Seven Seas to produce print editions of J-Novel Club light novels

As excited as we are at the possibilities and promise of J-Novel Club when it comes to bringing more light novels to English fans, we've certainly heard more than a few rumblings of discontent from those who would prefer to own their purchases in physical print editions.

Thankfully, it seems that J-Novel Club has listened to those pleas, as yesterday manga publisher Seven Seas Entertainment announced that they have entered into a collaboration with the service to publish some of J-Novel Club's light novel titles in physical, printed form.

The first titles to be announced to receive such a treatment are the two obvious picks for a physical edition. First up is Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash, the first volume of which will arrive in print form on 6th June 2017, to be followed by the first volume of Occultic;Nine on 4th July 2017.

Here's part of the announcement from the Seven Seas Entertainment web site:

Seven Seas Entertainment and J-Novel Club are pleased to announce a new partnership in the publication of select Japanese light novel series.

Launched in October 2016, J-Novel Club is a digital subscription platform providing the official English translations for some of today's most beloved Japanese light novels. After their digital release, Seven Seas Entertainment will publish select print editions, and make them available for purchase through the same distribution channels as Seven Seas' ever-growing library of manga and novels.

The first two such light novel series to be brought to print by Seven Seas will be Ao Jyumonji's Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash, and Chiyomaru Shikura's Occultic;Nine, both currently available in digital format from J-Novel Club.

Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash
Story by Ao Jyumonji | Art by Eiri Shirai
Haruhiro awakens to darkness and amnesia, among a group of strangers who can only remember their own names...and nothing else. When they make it into the light, they discover Grimgar—a fantasy world that’s like something out of an RPG game. Without apparent skills or knowledge of their surroundings, Haruhiro and his newfound friends band together to form an adventuring party. Only by cooperating, using their wits, and learning new skills can they hope to survive in this dangerous land of monsters and magic.

Occultic;Nine
Story by Chiyomaru Shikura | Art by pako
What happens when eight eccentrics cross paths on a paranormal blog run by a high school NEET? A whole lot of weird! Gamon Yuta runs an occult-related site he hopes will one day make him rich. But before his dreams can come true, strange things occur when the lives of these nine oddballs collide. Can they solve a case that transcends reality and could alter the very fabric of our world?

Are you excited by this development? Let us know in the comments!