I absolutely love the female character. Easily ranks among my favorites. (Red, Green, and Gold being my others) I love how the cities are actually...cities. They don't have just 5 houses, a Pokemon Center, a Poke-Mart, and something else. They have towering skyscrapers that seem to go on for a while. I love the Pokemon Center exterior, btw. ;]
The rest of the 3-D looks pretty weird, though. I imagine it looks strange for two reasons:
a) it's a screenshot
b) it's still a beta photo
Nonetheless, I actually like the new battle graphics. I just wish the Pokemon were 3-D themselves. As Pokefan said, 2-D Sprites in a 3-D world aren't all too good.
I hope we get some minor plot details next issue. I really hope they really mix it up this time, and really make us wonder, "Is this actually Pokemon?" Of course, I'd like a more mature plot, but I know that won't happen or else Nintendo loses all those crazy 9-year olds. And I assume that added sales in the teen and adult audiences won't make up for it.
WPM: I somewhat agree with you. I know I certainly liked Generation III than IV. I can't say for II, (as I thought Pokemon was dumb then. ;p) but I can say I really liked HGSS. I don't think I'd put III above II. Let's just hope Black/White top them all. :]