The Variant is a collective of writers, artists, cosplayers, photographers and most of all, fans of the comic book culture that strives to take an exclusive look into the world of Comics, Cosplay and Conventions.
We write our own stories and articles.
We take our own pictures.
We re-post nothing from other sites.
The content you see on our website is all 100% original and can’t be found anywhere else on the internet.
In a world where rehashed ideas are the standard, we instead choose to give a “Variant” outlook at the fandoms, comics, cons and cosplayers you all know and love.

Comics – The Variant was started from a lifelong love all all things Comic Book. The owner RJ Marchese is a published comics writer who took his love of that medium and wanted to give back to it in a way that most other online comic book themed or review sites didn’t. While surfing the interwebs he saw that most sites of this kind just took the same exact stories, articles and reviews, and either reposted them or reworded and then reposted them. He also briefly worked for one of those sites who told him to do exactly that. He quit in two weeks. In a world where original ideas are at a minimum, The Variant strives to be that different idea in a sea of mediocrity. 

Cosplay – While The Variant’s motto has always been “Comics, Cosplay and Conventions” Cosplay has definitely risen to the top of our offerings. When RJ met co-owner Tomisina Lynn, who was both a cosplayer and an insanely talented photographer, that level skyrocketed making The Variant one of the premier Cosplay and Cosplay Photography groups in the world. At last count we had over 75k cosplay photos residing on this very website and adding more almost daily. Tomisina is hands-down one of the most talented photographers on the east coast if not further. Her intense knowledge of the medium, keen attention to detail and ability to learn on the go makes her the best acquisition in the history of The Variant. Her photo booth is one of The Variant’s most sought after offerings and makes any convention just that much more fun and is an event in and of itself. 

Conventions – Where would we even be without Conventions? Comic Cons, Anime Cons, Horror Cons, Pop-Culture Cons; The Variant works with them all! For every convention we do, we meet with the owners and work with them to see how we can make their show stand out from every other show out there. We offer a series of interactive events whether it’s a Cosplay Photo Booth, Cosplay Repair Station, Cosplay Contest facilitation or pretty much anything the conventions ask us to do. We provide FREE Cosplay Photography to all convention attendees. We have an incredible staff of professional Cosplayers who attend every show. We provide social media marketing for the conventions we attend before, during and after each event. We create media custom tailored to each convention. We make your conventions SHINE! 

The Variant was founded in 2015 and is co-owned and operated by RJ Marchese and Tomisina Lynn. For the past 8 years The Variant has worked with dozens of conventions all over the East Coast and throughout the continental United States. We have worked with conventions in NC, SC, FL, IL, OH, PA, and TX. Some of our most notable showings have been at C2E2, PAX South, Colossalcon, Colosslacon East, Anime Texas, Animazement, Florida Supercon, Raleigh Supercon, NC Comic Con, Fayetteville Comic Con and so many more!!
We LOVE Conventions!!! 

How do you get The Variant to come to your convention? 
The Variant schedules our conventions on a first come first serve basis. That does NOT mean we won’t double book if we can swing it, so if you want us, come get us!! Currently booking conventions for 2024 & 2025.