Takeshi Obata.
Wait, I mean Hirooka Masaki, OoE's artist. His style was both, well, Castlevania-ish and yet had some pretty mass appeal. The art was great yet wholly inoffensive. It basically appealed to both young and old players, and the designs themselves were legitimately good. I know Shanoa's was excellent, and he provided the best cover artwork we've had for some time. If there's any other 2D titles, I really hope they bring him back.
it's ok if you want obata back though, puwexil-san