I dropped FFTA2. Choosing hard mode was a mistake, I must admit. The reality is, the difficulty is raised because monsters do more damage. I reached the end boss, and lost after a one-hour battle after which you cannot save. That is quite a turn-off, especialy since I have just started Final Fantasy IV. I'm really enjoying it, and don't think I'm going to return to FFTA2, at least not until I have finished IV. The idea of maybe losing a second (or third, or...) time after an hour-long battle disgusts me. I just don't have time anymore. Anyway, last week I forgot to give my most sincere thanks to the rest of the staff, who helped me a lot in building my first column. So, to all the staff: thank you! I'm also grateful to the readers for participating in the column and supporting it.

Now, let me introduce you to the main interest of the column, the fan art. First this week, Maeva's Tales of the Abyss submission. The dynamic composition and warm colors make this drawing a fascinating piece with a great handling of lights and shadows. Newcomer Cstrife77 offers us a shiny-looking collage featuring several characters from Final Fantasy VII. I love the light; gives the piece an over-exposed feeling. Is it the power of Holy emanating from Aerith's body? That's my interpretation, at least. The third artwork portrays Cloud with Link. The high-angle perspective can be hard to master, but Elizabeth clearly knew what she was doing when she started this drawing. The lack of heavy details on the characters let them come out of the textured background better. Halloween seems like a long time ago, but Reiciel painted this door for that spooky night last october, but was unable to finish it due to cold fingers. And every artist who tried it knows it's not a good idea to paint with thick gloves! I like the unfinished figures, though. Having no legs give them that ghostly look people enjoy on Halloween night. It is also our very first Persona 3 fan art! Comprised of many firsts, this week introduces another newcomer, Charmwitch, and also our first Disgaea 3 submission. The character looks peaceful and gentle, but don't be fooled by the soft colors and sweet smile! The artist states that the ronin can take you to hell. Don't fool with her.

That's all for this week, dear readers! Don't hesitate to post comments about the art. Something in a submission impressed you? You would like to know how a cool effect was done? If you have any suggestions or questions for the artists, click the link and share your thoughts with us. If you have suggestions for the column I'm opened to them. I want this section to be alive, and without readers' input it will never reach its full potential!

Maxime, the unemployed artist