I have some good news. And some bad news.
The good news is pretty awesome.
As many of you will have seen, over the last few weeks we have been talking (in hushed tones) about the possibility of launching a brand new aviation series. Well in actual fact, we have been toying with the idea of creating a technical aviation series line in a similar vein to our New Vanguard books for 3 or 4 years, but we decided to make the fact public a few weeks ago to see what you all thought about the series.
So we ran a small little survey. And thousands of you came forward with some brilliant feedback about what you would like to see the series do, helping us to develop and flesh out the concept of the whole series. Your responses have been invaluable - as has the close to 5000 suggestions you sent in for possible titles in the series! There was not that much repetition in that list either, so it looks like we are certainly not going to be short of subject matter!
Well, I can now officially confirm that as of last week, our new aviation series has been approved! Air Vanguard will be getting ready for take-off in the Fall of 2012. Phil is already hard at work getting a launch schedule pulled together (and the plan is to have four books come out in the final months of 2012).
I can't yet confirm the final details for the series, because we are still trying to work in as many of your ideas and suggestions as possible - but as soon as we have some more solid information I will announce it on here! We haven't quite confirmed the launch titles yet either - again as soon as I know more I will let you all know.
And thanks to everyone who took part in our survey!
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Sadly now I have to go on to the bad news.
Combat Aircraft 63: Aichi 99 Kanbaku 'Val' Units of World War 2 is one of the most elusive books we have ever commissioned. Over the years we have been asked 100s of times where the book is. It has been delayed time and time again over the last 5 years or so - so when I found out that it was due to come out in November of this year I got a little excited and blogged about it almost instantly.
Well, this most highly anticipated Osprey book of ALL time had one final trick up its sleeve. There has been one last, almost inevitable twist to the tale.
Combat Aircraft 63: Aichi 99 Kanbaku 'Val' Units of World War II has sadly been delayed yet again, and will miss its November publication date. I can only offer my most sincere apologies to all of you out there who have so patiently waited for the Aichi Val book. We really did try our best.
Their is a ray of hope still though. We plan to still release COM 63 in 2011. It is only slipping a month to December this year, so will make the ideal Christmas present for the aviation enthusiast in your life!
I promise.
December.
Really!
(I hope....)