Happy New Year's, all! The second millenium beckons, so let's party like it's... er... nevermind.

   Petra Rödig opens the year for Sketch Artist with a powerful and graphic depiction of transformation. The piece raises the question of what exactly happens in the all-too-familiar transition stage of RPG enemy X. Its answer isn't too pleasant-looking, judging by the vividly expressed portrayal of Ray's excruciating agony and bursting flesh. Ouch.

   pulpy's "...It's Battle Time..." provides a quick turnaround from the disquieting to the bizarre. How ever did Final Fantasy VII's Marlene and Aeris' mother possibly manage to meet VI's impressario? Even more puzzling: Why are they about to engage in an all out rumble on some desolate hill top? Can it be chalked up to personal differences, or are they natural enemies like the snake and the eagle? Don't think too hard about this one or your synapses will sizzle. I speak from experience.

   "Agrias Oaks" and "Riese" come from a new artist to the G.I.A., Rei. She wields the mighty pencil and the mightier graphics program (Painter in this case) to skillfully produce her smooth anime design. Rounding out yet another edition of Sketch Artist is an attractive showing of Master of Monster's summoner as drawn by the ever familiar Wulfmune and another good one from Vera Laluz of Xenogears' Billy. This final piece's stained glass theme is not only appropriate for the religious undertones of the character and game to which it belongs, but also makes for a refreshing change of artistic pace.

Transformation Breath of Fire II	...It's Battle Time... Final Fantasy VI / VII
Agrias Oaks Final Fantasy Tactics	Summoner Master of Monsters
Riese Seiken Densetsu 3	Billy Xenogears