To be fair, the example photo is probably the worst finish available.
Having visited the site and looked at the saturn IV kits with other finishes, the logo doesn't sit too badly on some of them. The old Mapex logo was hardly groundbreaking eh?
There's bound to be many more finishes to follow, combo's of finish and chrome or dark hardware are already available.
come on, who doesn't want a Black Zoidberg - endorsed by Mapex on their drum shells!!
Ultimately it'll come down to sound and build quality. There will be plenty of lovers and haters of the finishes and final touches.
anyway, I also found this. A bit more info about the new range...
Mapex Drum Company Announces the NEW Saturn IV Series Drum Kits for 2013
The Mapex Drum Company is revolutionizing their flagship Saturn line by introducing the Saturn IV series of drum kits. Together with respected artists around the globe, the Mapex team has created the next evolution of the Saturn line, featuring a host of upgrades including: SONIClear™ tom suspension, SONIClear™ floor tom legs, low-contact bass drum claws, Memory Mark™ bass drum spurs, new style-badge and lug casing , free-floating bass drum mount (optional), and some really striking new finishes. While holding true to the Maple/Walnut hybrid shell formula that's made Saturn a unique and respected pro-level kit, the new look and features mark a significant departure from the Saturn (and Mapex) of old. The new Saturn kits will arrive in stores beginning in March 2013.
Saturn fans now have a choice between 2 different editions and price points within the Saturn range: The Saturn MH Edition and The MH Exotic Edition.
The Saturn MH Edition: Features the famous Mapex 6-Ply snares and toms, and 8-ply bass drums constructed of North American Maple and Walnut Hybrid shells with chrome hardware, Remo Emperor Clear Batter Drumheads, and Remo P3 Batter Bass Drumheads. The Saturn MH Series is available in 6 new color finishes: Merlot Burst; Granite Sparkle; Red Strata Pearl wrap; Transparent Espresso Walnut; Red & Blue Hybrid Sparkle; and Marine Spiral wrap.
The Saturn MH Exotic Series: Features the same specifications as the Saturn MH Series but have an outer ply of exotic wood veneer and all come standard with Black Chrome hardware, adding to the high-end look of Saturn IV. The Saturn MH Exotic Series are available in 5 new lacquer finishes with very pronounced figuring: Satin Black Maple Burl; Cherry Mist Rosewood Burl; Natural Ash Burl; Deep Water Ash Burl; and Transparent Ash Burl Burst.
The new features and finishes on Saturn IV are a continuation of the major R&D and Marketing direction changes for Mapex. "We've watched as most drum companies have tried to cut corners on their premium kits in order to hit the lower price points necessitated by the sluggish economy. Mapex has historically been priced aggressively, so we've taken the opposite approach from other brands by adding significant form and function value to our pro line while maintaining our consumer-affordable pricing" says Michael Robinson, KHS Director of Marketing.
Mapex products are hand built and hand assembled by the artisans at its wholly owned factory. The people at Mapex have earned a distinguished reputation for designing, engineering and building the highest quality acoustic drums. In fact, Mapex is one of the only companies of its kind to have earned ISO9001 certification - the world's standard for manufacturing excellence.