2.000+ variant covers listed, more than a year of research…however, despite all my efforts, none of this would have been possible without the help of amazing collectors and enthusiasts from all over the world.
Whether it was through variants I had never heard of, tips, feedback, or simply by providing images for the site, your knowledge and passion didn’t just help me – they inspired me to aim for a project so audacious that it’s never been attempted before.
Follow them (if they’re content creators), buy from them (if they’re shops or sellers), visit their site or support them in every way possible. Give a big round of applause to:
Fenderfix and JD Manga variant: the Emperors of Italian variants. It is thanks to their efforts that we’ve been able to map all the Italian releases over the years.
Djems: the Sun King of French cover variants. He created a wonderful Discord with tons of information about French releases.
Japan Chad and CesareJapan: true Samurai of Japanese variants. Like modern-day Marco Polos on their journey to Asia, they have introduced numerous unknown Japanese covers to the Western world.
Rodrigo Gallardo and his stunning work on the Argentine manga market.
Alice Reiji from FGO Gamemeister, bible of Fate series
Jappo Sniper: huge collector and founder of one of the best communities in Italy.
Fujimine: a leading authority in the France collecting market
Japan Europe Nerd: probably the most well-stocked seller of variant covers in the world, capable of covering every corner of the globe.
Reuder: who’s been running the most incredible One Piece-themed blog I’ve ever seen for the past 15 years
Ashborn Shop: seller of incredible gems with all accurate info displayed (quite rare to see). Recently specialized in Thai variants.
FFJ Exclusive: one of the first Instagram pages to bring Japanese variants to Italy and spark a passion for them.
Magical Harp and all the Shohi Friendship Association (書皮友好協会)
Senpai Manga Shop: great place to find tons of variants as well as many other items from Japan.
But also the guys from: Mangacollec.com, Manga-passion.de, Biblioteca Brasileira de Mangas, Tana.moe…
Last but not least, all these amazing collectors: Usui Shima (owner of some of the most niche pieces I’ve ever seen), Dela Mangavariant (huge Fate fan and collector), Giuls_withnojob (queen of Italian variants), Mikextreme (exceptional storyteller), Kaneki83 (Moby Dick-size whale), VariantBrothers (great gems in their collection), Paolo Celima (early supporter and deep connoisseur of One Piece), Otakulabofficial (early supporter and curious collector)…
…and so many others I’m probably forgetting.
To all of you, and to every user on eBay, Vinted, Leboncoin, Kleinanzeigen, Mercari, Wallapop, Rakuma, Mercado Libre and Yahoo Auction, who unknowingly lent a hand… a heartfelt THANK YOU!!! I hope you’ll be part of this journey.
Issenman P.