I'm late! I'm sorry about that! At least the column is up. And I am back with a forum account. It was all my fault, by the way. If this event can teach you anything, it's that you need to remember to confirm your account. If you do not receive the e-mail, just check your spam mail. Yes, stupid mistake, I know. Anyway, I learned that unconfirmed accounts are erased after 30 days. So 08/08/08 marked my first month of activity on RPGamer.com! Yay for me! Apart from that, I've finally found my rainbow pudding, and completed yet another quest that can hardly be done without a FAQ. Or A LOT of time on your hands for searching for random things in a game for hours.

In the spot light this week stands (or flies) Sora Final Form from Kingdom Hearts II. Wave offers you a stunning piece depicting Sora flying with style. The composition in dynamic and the painting shows a lot of skill from the artist. Colors are a bit on the desaturated side I find, but the white outfit and golden heart in the background save the day. Without those, I fear the piece would be too dark. But then, it's what composition and color choice is all about. It makes for a very well balanced picture. Notice Sora's hypnotizing gaze. His blue eyes are looking at you through a light curtain of hair.

Next piece is Pimienta's Say Hello To Mr. Ultros. One thing that caught y eyes here is the quality and variety of the lines. The different line width gives the drawing a natural, spontaneous feel. Coloring is good, but feels a bit too bright for me. The background successfully evokes an underwater environment and is well complemented by the bubbles floating here and there. Jessica Channer returns this week with Lani from Final Fantasy IX. I didn't remember this character and had to search for her. It's interesting to see some more minor characters once in a while, and Jessica offers us just that with this piece. The drawing shows good lines and solid coloring. I like how the character leaves the dark frame. It helps the composition a lot, having only one character with few background elements or accessories. A playful piece from Zeech displays the characters from Xenosaga reunited for what seems to be a sleep over! I do not know these characters, but this scene looks like it must be confusing being there. It is probably because the character sitting in the center looks so crazy. Of course, I would have liked to see this colored, for two reasons. First, it's always interesting to have colors. And second, I think the image would have been much clearer. Once again, good use of line width, with characters in the front being darker and characters in the back lighter. I just love Jr.'s bunny pajamas. Last piece this week is Delphine Pryde's Aeris, praying with a kimono on. Lots of emotion in the character's face, and especially in her eyes. I couldn't point out how it can be seen, but I feel a bit of uncertainty and a dose of determination. Quite opposing feelings, but I think it gives a good personality to the drawing. Good choice with the simple background. It would be hard to figure out anything if it had been too detailed with such a close-up. Keep up the good work!

That's it for this week. I'm happy about the response so far, but I still want more. And by the way, I still haven't received any Harvest Moon, Etrian Odyssey or Persona 3 fan art and we are already half-way through august. I'll come up with different suggestions for September, so I hope it's just the selection that doesn't please you.

Maxime