LAST UPDATE*: Aug 15, 2023
WHERE CAN I SEE UPDATES ON THIS PROJECT?
You can click HERE to go to our update blog and sign up for the mailing list to get an email when new updates are posted.
We've had several changes in communication mods during the production phase which has made updates spotty and social media access difficult. We've created a specific page dedicated to keeping all the current updates in one coherent spot. It is still under construction, so older updates may be added and backdated, but updates from May 2023 to the date above are currently up.
WHAT IS THIS PROJECT, EXACTLY?
Proof that we Existed is a charity fundraising project for Doctors Without Borders. Our unofficial fanbook is a collection of mostly "in-universe" content from the Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core era, with a through-line ending in Zack's last stand (written by M.J. Gallagher, author of Norse Myths That Inspired Final Fantasy VII). The style will mimic a scrapbook, with photographs, artwork, and writing pieces laid out on the page collaboratively. Our goal is to tell the story of "before", of the legacy that Cloud is meant to represent.
This book includes contributions by some FFVII fandom favorites, including Crimson Sun (@CrimblySun), M.J. Gallagher, Sami Jen, HelsenSM, ArtofAlassa, LoBennettDraws, SilverLinings Cosplay, Thar (@thecinnaminion), LeSoldatMort, Brilcrist, Becc (@bunoiart), kaorismash, Tomowowo, Jamqyu, and many more!
If you are interested in supporting DWB with a direct donation, you can find those details, as well as information about their work on their website.
IS THIS A REAL SQUARE ENIX BOOK?
No, we are an unofficial project raising money for charity. This is a not-for-profit project created by and for fans, and is not intended as a substitute for official materials nor should it be considered a source of canon information. We are not officially endorsed, sanctioned, or otherwise directly or indirectly sponsored by Square Enix or their partners. Final Fantasy VII and all related titles and indicia are copyright of SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
WHEN WILL THE BOOK BE RELEASING?*
Because this book requires a LOT of layout work, we're aiming for physical release in Winter 2023. Digital products will be released after physical shipments have been sent. Our production gallery has been updated with photos of merch, which has now all been produced.
Currently* the book is in the the physical proof review state. Our estimates for layout were overly ambitious, and our communications and head mods needing to step down led to a lapse in communication that we're working to rectify, and we apologize for the delay in updates.
WHY DO YOU NEED AN ADDRESS FOR DIGITAL ORDERS?
BigCartel prompts all orders to input this information. If you are JUST purchasing digital content, only STATE/PROVINCE, ZIP CODE, and COUNTRY are required to submit your order. Digital products will be sent to the email address provided at checkout unless we are given alternate instructions in your order notes.
HOW DOES THE KUNSEL STICKER WORK?
If you applied during our contributor or mod application period, check your email for the promo code to get your complimentary Kunsel. The first 100 orders from the preorder shop will also get one! Digital orders are eligible, but you will need to provide a proper mailing address to receive your Kunsel.
HOW DOES THE APOCALYPSE BUNDLE WORK?
After feedback from previous projects about shipping expenses, primarily internationally, we have provided an option to get a discount on buying two full bundles and having them shipped together. All other bundles can be combined for a reduced shipping cost by adding them to one cart, but "Apocalypse" saves you and your buddy a little extra on top of it. You’ll automatically receive two of each unlocked stretch goal, as if you had ordered two separate bundles.
HOW DOES A LA CARTE WORK?
Sometimes people want the option for picking up just the merch they really want, don’t want the physical book, or would like to pick up an extra of something for a friend. We’ve had success offering this on previous projects, and are happy to offer it again here.
WILL THERE BE OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO ORDER?
We cannot guarantee stock for any particular items on leftover sales, as we'll be using preorders to gauge how many of each item to order, and have no plans for a second run on any products at this time. There WILL be additional physical copies of the books available after the full print run, but will be first come first serve.
WHAT IS A "B GRADE" PRODUCT?
Sometimes during production & shipping, there are printing errors or damages to product that range from minor to more severe. We are offering some of these products at reduced rates to cover some of the production costs while still sending them off to good homes and reduce waste. Common defects can include scuffs and/or scratches, misprints, overspill ink, and cutting errors. We try to include detailed example photos where possible. B-grades are sold as-is and are non-refundable.