Escaflowne has some good ones, but FF-4 had the best characters by far.
FF-4
Kain- NOBODY was as cool as kain. I don't care what new stupid cardboard cut out a teenage angsty character you think might be cool. NOBODY could match the coolness of Kain. Does anybody remember jump? Or when he turns on Golbez to help you out? I can imagine a conversation between Kain and Tidus.
Tidus, Ohh, look at me. I'm Tidus, I play blitzball, and I'm going to save the world. Kain- you're a pansy. Go back to your little game of blitzball while I fight my inner demons while saving the world.
Cecil- Dark knight who becomes a paladin. When he peers into his soul and finds the goodness in it? Psssh, aww, Cloud found out he was a killer? Cecil KNEW he was evil from the start and had to fight against that.
Yang, King of Fabul... HELLO? KARATE KING?
Edge Prince of Damyan, cocky at the start, learns to become humble.
FF-6
Edgar was kick ***. Also had the Coolest weapon ever - Genji gloves
FFT
Delita- Misguided intentions to do what is best for the world lead him to screw over his best friend and kill innocent people for the greater good.
Ramza Belouve, Turns his back on his own heritage to do what is right for the world. a Tragic, tragic character.
So to recap, My favorite characters aren't little pansy Angst-ridden teens. They are REAL heroes.
#1 KAIN
#2 Cecil/Ramza/Delita
#3 Yang/Edgar/edge
And does FF7/8/crap have cool character art? NO