I'm hereeeeeeeeeeee! milewinkgrin:

Sayonara and domo arigato for your presence, Kenji San

Now, pretty pretty pretty pleaaaaaaaaaaaase, what is your opinion on the possibly Japanese elements on the cover?

• could the shadow on the bottom left side be that of a samurai helmet, maybe with armored shoulders?
  
• could the red shape on the left tower be a woman with a sun-umbrella?
  
• could any of the shapes be a symbol of the Kaze Corporation?
  

please please please Kenji...

Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and the fly agaric now looks more like a woman holding a paper sun-umbrella (or whatever the name is - Kenji?). Very Japanese.

Japan connections... hmm...

That's "Kabuto". Check this.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabuto

The "horns" on the helmet look like a cow's horns - the god of longevity as per your link. The samurai could be another long-lived champion?

The "horns" on the helmet look like a cow's horns - the god of longevity as per your link. The samurai could be another long-lived champion?

I dunno about "long-lived champion", but those "horns" are not cow's. That name is "kuwagata". Kuwagata is a sort of Beetles. Stag beetle.

I dunno about "long-lived champion", but those "horns" are not cow's. That name is "kuwagata". Kuwagata is a sort of Beetles. Stag beetle.

something like this one? it becomes more and more frustrating...

something like this one? it becomes more and more frustrating...

Frustrating? Sorry, but it's true.

From wikipedia.

Kabuto are often adorned with "Maedate" (Front Crests,) "Wakidate" (Side Crests) or "Ushirodate" (Rear Crests.) These can be family or clan emblems, or flat or sculptural objects representing animals, mythical entities, prayers or other symbols. Horns are particularly common, and many helmets sort "Kuwagata", or stylized deer horns, as seen in the attached illustration (in this illustration, the Kuwagata have been mistakenly transposed L-R).

Frustrating? Sorry, but it's true.

From wikipedia.

Kabuto are often adorned with "Maedate" (Front Crests,) "Wakidate" (Side Crests) or "Ushirodate" (Rear Crests.) These can be family or clan emblems, or flat or sculptural objects representing animals, mythical entities, prayers or other symbols. Horns are particularly common, and many helmets sort "Kuwagata", or stylized deer horns, as seen in the attached illustration (in this illustration, the Kuwagata have been mistakenly transposed L-R).

I certainly don't doubt your expertise,Kenji... I am frustrated because I cannot wait for Ground Zero and yet I must. And probably burglarizing Gauntlet to get a copy is not an option.

I certainly don't doubt your expertise,Kenji... I am frustrated because I cannot wait for Ground Zero and yet I must. And probably burglarizing Gauntlet to get a copy is not an option.

lol Okay, I got it.

I also can't wait for Ground Zero. Because I can't expect Japanese edition any more.

lol Okay, I got it.

I also can't wait for Ground Zero. Because I can't expect Japanese edition any more.

Reading in English is a bit trying at the beginning, but also is a fantastic way to improve one's English while enjoying oneself :p. And Internet and RJ forums are always here to clarify some "American references" to Tawana Brawley or TV shows.

Nice looking cover art for sure. I should really get caught up on my RJ series...I'm only at Infernal.