishing finalized e-books. As of August 2021, J-Novel Club has licensed over 150 light novel and manga series and have published more than 800 e-books. It has licensed titles from many Japanese publishers, including Hobby Japan, Overlap, Kodansha, Drecom, Earth Star Entertainment, Kadokawa Corporation, Micro Magazine, Shufunotomo, and Softbank Creative. It was acquired by Kadokawa Corporation on April 28, 2021.

<i>Sword Art Online Alternative Gun Gale Online</i> Japanese light novel and its adaptations

Sword Art Online Alternative Gun Gale Online is a Japanese light novel series written by Keiichi Sigsawa and illustrated by Kouhaku Kuroboshi. The series is a spin-off of Reki Kawahara's Sword Art Online series. A manga adaptation by Tadadi Tamori launched in 2015, and an anime television series adaptation produced by studio 3Hz aired between April and June 2018. A second season has been announced. Both the light novels and the manga adaptation are published in North America by Yen Press, while the anime is licensed by Aniplex of America.

Creators in Pack Inc. is a Japanese animation studio founded in 2013.

<i>That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime</i> Japanese light novel series and its franchise

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, also known as Regarding Reincarnated to Slime and by the contraction TenSura (転スラ), is a Japanese fantasy light novel series written by Fuse, and illustrated by Mitz Vah. The story follows Satoru Mikami, a salaryman who is murdered and then reincarnated in a sword and sorcery world as a titular slime, who goes on to gather allies to build his own nation of monsters.

<i>Do You Love Your Mom and Her Two-Hit Multi-Target Attacks?</i> Japanese light novel series and its franchise

Do You Love Your Mom and Her Two-Hit Multi-Target Attacks?, also simply referred to as Okaa-san Online, is a Japanese light novel series written by Dachima Inaka and illustrated by Pochi Iida. It was published by Fujimi Shobo under its Fujimi Fantasia Bunko imprint from January 2017 to April 2020 for a total of eleven volumes. The story focuses on teenager Masato Oosuki's relationship with his mother Mamako as they are both transported to a fantasy world within an online game.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CloverWorks</span> Japanese animation studio

CloverWorks, Inc. is a Japanese animation studio that was rebranded from A-1 Pictures' Kōenji Studio. It is a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment Japan's anime production firm Aniplex.

<i>So Im a Spider, So What?</i> Japanese light novel series and its franchise

So I'm a Spider, So What? is a Japanese light novel isekai series written by Okina Baba and illustrated by Tsukasa Kiryu. The story follows a class that is killed in a mysterious explosion and reincarnated into another world with one girl reincarnated as a dungeon spider. The spider evolves and ends up having a significant influence on the world, becoming one of its most powerful creatures, while the students and their teacher deal with the fallout from her actions and those of other armies. The series has received a manga adaptation, and an anime television series adaptation produced by Millepensee aired from January to July 2021.

<i>Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious</i> Japanese light novel series and its franchise

Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious is a Japanese light novel series written by Light Tuchihi and illustrated by Saori Toyota. It began serialization online in June 2016 on the Kadokawa's novel publishing website Kakuyomu. It was then acquired by Fujimi Shobo, who published the first light novel volume in February 2017 under their Kadokawa Books imprint. Seven volumes have been released as of December 2019. The light novel series is licensed in North America by Yen Press. A manga adaptation with art by Koyuki was serialized in Fujimi Shobo's shōnen manga magazine Monthly Dragon Age from November 2018 to October 2022. It has been collected in six tankōbon volumes. An anime television series adaptation by White Fox aired from October to December 2019.

<i>The Heroic Legend of Arslan</i> (manga) Japanese manga series

The Heroic Legend of Arslan is a Japanese manga series by Hiromu Arakawa, based on the original novel series of the same name written by Yoshiki Tanaka. It has been serialized in Kodansha's Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine since July 2013. The manga is licensed for English release in North America by Kodansha USA.

Touko Machida is a Japanese anime screenwriter. She debuted as a screenwriter in 2001, and in 2006 got to become the lead screenwriter for the first time with Ramen Fighter Miki. Since Ramen Fighter Miki, she has done screenwriting for many works, such as Lucky Star, Show by Rock!!, and Battle Game in 5 Seconds.

References

  1. 1 2 "Change of status from 'Franchise Tax Board (Ftb) Suspended/Forfeited' to 'Ftb Forfeited'". OpenCorporates. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  2. 1 2 3 Baltimore, Steve (September 5, 2017). "INTERVIEW with Sol-Press Featuring Sakura Sakura". Operation Rainfall . Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  3. Baltimore, Steve (September 7, 2018). "(18+) REVIEW: Newton and the Apple Tree". Operation Rainfall . Retrieved October 9, 2018. The game is heavily edited on Steam, but you can go to PantyPress.com and download a free patch to uncensor the game. There is of course the 18+ patch which restores all of the cut content or you can go for the 17+ patch which leaves out the CG for the H scenes but restores all the dialogue.
  4. Ressler, Karen (September 4, 2017). "Sol Press Launches Kickstarter to Localize Sakura Sakura Visual Novel". Anime News Network . Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  5. "Sakura Sakura Localization Funded Via Kickstarter". Siliconera. October 11, 2017. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  6. Baltimore, Steve (July 13, 2019). "Sol-Press Opens Their Store Yotsunoha is now Available". Operation Rainfall . Retrieved November 2, 2019.
  7. Ressler, Karen (December 1, 2017). "MiKandi Japan, Sol Press Launch Kickstarter to Localize Newton and the Apple Tree Visual Novel (Updated)". Anime News Network . Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  8. Estrada, Marcus (December 4, 2017). "Visual Novel Newton and the Apple Tree Already Fully Funded". Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  9. Pineda, Rafael Antonio (August 13, 2018). "Newton and the Apple Tree Visual Novel Debuts on Wednesday". Anime News Network . Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  10. 1 2 Baltimore, Steve (August 29, 2018). "Sol Press is Bringing Visual Novel Series DareSora to the West". Operation Rainfall . Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  11. Ressler, Karen (April 11, 2018). "Sol Press Licenses Yotsunoha Visual Novel, 2 Light Novels". Anime News Network . Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  12. Ressler, Karen (October 29, 2018). "Sol Press to Launch Digital Light Novel, Manga, Visual Novel Platform". Anime News Network . Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  13. "Sol Press Titles Now Available on Book☆Walker Global". Anime News Network . May 24, 2019. Retrieved November 2, 2019.
  14. "California Business Search" . Retrieved January 22, 2022.
  15. Mateo, Alex (February 19, 2022). "BookWalker Global to Remove Series from Sol Press/Panty Press on February 21". Anime News Network . Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  16. "Sol Press - Newton and the Apple Tree". Sol Press. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
  17. "Sol Press - Sakura Sakura". Sol Press. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
  18. "Sol Press - Under One Wing". Sol Press. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
  19. "Sol Press - Yotsunoha". Sol Press. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
  20. "Sol Press - Onii Kiss: Onii-chan, Where's My Kiss?". Sol Press. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
  21. "Sol Press - My Fair Princess". Sol Press. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
  22. "Sol Press - Choose Your Mistress". Sol Press. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
  23. "Sol Press - Love Among the Sunflowers". Sol Press. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
  24. "Sol Press - Irotoridori no Sekai". Sol Press. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
  25. Sol Press - Battle Divas Vol. 1: The Incorruptible Battle Blossom Princess. April 30, 2018.
  26. Sol Press - Strongest Gamer: Let's Play in Another World Vol. 1. April 30, 2018. ISBN   978-1-56619-909-4.
  27. Kishine, Kouka (April 12, 2019). Sol Press - Battle Divas Vol. 2: The Unshakable Winter Blossom Princess. ISBN   978-1-948838-12-2.
  28. Yuuki, Shinobu; Katou, Itsuwa (April 12, 2019). Sol Press - Strongest Gamer: Let's Play in Another World Vol. 2. ISBN   978-1-948838-10-8.
  29. Sol Press - Redefining the META at VRMMO Academy Vol. 1. April 26, 2019.
  30. Sol Press - Saving 80,000 Gold in Another World for my Retirement Vol. 1 (light novel). April 26, 2019.
  31. Sol Press - Battle Divas Vol. 3: The Unyielding Twin Blossom Princess. May 17, 2019.
  32. Sol Press - Why Shouldn't a Detestable Demon Lord Fall in Love?! Vol. 1. September 20, 2019.
  33. Sol Press - Chivalry of a Failed Knight Vol. 1. November 16, 2019.
  34. Sol Press - Chivalry of a Failed Knight Vol. 2. November 16, 2019.
  35. Sol Press - Chivalry of a Failed Knight Vol. 3. November 16, 2019.
  36. Sol Press - Why Shouldn't a Detestable Demon Lord Fall in Love?! Vol. 2. May 1, 2020.
  37. Sol Press - Redefining the META at VRMMO Academy Vol. 2. June 15, 2020.
  38. Sol Press - Chivalry of a Failed Knight Vol. 4. July 6, 2020.
  39. Sol Press - Why Shouldn't a Detestable Demon Lord Fall in Love?! Vol. 3. July 20, 2020.
  40. Sol Press - Redefining the META at VRMMO Academy Vol. 3. August 17, 2020.
  41. Sol Press - Saving 80,000 Gold in Another World for my Retirement Vol. 2 (light novel). December 14, 2020.
  42. Sol Press - Chivalry of a Failed Knight Vol. 5. December 28, 2020.
  43. Sol Press - I Surrendered My Sword for a New Life as a Mage Vol. 1. December 28, 2020.
  44. Let This Grieving Soul Retire! Woe is the Weakling Who Leads the Strongest Party Vol. 1. Sol Press. December 28, 2020. Archived from the original on May 4, 2021. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  45. Sol Press - The Game Master has Logged In to Another World Vol. 1. December 28, 2020.
  46. Sol Press - Harem Royale ~When the Game Ends~ Vol. 1. January 7, 2019.
  47. Sol Press - Saving 80,000 Gold in Another World for my Retirement Vol. 1 (manga). January 7, 2019.
  48. Matsumoto, Kengo (July 6, 2019). Sol Press - How to Treat a Lady Knight Right Vol. 1. ISBN   978-1-948838-28-3.
  49. The Ride-On King Vol. 1. Sol Press. Archived from the original on August 1, 2021. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  50. Sol Press - Harem Royale ~When the Game Ends~ Vol. 2. December 16, 2020.
  51. Sol Press - Is the order a rabbit? Vol. 1. December 16, 2020. Archived from the original on January 25, 2021.
  52. BLEND・S Vol. 1. Sol Press. December 23, 2020. Archived from the original on May 16, 2021. Retrieved March 10, 2022.