After my friend read Nightworld, he said "That was great! And, last battle reminded me of Battle at Ganryu-jima".
"Musashi Miyamoto vs. Kojiro Sasaki, battle at Ganryu-jima" is well known story in Japan. Glaeken=Musashi, Rasalom=Sasaki, Central Park=Ganryu-jima.....yeah, it makes sense to me.
If you don't know about their story, check it. I'm not sure Glaeken was artist, but Musashi's sword skill was like Glaeken.
http://www.samurai-archives.com/musashi.html
Paul, did you read their story, and it influenced you? Or coincidence?