Fan Artwork for February 26th, 1999

Jesse of Xenogears "Jesse in The Ex-element Series" in unknown digital medium Art by Aki Okay, we continue with the sexy male portraits of Aki! I learned recently that Aki is actually doing a series of Xenogears fanart, each one portraying an ex-element (Xenogears jargon) So if you're wondering about choice of subject, now you know. As usual, Aki has an uncanny ability to morph gun-slinging, rough, tough 'n' scarred Jesse into an incredibly attractive bachelor. Yow.

Cloud, Tifa, Red XIII, Ash and various Pokémon "When Pokémon and Final Fantasy VII meet" in Ink and Photoshop Art by Sandara-3 Pokémon fanart yet again from talented Sandara! This time, we have a clever crossover...Cloud obviously does not amuse Pikachu; poor guy. I especially love Red XIII's face as he stares at the unknown thing called Charmander ^_^ Kawaii to the max! Sandara never fails to amaze me (and probably all RPGamer fans out there as well).

Link of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Link Ponders in unknown mix medium Art by Marcus Eakers A totally awesome, dynamic portrait of the heroic elf, done by Marcus Eakers. Notice that his decision to keep the guiding lines of the sketch in: it makes the work a lot more action-oriented and also turns it into a very decent tutorial of how to draw male human (er, elven) bodies. Marcus does not focus on precisely conforming to human proportions, but the artwork is appealing in its deviation and freedom. way to go Marcus!

Rinoa and Squall of Final Fantasy VIII "In The Moment" in pencil Art by Tom Szakolczay Aww...amor...Ok, this is officially a spoiler, but is there anyone out there not think that the lead heroine is NOT going to kiss the lead hero of Final Fantasy VIII? Yeah, thought not. My thoughts turn to a long-past e-mail I wrote to TAS, saying that his talent would be excellent in illustrating dramatic scenes. As TAS says, "I figured I'd leave this one Black and white to convey the simplicity of a feeling called Love."

Young Sephiroth of Final Fantasy VII "Where do I belong?" in unknown digital medium Art by Andrea Koupal Andrea Koupal is an excellent artist who deserves recogition for many of her earlier works that went unnamed, because RPGamer did not have the e-mail policy yet. I think this fan artwork is packed with sadness and meaning...Sephiroth, young and innocent, has no idea where he belongs, nor does he know who his parents are...A heartbreaking portrayal of a lost child. And of course, since we all knows what happens to Sephiroth, this picture displays ominous and effective foreshadowing.

Cecil and Kain of Final Fantasy IV "Of Friendship and Betrayal" in Ink, Watercolor, and Photoshop Art by Sandara-3 Kain was my absolute favorite character for a long time (my first RPG was, in fact, Final Fantasy II US) And I think Sandara does a great job (typical of Sandara's work) in her depiction of Cecil and Kain. The juxtaposition of the two longtime friends is neutral, yet there is some kind of darkness between them, which alludes to a deeper meaning. It really caught my interest when I noticed that Kain and Cecil can't seem to look at each other; as if they're politely ignoring each other. Sandara, this is a beautifully dramatic work; congratulations.

Charm Lord and Asellus of SaGa Frontier "Apassionato" in graphic pen Art by Sakana Wow...here's proof positive that wonderful art does not need to be enhanced by Photoshop. I don't play SaGa Frontier, and I don't know whether or not I will; but with this chain of superb SaGa fanart, I think I may be tempted to! Unfortunately, until I do, there is not much I can comment about (can't comment much when your mouth is agape from extreme awe and delight, anyway.) Great job, Sakana, keep that graphic pen moving!