I go for V1. The circles add to the effect. This is very well done. You could have Riku in the center, but that's minor. It just seems like there's not alot going on on the right side. Overall, I give it an 8.5/10.
My favorite has to be verison 2, it just caught my eye more than the first one for some reason. Nice job on both, keep up the good work.
Glad to see you back, dude. Anyway, I would go with version 2; I like how you have the circles faded out so they're not a main focus, but you definitely know they are are. Nice choice of colors, as well.
I like V2, for it's faded effect. It's really amazing, and if I tried it, I would PHAIL at it. (: I love the way you mad Riku stand over the Bars, like as if he were some bracket for the equality. (:
i'd have to say that i like version 2, the fading effect in the circles makes it look really good. keep up the good work~