Vol.1 – Panini variant FR

Volume 1 variant cover, available exclusively on the french publisher’s website, Panini.fr

Released to celebrate the debut of the series.

This is a brand-new, exclusive illustration created for the occasion by Asano, the manga’s artist. Unlike Blue Lock, where Nomura reimagined Carlo Parola’s iconic bicycle kick, this time the reinterpretation focuses on the Paladin emblem that has represented Panini for decades, reimagined through a cyberpunk-inspired lens, complete with the iconi spear, red-plumed helmet, armor, and shield (EPM stands for Edizioni Panini Modena).

Compared to the previous initiative, this is a much bolder move. The cover is released across seven countries, corresponding to the markets where Panini’s manga publishing division is active:

• Italy
• France
• Germany
• Spain
• Mexico
• Brazil
• Argentina

Only a few elements change from country to country, minor layout adjustments, different purchasing methods, and staggered release dates (late 2025 in Europe, early 2026 in South America). But the core cover art remains consistent worldwide, enhanced by simple graphic details that reference each local market, such as national flag colors.

A solid flex…and a clear showcase of how smart economies of scale can unlock ambitious, cohesive, multi-country publishing projects.