As careful eyed observers may have already noticed, the boxart for KH3 has a few secrets and hints to it.

 

The sky seems to be the Dawn that was hinted at in previous covers, as well as a vague heart like shape in the clouds, which may indicate the Door to Kingdom Hearts are opened.

 

The number of guardians of light are interestingly 13, while the clock tower is showing 7:00.

 

We also have coincidentally confirmation of Xion's return although it wasn't in the way many of us were expecting, as well as Namine.

 

The most interesting however is the Darkling statue that is below Sora. For those who aren't caught up with Union Cross's story, or just need a refresher, a Darkling is a Keyblade Wielder that succumbs to the Darkness in their hearts, they also retain their ability to speak and use The Lanes Between.

 

It's difficult to tell what exactly this means, but it's bound to have a effect on our main characters and Nomura has stated that the stories of Union Cross and KH3 were connected. I also don't believe it's safe to assume that just because a character is on the Boxart that they are safe from death or defeat.

 

Please share your thoughts and anything else that may have been missed!

The clock tower also shows the numbers 1 to 13, but not in order

Good eyes!

 

What i love most about this boxart is that it is so close to the very first box cover. The faces of all the characters looking up into the sky knowing that a new adventure is about to begin, just magic.

I agree there's so many interesting elements in the official box art cover. The clock tower has thirteen numbers and the clock's hands are pointing at seven and thirteen. The Darkling on the cover shows us that Kingdom Hearts Union x is in fact connected to Kingdom Hearts 3. Plus, not to mention it's holding a glowing star, which I'm still trying to figure out if the star means something? All the main characters from the previous games are together looking at the sky together. Plus, all the main characters are a total of thirteen characters, which I don't think it's coincidence. Plus, it's further confirms that Xion and Namine will return, but it shouldn't be a surprised because the previous games had stated they're waiting for Sora to save them. And finally the sky is definitely beautiful, and I want to say the sky color is a mixture between from the covers of Kingdom Hearts 1.5, 2.5, and 2.8.  

I get the feeling that the Darkling is the Player in KHUχ, and the glowing star represents the Starlight Keyblade (and its token as part of the Keychain) as well as light itself. That would mean that the Player would fall into darkness in the end (either by self-sacrifice or by unwillingness as I don't think the Player favours darkness), albeit still hanging on to some form of light.

 

It kinda makes sense as the Player is the main protagonist of KHUχ and the game is still a main entry in the series. So basically a sad ending for the Player and Sora would probably need to save him as well, but the question of how he is connected to Sora remains.

What I like about this is the reference to the times of day and importance to the people shown. We have a combination of Dawn/Day, Dusk/Twilight and the night stars.

 

Day- Destiny islands Trio- these are the lights that will guide the others, through Sora we have connections to Roxas, Xion and Ven, Riku has waked the path to Dawn and the Darkness has no power over him anymore, plus his connections to Aqua and Terra and Kairi is a pure light.

 

Dusk/Twilight- Ice Cream Trio- these are the lights that dwell not entirely between the light nor darkness. We know as of DDD Lea still possessed the ability to use Dark Corridors and both Xion and Roxas remain in Sora's heart. This also can be connected to their association with TT. 

 

Star sky- BBS Trio, not only does the starry sky symbolise their last night together, but also their dreams and desires to be reunited and masters. Crucially, the stars and darkness highlights their current states, Terra is still under Xehanort's influence, Ven is asleep and Aqua needs no explaining. Al these characters are either under the grip of darkness and need saving.

 

Now I bring us to the positioning of the characters. Mickey is at the top I believe due to him being a Monarch and thus if we follow the Divine Right theory, the King is the highest mortal being and thus Mickey cannot be seen to be lower in ranking.

 

We then have the cycle of day in Order, first we have Daytime (DI Trio) followed by Dusk (IC Trio) followed by Night (BBS) trio and eventually the night will return to Day, signalling the return of the BBS trio.

 

I believe Namine is alone for two reasons, firstly she does not belong in anyone's trio, excluding the case trio of Repliku, CoM Sora and her. However she does have connections to all three groups. Her connections to the DI trio is obvious, as is her connection to the IC trio. However, we do know she made contact with Terra and potentially the others, we know she became aware of their pain.