I am fucking DONE. Finally. This trace took an absolute ton of fucking around and finding out just how shitty Illustrator is. The vector got so complicated (nearly 200 layers, and I estimate close to 500 paths) that Illustrator started to hang while saving. Had to disable the PDF compatibility in the file to stop it bloating to 4-5mb and choking illustrator to death. That’s a pleasure I wish to keep for myself. 
Anyway, here’s the ‘base’ version:
I’ve also prepared some special versions, one recreating the original eyecatch and the other a sepia version of the same. Sorry about the shitty chain on the pendant, I wanted to do it quickly. 1920×1200 only, sorry 1600×1200 users. This one just won’t look right with bits chopped off either side to get it into 4:3.
VERY nice
link for pic 2 is wrong should be
http://pinkubentobox.com/traces/group-framed-1920.png
Fixed, thanks.
How did you create those clouds in the background?
I’ve tried doing clouds in illustrator and its impossibly hard/tedious >_>
I see you’ve been working hard.
Thanks again for the traces! I think this latest one is my favourite.
Lovely, so lovely.
Wauf’s a player.
I’m sure I’ve said this plenty of times already, but you’re my hero, \o/. My yet-unborn firstborn will be on its way in the mail to you ;-P
This eyecatch is just so “awwww….”, and even more so when you contrast it with the show as of late, *sniff*.
Absolutely gorgeous stuff, as always.
I get what you’re saying about PDF export - especially if save performance went down as complexity went up. If save perf tanked suddenly, you would have suspected something about your last additions led to a problem.
500 paths? Only LOVE could drive one to endure these trials.
Thankyew. 
Any chance of just a straight PDF export?
No. But I can do you a SVG…
The problem with these absolutely wonderful desktops is, when one of them pops up in random rotation, I have to minimize all the windows so I can sit and admire it for a while. Not many desktops get that reaction from me. Oh, wait, one just
They look great, smoothly.
Are you going to make vector two eye-catch of SIMOUN ep25. They’ll look great if you color them. ^_^