Final Fantasy Reveals New Official 40th Anniversary Collection Featuring Exclusive Artwork
Image by Charlotte DavisSquare Enix has officially unveiled a new calendar collection celebrating the 40th anniversary of its long-running Final Fantasy RPG series, revealing the first character illustrations that will be featured inside.
The “Final Fantasy Series Calendar Set 2027” includes two official calendars showcasing 12 specially selected illustrations from across the franchise, including appearances by characters from Final Fantasy VI, VII and VIII.
Final Fantasy launched in Japan on December 18, 1987, with the release of the original game for Nintendo’s Famicom, introducing players to a fantasy world built around elemental crystals, magic and a group of adventurers known as the Warriors of Light.
Over the following four decades, the series has expanded into one of Square Enix’s most successful franchises, introducing new worlds, characters and stories with each major installment.
The upcoming anniversary celebrations will commemorate that history through special merchandise, exhibitions, live performances and other projects throughout 2027.
For the new calendar collection, Square Enix has selected 12 specially drawn illustrations previously shared through the official Japanese Final Fantasy account on X, with the artwork being revealed gradually over four weeks.
The first three illustrations have now been confirmed, covering January through March 2027 and showcasing characters from three of the franchise’s most popular entries.
January opens with Terra Branford from Final Fantasy VI, depicting the game’s protagonist in a determined, battle-ready pose.
February shifts the focus to Final Fantasy VIII, pairing Squall Leonhart and his longtime rival Seifer Almasy in an illustration celebrating their complicated relationship.
For March, Final Fantasy VII’s Tifa Lockhart and Aerith Gainsborough appear together, smiling among a field of flowers in a peaceful scene inspired by their friendship.
The remaining nine illustrations, covering April through December, will be revealed over the coming weeks, with Square Enix yet to confirm which additional games and characters will be represented.
Both calendars contain 12 illustrated pages, with the wall-mounted version using A4 paper measuring approximately 21 × 29.7 cm and the smaller desktop edition adopting a modified B6 format.
The calendars share the same selection of artwork, allowing fans to enjoy the anniversary illustrations in either format throughout 2027.
The announcement joins several other projects planned for Final Fantasy’s 40th anniversary, including a major exhibition at Tokyo National Museum in Ueno.
The “Neverending Journeys FINAL FANTASY 40th Anniversary Exhibition” will celebrate the series through memorable scenes, music and interactive displays, alongside a collaboration with cultural treasures held by the museum.
Square Enix has also opened US pre-orders for a new Final Fantasy 40th anniversary trading card collection, featuring 180 cards based on artwork from across the franchise.
Image by Charlotte DavisThat collection includes elaborate foil designs, a rare card with Yoshitaka Amano’s digital signature, and special NFC-equipped cards that connect artwork with music from the series.
Pre-orders for the “Final Fantasy Series Calendar Set 2027” are currently open through the official Japanese Square Enix e-STORE, priced at ¥4,950 (approximately $31 / £24) for both calendars.
The calendars will be released on November 19, 2026, ahead of the franchise’s 40th anniversary celebrations next year.
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