^^; I almost picked up Princess Ai the other day. But I'd already reached my limit of spending for the day, so I put it back. Later that night I found out about the Courtney Love angle... and I could not for the life of me imagine supporting her in any way. ><; (This is just an aside, absolutely NOT a judgement on you or encouragement for you not to continue with the manga, okiee? :) ) I kinda am sad about my decision because the character designs were so neat and the art so pretty. But there you go. ;;
Anyway, onto the picture you did! I think it's lovely! I really adore your ink and tone works. Do you use a program or do it by hand? Either way - I think you should do it more often. :) Someone I know (vaguely, but still know) is doing toning for Tokyopop, so you could always consider that route. :)
The costume is.. hm. Interesting. I don't love it, but it's not bad at all. :D I love the wrist cuffs and the top. I think where it falls apart a bit is the skirt, which sort of becomes confused as to what it's made out of (which probably wouldn't make it 'lose points' from anyone but someone who's obsessed with costume design - like me and probably you too. XD ).
The stalkings are also a bit lacking... I'd study how the artist for the series does it and see if you can't figure out how. I only flipped through the manga, but I thought I remembered them doing ripped stalkings very well. If not, remind me and I'll see if I can't find some gothy-artists (particularly if they work with tones) for you to look off of and try to piece together how they do it. :D Maybe one of the How to Draw Manga series (particularly the one dealing with tones, which I haven't bought yet but probably will) has a section that covers it?
I do, however, adore the toned background (though watch it, I see one or two areas where the tone was still on the figure - which could be a cool look, but I don't think it's what you were going for) and the jeweled box in her hand. And the hand itself is posed SO well - both of them, actually. :D (The comment box was covering up the other hand, you see.) One thing I really adore in pictures is really well drawn hands - and these are gorgeous. ::jealous:: :D
I dunno. I'm rambling and stuff. I just wanted to mostly encourage you to post more stuff. :D Particularly your mangastuff. Cosh is pretty.
Wow, I love this style, it seems so graceful and flowy, yet you still manage to have loads of detail in areas. Well done!