ohmygosh, I love this. o_o
The colors behind the Gym Leaders look awesome, but I agree that Clair's looks off, matching-wise. It needs to blur a bit, or maybe be a different brush.
I'd also leave the font on there, because it's awesome looking. xD If people are complaining that it takes away from the picture, but maybe make it smaller? Either way, looks pretty awesome so far, all that aside.